Super 8 is a fun and fine looking homage to Spielberg, as is intended.  But I can’t help but feel it could have been more given a bit better characterization and fully engaging some of its really interesting ideas surrounding the secret of the film.

There is no need to get into plot here because JJ Abrams doesn’t want us to.  I for one appreciate that sentiment as I hate that I can’t comfortably watch TV spots or trailers anymore without seeing a bit/to way to much spoilery footage in them.  The gist of the story is a group of kids, who are making a movie on their Super 8 camera, experience a train crash in which something covertly escapes and begins causing disturbances around town.  That is all I am giving you.

And that is all you need to know. The mystery, surprise, and suspense the story throws at you is what makes the film fun and JJ Abrams is more than up for taking us for the ride.  Like I said in the opening, the film has a lot of great ideas and I love a lot of them.  The execution of some of these ideas fall short while others soar and I will hit on those that worked for me first.  The train crash mentioned above is incredible and exhilarating and will go down as one of the set pieces of the summer.  [Read more...]