Super 8

The fact that JJ Abrams’ latest sci-fi project, Super 8, has the distinct look of a Spielberg classic in the E.T. era creates a lot of misguided expectations heading into the theater. Spielberg may be involved as a producer, but the film fits Abrams’ agenda more directly. The story follows a group of kids in 1979, who witness a train accident while filming their own movie on a super 8 camera, hence the title. But as strange events start taking place around town, the kids and others begin to question what was on the train. Well, SPOILER ALERT, it’s an alien. But the buzz for the film has made that perfectly clear.

The alien ends up being a fairly small aspect of the story. The mystery proves to be the most interesting, followed closely by the development of the characters. Unlike other Abrams projects, such as Cloverfield, Super 8 does give the audience answers at the end of the mystery. It’s more of a mainstream take on the director, a logical step after his Star Trek reboot. One weakness that occurs in the film’s middle segment is when the alien has escaped from the train and no one knows they are in danger. Then something (the alien) jumps out and grabs people who scream for their lives, but to no avail. It’s just too predictable. Although, during one of those encounters astute viewers can catch a glimpse of the creature reflected in a puddle. That kind of small detail helps keep the story moving, even if the audience won’t see the thing head on until the resolution.

The young actors in Super 8 command the screen better than many well-known adults actors do. The main reason they do so is the use of believable dialogue and their ability to act the way someone their age should. That means a lot of insulting each other. Throw in Kyle Chandler, as the emotionally tough dad, and the movie is a hit. The comparison I keep thinking of is it’s kind of like The Sandlot, substituting an alien for baseball. Take that however you’d like. (8.5 out of 10)