This past weekend, the much anticipated J.J. Abrams film Super 8 hit theaters and some pretty positive reviews followed (including a glowing review from us at FTS.) Along with the favorable feedback, Super 8 topped the box office with $35.5 million, beating out X-Men First Class and The Hangover Part 2. Admittedly Super 8 might not be everyone’s favorite film but it is certainty something to be marveled at this summer. Take a look at some of the elements that I think make Super 8 a film to seek out.
1. Blockbuster, Crowd-Pleasing Special Effects
Audiences have come to expect a lot from both J.J Abrams and Steven Speilberg. With Super 8 we get the best of both. The flick contains a lot of amazing action sequences, most notably a jaw-dropping, heart-stopping train derailment that puts you right in the middle of the disaster. On top of that, you get some pretty cool creature effects as well.
2. References & Easter Eggs For Movie Lovers
If you think about some of your favorite films and directors, you may notice that there is sometimes a common thread of trademarks injected into the movies. In Super 8, film fans can enjoy searching for all the cool movie references and Easter Eggs.
3. The Heart
This film has a simplistic plot, and characters we feel comfortable with, but there is something that seems to further along this movie. It’s what we call heart ladies and gentlemen. Super 8 speaks to our inner child and sense of wonder. It makes us feel a lot of different emotions but never intends to be a heavy message film.
4. It’s An Amblin Film
Amblin Entertainment (logo below) is the production company helmed by Steven Spielberg and film producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall. Amblin is known for producing many classic works, some including E.T., The Goonies, Back to the Future, Gremlins, Hook and Jurassic Park. Super 8 fits right in here with that batch and surely hopes it will be a film with some treasured staying power.
5. NO 3D.
With the latest FTS This or That? poll, it would seem as though I don’t really need to explain a whole lot about why I prefer the absence of 3D. We need films to start getting back to artistic integrity and ditch the effects that only affect our wallets.
6. Redefines “Family Film”
With a few exceptions from Pixar, the term “family film” often seems to indicate to adults that they will just be coming along for the ride. But even though Super 8 is branded with a PG-13 rating, it will still make for a theater experience that most of your family can enjoy. Perhaps the young children may want to stay home, but with only a few curse words and scary action, I think kids 10+ will really enjoy the thrills.
7. Get’s You Ready For Summer
Quick, think of the last movie you were excited to see during summer. Now keep going back until you think of one that isn’t a sequel, reboot, adaption, or superhero movie. Off the top of my head I can’t really think of anything since 2009. Super 8 is really what summer movie is all about. There’s large scale action/adventure, a first love romance and yes, a feel good feeling that stays with you.
8. The Kids
This is one of my absolute favorite parts of the film. The group of kids starring in the film are just plain awesome. They’re not even close to being annoying, they’re actually really funny. The group has a lot of chemistry and as a result you get to watch some really genuine characters. The cast includes newcomers Joel Courtney, Zach Mills, Riley Griffiths and Gabriel Basso as well as the marginally known Elle Fanning. Together these kids give you more than the cookie cutter character types by giving you the feeling that in some place, somewhere in the 70’s, these kids exist. And you might even want to be friends with them too.
So what did you think of Super 8? Or if you haven’t seen it, do you plan to?