Super 8: Movie Review

Those of us who were born in the late 70s and early 80s all have one thing in common, we grew up watching a true master of cinema, Steven Spielberg, and his tellings of E.T., Goonies, Indiana Jones, Jaws, and so many more iconic classics. Spielberg has taken on the roles of director, writer, and producer of countless films in the last four decades. Many filmmakers look up to him as their inspiration, one of them being J.J. Abrams, writer and director of Super 8.

Abrams has been so inspired by Spielberg throughout his career that he has finally received the opportunity to work with his inspiration. Spielberg acted as producer for the film Super 8, in which a group of teenagers set out on a quest in their small town. That small plot sounds similar to that of The Goonies, a movie in which Spielberg is credited as a writer. Super 8 certainly gives off the feel of that The Goonies displayed 26 years ago, camaraderie among young adults in a quest. Except that instead of trying to find “One-Eyed Willie’s” ship, the young adults in Super 8 are in search of a creature. 

The young cast of Super 8 have done an exceptional job showing the awkwardness of their clique while they make their own movie. Joel Courtney plays the main teenager, Joe, who recently lost his mother in a factory accident and is trying to cope with his father being a single parent. Riley Griffiths plays Joe’s best friend and wannabe movie director, Charles. Super 8 is the first major movie for both of these young actors, and already they are shining as upcoming new stars. Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of these kids and get to watch them grow up into superb, adult actors.

One of the interesting aspects of the movie is that Charles is entering an independent movie contest with the help of his friends. Joe provides the make-up effects for their zombie movie, as he is an aspiring make-up artist and model creator. Cary, played by Ryan Lee, is a borderline pyromaniac and provides the special effects for particular scenes as well as playing a majority of the zombies. Cary also is a major part of the comedic relief during any scene that may be needed. Alice, played by Elle Fanning, enters the group as a last minute thought for their movie, though quickly proves her acting abilities. It is because of the boys making their movie that they capture footage of the major train accident we have seen in the trailers and why the movie is named Super 8, as their video camera shoots film in a Super 8 format.

The special effects for Super 8 are standard. Nothing is too elaborate and nothing is too sub par. The creature of the movie is not seen as much as one would think, as you’ll mainly see trees and other scenery move to simulate the hidden movements of the creature. Though, when you do see the creature, you’ll be seeing fast movements, not fully catching an entire glimpse of the creature, yet you should still be able to get an idea of the creature’s appearance.

My main complaint about the movie comes from Abrams’ use of lens flare. He used the same technique in his Star Trek “reimagining”. You will often see a flash of light go across the screen, in various colors, where light should not be able to reach and create that type of effect. To me, this seemed more distracting than useful to enhance the movie.

However, in the end, Super 8 is an enjoyable movie for most moviegoers. Almost in a way, it is an homage movie to Spielberg. Abrams attempt to recreate the late 70s and early 80s feel of a Spielberg movie has been successfully reached.

Make certain to stay for the credits for one final scene that ties up the movie perfectly.