Super 8

Movie
2011

Basically I loved this movie. It brought to mind the best of what we remember about our childhood - the wonder, the awe and discovery. It had all the elements of a great Sci-Fi movie -  excitement, wonderment, suspense, a great alien alien and, of course, an evil government conspiracy.

The child actors were especially good. Joel Courtney as Joe Lamb, the grieving son whose mother was killed in a work accident as the movie opened was spectacular. As was Elle Fanning as Alice Dainard, the older girl the little geeks couldn't believe would even talk to them let alone agree act in their super 8 movie.

Taking place in the summer of 1979, in a small Ohio town where the kids witness a spectacular train crash while shooting a super 8 movie at the depot. It was soon clear that it couldn't have been an accident when unusual disappearances and strange events begin to take place all over town. Deputy Lamb, Joe's father, played by Kyle Chandler, is desparate to uncover the truth - and save his son.

Super 8 was well paced and the plot had enough depth for the audience to chew on that it never had to rely on one dimensional, gratuitous violence. My single gripe was the decision to shoot the film with the qualities of "super 8" film. The grainy nature of the small format and indistinct darkness became bothersome after a while. It did not, however, hamper my enjoyment.

4 of 5 stars 


CW