Film Reviews

Super 8

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Elle Fanning
• Details: US/111mins 12A

Embracing its Spielbergian routes from the very start, this surprisingly sweet, warmly executed film will evoke pangs of nostalgia for anyone old enough to remember when aliens were affable. JJ Abrams proves himself once again as a director with flair, as he helms with inherently slick style, while also pulling excellent performances from his young cast. This is a popcorn flick with heart.
Youngster Joe Lamb (an affecting Courtney) has had a tough year; his mother recently died in a tragic accident, while his local Police Deputy father (the underrated Chandler) is finding the loss extremely difficult to deal with. Finding a respite in the form of his movie loving mates, they set out to make their very own 'super 8' zombie movie. While on location, a train crashes into an oncoming car in the middle of them shooting a scene and their camera manages to capture some footage of a creature breaking out of a compartment. Said creature then proceeds to wreak havoc in their small town.
Ostensibly appearing to be more of a straight up Cloverfield type monster flick, Super 8 develops into something more character driven thanks to the time and care put into the development of these kids. Courtney is an absolute natural; a lot of times in tween led productions the kids can make you want to saw off an arm just so you have something to throw at the screen, but he never oversells his performance. Equally as impressive is Elle Fanning, who switches gears mid-scene so convincingly, you'd think she'd be acting years.
While some threads aren't as well wrapped as they could have been, you still get the impression that Abrams has achieved pretty much everything he set out to do with third film as director. He has no major movie stars headlining - which helps you buy into initially ambiguous set-up - and there isn't any over-hyped, ultimately grating 3D. This is an old school production told in a modern, but organic manner that values its core characters and even subplots more than the creature at its core. That is beyond rare in a Hollywood production.
A nostalgia-ridden, sweet and generally lovely film that Steven Spielberg would be proud of. His name over the title here as producer is a perfect indication of the film you're getting.
Super 8 is that rare beast that will play well to all of the family.

Review by Mike Sheridan