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SUPER 8" (2011)
Plot: After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends in the summer of 1979 begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town, and begin to investigate into the creepy phenomenon.
When I first saw the trailer months ago, I thought it was simply going to be some kind of prequel to the J.J. Abrams produced monster flick "Cloverfield" [which was very underrated], but this film was of a different breed altogether. What I saw today was a brilliant sci-fi drama which perfectly paid homage to Steven Spielberg's early films and effectively revived the monster movie genre. This movie had everything you'd expect from a Spielberg film except it was written and directed by super geek J.J. Abrams, Abrams definitely put his own stamp on this movie despite the many obvious Spielberg references. I loved that composer Michael Giacchino did the score, it was great and reminded me of the score he did for "LOST". The monster scenes were very well done, and I liked how there was such a mystery about what the monster looked like until near the end of the movie, much like "Cloverfield". The monster's back-story was pretty good as well. Amazing cinematography by Larry Fong (another "LOST" alum). This movie had the perfect balance of drama, humor, adventure, sci-fi, and suspense that the older films had. J.J. Abrams is most definitely one of the best filmmakers working today, if you don't believe that now, after seeing this...you will believe.
The main cast of unknowns was great, it was cool to see the screen dominated by these funny intuitive kids trying to make a zombie movie, at some points it had a "The Goonies" feel to it. Great performances by Joel Courtney as Joe - the deputy's kid who's still mourning the death of his mother, Riley Griffiths as the director of the group, Zach Mills, Ryan Lee as the wise-cracking firecracker fanatic, Gabriel Basso, and last but certainly not least...Dakota Fanning's younger sister Elle Fanning was amazing as the only girl in the group of misfits. The kids were so compelling and their chemistry was perfect, it's extremely hard to believe that this was the professional acting debut of Joel Courtney and Riley Griffiths, they were both great and I can't wait to see them progress even more as actors. Friday Night Light's Kyle Chandler did a great job as the deputy who has to protect the town and investigate the suspicious activities of the military after the sheriff mysteriously disappears, all while struggling with the responsibility of raising a son on his own. Great supporting performances by Noah Emmerich as the leader of the Air Force, Ron Eldard, Glynn Turman as the biologist and science teacher who knows too much, 7th Heaven's David Gallagher [whom I didn't even recognize] as a stoner who helps the kids out in order to get with one of their sisters, and True Blood's Jessica Tuck. Good supporting performances by Brett Rice as the sheriff, Judging Amy's Richard T. Jones, and Amanda Michalka [from the recently canceled cheerleader show "Hellcats"].
Overall this film left me somewhat astonished and I wouldn't mind going to see it again, and adding it to my DVD collection later on this year.
P.S.- It also made me want to watch E.T. again, I haven't watched that since I was like 6 years old. Needless to say, SUPER 8 is a must-see for people who love old school film-making with a twist.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
If you've seen it, what are your thoughts on "Super 8"?
If not, do you plan on going to see it?