A majestic ode to Spielbergian cinema, a film for the next
generation to hold dear with its splendid sense of adventure and powerfully
paced action sequences. Revolving around
a group of kids who, whilst filming a Romero influenced zombie flick on their Super
8, witness a train crash that leads to ominous goings on in their town. Abrams
captures a sense of awe and excitement that, along with the growing pains and
high energy of the kids, reels the viewer into their situations.
The movie begins on a sad note, introducing the character of
Joe Lamb (played with self-assurance and charm by Joel Courtney) who is the son
of the local deputy sheriff (Kyle Chandler) and a cast and crew member of the
film team led by his bossy best friend Charles. The rest of the team are made
up by the troubled Alice Dainard (Elle Fanning) who plays the leading lady,
Cary a kid who has a penchant for pyrotechnics and wisecracks, Martin a
bespectacled leading man who vomits at random intervals and Preston as their
ever faithful extra. Setting a film within a film is a great way to move the
story along and put the characters into unusual situations.
This little love letter to Spielberg and to the era Abrams
grew up in is so involving and engaging you can’t help but care for the characters.
The glistening light and the flickering sound of the Super 8 camera, the little
details in the kids bedrooms, from the Star Wars figures, Halloween and Dawn of the Dead posters, Super 8
filmmaker magazine to the Zenith electronics alarm clock makes it an authentic
and nostalgic piece of cinema. All the technology, memorabilia, and clothing
are so lovingly re-created. Following round a bunch of kids who drive bikes
around in a summer whirl and whose main vocabulary includes “holy shit”, “bitchin’”
and “mint” brings 1979 screaming onto the screen.
Abrams manages to put his own Lost stamp on the film, with
found video footage explanations as a way to move the story along and Michael
Giacchino’s fine hand composing some uplifting musical moments. Adding to the seventies ambience are some
tunes from the likes of Wings and The Knack, of which a brilliant bonding
sing-a-long moment of My Sharona is bellowed out by the kids. The setting is
immersive and filled with the pop culture and fashion of the times.
The mysterious monster is presented in the best way
possible, just like in Spielberg’s Jaws,
the viewer is teased and tension is built well as the presence is kept hidden
by well-placed bushes, spinning gas station signs, and barely glimpsed through
rear view mirrors. The presence is incidental to the emotionally charged quest
of our adventurous heroes. Which leads
me to my only criticisms; the ending feels slightly less well thought out and
invested in compared to the rest of the film and the monster is not original
enough in appearance.
For the most part Super 8 is closest to Spielberg’s E.T.
with the meeting and understanding between naive youth and an alien presence.
The adults’ narrative in the film take second place to the kids storyline, with
most adults playing a parent or a member of the armed forces who, in true Spielberg
style, are an unwelcome presence. The kids spirits are indomitable and the
strength of their acting combined with the realistic dialogue and interaction
lifts this film into something special.
It is Joe’s determination in the face of adversity that packs the
punches in the final part of the film and the childlike feeling of
invincibility is depicted so well through Joel Courtney’s heartfelt
performance.
It works on many different levels; as science fiction,
coming of age, and as a period piece. A mysterious presence, intriguing
circumstances, a strong cast of unknowns and a perfect blend of cinematic
wonder and youthful energy makes this the summer blockbuster of the year so
far. Make sure you stay in your seats after the credits roll.
Expected Rating: 8 out of 10
Actual rating:
