Movie Review: 'Super 8'

Super 8's marketing campaign was the kind that varied from person to person as either a hit or a miss -- for me, it was a super hit. From that magnificent train crash we see in the trailer (which is all the more magnificent and grand on the big screen) to the overall mystery that was surrounding the plot, I yearned to find out what the heck this movie was about already. Then when I heard comparisons to ET, I was sold. But don't be fooled: ET it ain't. Not by a long shot. However, Super 8 does bring something special and coveted to the table: It temporarily lets you re-experience the wonder and innocence of childhood. It takes you back to a time that was pure, and uncomplicated...a time where you were more than content to just spend the entire summer hanging out with your friends and making zombie movies - which is exactly what the gang in Super 8 was up to before their plans were completely derailed when they witnessed a massive train crash while filming a movie -- something they absolutely weren't supposed to see.

Yes, I know I'm being vague, but it's for your own benefit; the less you know about Super 8 going in, the better your experience will be. The filmmakers are on the same page with this, too; once the strange, unexplainable things start happening (which soon escalate into menacing things), whatever it is, it's kept a secret and for most of the film isn't seen at all, Jaws-style -- though we see plenty of the terrifying things "it's" doing to the citizens of this small town. Keeping things shrouded in mystery did heaps to make the film more compelling, and even a bit frightening at times. Bravo Abrams, bravo!

Those who grew up in the 80's will feel a real kick of nostalgia watching these kids use cassette Walkmans, walkie-talkies, and of course, Super 8 film cameras. The young actors interacted with each other like genuine pals, and each had a distinctly memorable quality about them, that, even if they weren't as developed as I would have liked, still added an overall charm (and occasional chuckle) to the end product.

Super 8 had potential to be compared to some of the great kid-centric movies that we all look at with unwavering fondness: The Goonies, Stand by Me, ET, etc. Unfortunately, a rushed, messy third act and some inadequate explanations left me feeling like I was missing out on something deeply affecting, the kind of emotions that elevate a big summer blockbuster from another entertaining sci-fi hit to something that can in good conscience be compared to the now-classics listed above. Even so, with dynamite visual effects, an intriguing story, and a young heart, Super 8 turned out to be, as character Charles would say, a pretty "mint" movie indeed.

Rating: B+