Geekscape Movie Reviews: Super 8
From the opening scene of J. J. Abrams’s Super 8, you know that it is written and directed with the film lover in mind, and that it is love letter to not only young, aspiring filmmakers but to the career of the film’s producer, Steven Spielberg. That is to say, if you don’t know what the title is a reference to (i.e., super 8mm film) or you didn’t watch E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind daily as a child, then you best stay at home, as Super 8 is much more a hommage to Spielberg than it is a film in its own right. Unable to stand on its own feet, it is lacking and misses its marks as often as Abrams uses unnecessary lens flares.
Set in 1979 in a middle-of-no-where small town called Lillian, the story follows seven friends as they try to complete a film for a festival. As they try to create a story to their zombie film, they must deal with the trials of family and growing up, learn hard lessons about love, forgiveness and letting go. In the meantime, mysterious phenomena surrounding an absurdly destructive train crash unfolds and leads to military attention.
Which of these is not like the others?
Although the young filmmakers and their families are interesting and, at times, compelling, the added sci-fi element distracts rather than enhances the stories and characters lives. It acts more often than not as story-framing rather than action-causing, which makes it completely unnecessary to the film. However, without the sci-fi element Abrams could not pen his love letter to Spielberg, but instead would have an interesting story about young filmmakers trying to make a film despite the conflicts of the world around them.
Additionally, because time is wasted on the sci-fi element, there is less time for character development of the kids’ parents. We see a Romeo and Juliet scenario unfold before us, but we never get a chance to understand to any real extent why the elder generation of the two families doesn’t get along. We are left with a few clips and phrases at best and muddled dialogue at worst. (I saw it with four people and each had his or her own inclinations about what might have happened.)
Yet, story isn’t the complete sum of a movie; especially not in this day and age. The acting is quite good, despite everything. Each of the actors, young and old, carry their characters well and are convincing. There are even a few touching moments; nothing tear-jerking, but certainly sweet. The special effects are seamless and believable within the context of the story, train crash aside (I don’t care if it is or it isn’t a reference to The Greatest Show on Earth, it’s ridiculous to a modern audience). However, Abrams religious use of lens flares makes it hard to forget you’re watching a movie.
If you’re a diehard fan of either Abrams or Spielberg or a filmmaker, then you might give Super 8 a whirl in theatres. Otherwise, wait for the blu-ray, if you must watch it. Additionally, if you do see it, be sure to stay through the credits to see the “reel” moment you’ve been waiting for.
