SUPER 8
Release date: June 10, 2011
Aliens, small town, group of young friends, strange happenings, If you think this sounds like a Steven Spielberg project, you'd be write. Although Super 8 was directed and written by J.J. Abrams, it's easy to see why Spielberg was attracted to it. There were times during the movie that reminded me of Stand By Me and E.T. Even so, Super 8 is neither of these. Glimpses of a reflection in a mud puddle, large trees and buildings flattened, people and animals disappearing, keep one wondering what was in the train wreck. This is a true thriller. No horror, limps flying around, zombies eating people, wait, there actually is a zombie.
Super 8 revolves around a group of school friends that are making a zombie movie for a contest. While filming at night at a train station, they decide to use an incoming train as background for the scene. Then the train crashes into an oncoming truck. Chaos ensues, explosions, scattering kids, and bits of train fly everywhere. The one unbelievable part for me is the man driving the truck survives.
The next day, strange things begin happening. The kids continue filming their movie using the train wreck and military presence as a back drop. The kid directing & writing the zombie film can't believe his good fortune, but soon the military starts evacuating the town. The zombie movie feature is brilliant. It lends just the right amount of comedy to suspense.
The kids finally receive the developed film and just like in past suspense movies, we don't see what climbed out of the train on the screen. We see it when one kid points to the other's stomach who is in front of the screen. As he looks down, we see a dark figure on his shirt that definitely is not human.
There are some common Spielberg elements; kids coming of age, death in the family, parents and kids not seeing eye-to-eye. The young actors are excellent and hold their own against seasoned actors. I especially was impressed with Elle Fanning. There's a scene where she is rehearsing for the zombie movie. I sat there along with the movie cast, just amazed at her 2 minute portrayal of an older married woman not wanting to leave her husband. She can definitely step into a serious dramatic role tomorrow and will probably earn awards in the future.
I wasn't sure what to expect. Horror, sappy, E.T. remake, supernatural forces, but it really is a well done movie. Super 8 is a surprise and I think every age group will enjoy it.
Aliens, small town, group of young friends, strange happenings, If you think this sounds like a Steven Spielberg project, you'd be write. Although Super 8 was directed and written by J.J. Abrams, it's easy to see why Spielberg was attracted to it. There were times during the movie that reminded me of Stand By Me and E.T. Even so, Super 8 is neither of these. Glimpses of a reflection in a mud puddle, large trees and buildings flattened, people and animals disappearing, keep one wondering what was in the train wreck. This is a true thriller. No horror, limps flying around, zombies eating people, wait, there actually is a zombie.Super 8 revolves around a group of school friends that are making a zombie movie for a contest. While filming at night at a train station, they decide to use an incoming train as background for the scene. Then the train crashes into an oncoming truck. Chaos ensues, explosions, scattering kids, and bits of train fly everywhere. The one unbelievable part for me is the man driving the truck survives.
The next day, strange things begin happening. The kids continue filming their movie using the train wreck and military presence as a back drop. The kid directing & writing the zombie film can't believe his good fortune, but soon the military starts evacuating the town. The zombie movie feature is brilliant. It lends just the right amount of comedy to suspense.
The kids finally receive the developed film and just like in past suspense movies, we don't see what climbed out of the train on the screen. We see it when one kid points to the other's stomach who is in front of the screen. As he looks down, we see a dark figure on his shirt that definitely is not human.
There are some common Spielberg elements; kids coming of age, death in the family, parents and kids not seeing eye-to-eye. The young actors are excellent and hold their own against seasoned actors. I especially was impressed with Elle Fanning. There's a scene where she is rehearsing for the zombie movie. I sat there along with the movie cast, just amazed at her 2 minute portrayal of an older married woman not wanting to leave her husband. She can definitely step into a serious dramatic role tomorrow and will probably earn awards in the future.
I wasn't sure what to expect. Horror, sappy, E.T. remake, supernatural forces, but it really is a well done movie. Super 8 is a surprise and I think every age group will enjoy it.
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