BOTTOM
LINE:
Despite
being a noble attempt to make a good film, Super 8 is two different
films unsuccessfully trying to co-exist, and is missing the magic
and soul of the 80s films it is trying to emulate.
THE
GOOD: In
a world of sequels, remakes and endless comic-book adaptations,
“Super 8” is a film that is welcome in the Hollywood
line-up given that it offers something more unique. It tells the
coming-of-age story of a group of young teenagers as they are making
a zombie film on Super 8mm film, but they inadvertently become witnesses
to a spectacular train crash where something out-of-this-world escapes
from one of the carriages. Director JJ Abrams has a certain flair
for direction, and manages to illicit some genuine moments, from
the poignant and sad opening shot, to the absolutely spectacular
and violent train crash, to the monster thrills that pop up from
time to time throughout the film. All the kids in the film are fine
little actors, particularly Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning; the
development of their relationship is done with a nice subtlety and
sincerity that is very watchable. “Super 8” attempts
to emulate the films of the 80s, most notably those of Steven Spielberg,
and in many ways, you can feel what is trying to be achieved here
and there are definite moments of nostalgia where you can remember
what it was to experience this type of film. The monster scares
in the film are very well achieved, with Abrams going for the less
is more approach to chilling effect. And make sure you do not miss
the end credits when you get to see the final cut of the film the
kids made; it is nothing short of hilarious. “Super 8”
is a noble attempt to make a good film, and at the very least, stands
over the top of the usual Hollywood fare for its attempt to not
churn out something different to the norm.
