Keeps you reeled in.

Grade: B+

Super 8

Indian Release Date: 14/10/2011

CBFC Classification: U/A

Running Length: 1 Hour 58 Minutes

Cast: Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, Ron Eldard, Riley Griffiths, Noah Emmerich

Director: J.J. Abrams

Screenplay: J.J. Abrams

Cinematography: Larry Fong

Original Music: Michael Giacchino

Creator of TV series, reviver of film franchises & lens flare enthusiast J.J. Abrams pays homage to one of his childhood idols, Steven Spielberg in his latest ‘Super 8’. While the first teaser trailer very much gave a vibe of ‘Cloverfield’, the second one was a dead giveaway ode to the Sci-Fi flicks of the 70s and the 80s. But the movie is more than just an ode, it’s slice of old-school film making infused with modern techniques; a movie that has it’s heart & head in the right place and offers much for everyone & anyone who’ll care to watch it.

Set in the small town of Lillian during the 1970s the movie drops you bam in the middle of a tragedy. Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) has lost his mother in an industrial accident. His father, Jackson (Kyle Chandler) works as a deputy sheriff, who unfortunately is neither able to get over the loss of his wife nor provide emotional support to his son. Joe however finds solace in his friends and particularly in helping out Charles (Riley Griffiths) make an amateur zombie horror flick that Charles plans on sending for a film competition. When Alice Dainard (Elle Fanning) joins the films as an actress, Joe finds even more reason to partake in this activity as he harbors a secret crush on Alice.

One night while shooting a scene at an abandoned rail way station they witness a horrific train accident; however the greater threat for the town seems to come from something that escapes from the wreckage. Soon enough electrical contraptions, dogs and even people start turning up missing from the town & whatever supposedly escaped from the wreckage seems to be the one to blame for. The town’s folk’s troubles are further compounded by the army stepping in attempting a cover-up operation led by the cold and calculating, Col. Nelec (Noah Emmerich). As things go from bad to worse, the kids look to not just shoot their movie with “authentic” background scenery but also try to solve the mystery of their town’s new visitor, who might or might not be extraterrestrial and not quite friendly as E.T.

Other than the basic plot which covers ground most Sci-Fi flicks did back in the day, it’s also about fractured relationships. Ron Eldard who plays Louis Dainard, Alice’s father, is the town drunk who gets the blame from Jackson for his wife’s death. The animosity between the two men spills over to not just their own relationships with their kids but also creates tension between Alice & Joe. Not all the relationships are resolved in the most credible manner but all are given enough time to seem like legitimate problems thus fleshing out the characters more.

The emotional quotient of the film also highlighted another theme throughout, that of abuse & misunderstanding. The creature on the loose isn’t just a mindless monster; there are reasons for it acting like they way it does; Jackson’s rigid mindset towards his son; his hatred for Louis due to a reason that may or may not entirely be valid; Louis’s own less than complementary relationship with his daughter also reflects some of the movie’s themes.

The characters aren’t just random players in the picture who have pointless quirks to offer so that they can fill up the screen with human fodder. Rather even smaller characters that are vital to the plot seem to be given what might seem like random background details that only later do you learn was an important cog. It is little touches like this which enrich your viewing experience and keep you coming back for more in subsequent viewings.  

For all of those out there who have at some point or the other attempted to make an amateur movie in their younger days trying to recreate or mirror their big screens idols will find kinship with the kids in question here. The recreation of the 70s is pitch perfect and only adds greatly to the feel of the movie without much of the obstructive technology missing from daily life of the characters.

My main complain in regards to the movie is it’s ineffectiveness in tying up the character and story threads in the second half. While closure is provided to most plots, sometimes it feels rushed and somewhat incomplete. A little more running time probably wouldn’t have hurt. 

For the special effects Abrams works on the “less is more” principle, especially with the monster. When required the effects are amazingly well done but rather than put them in the forefront other than in a few important sequences, he chooses to keep things low-key. The train crash early one is a buffet of destruction served up in all its glorious beauty; quite a sight to behold.

The acting by the kids gives the movie much of its edge and especially the friendship they share, which seems realistic rather than sappy or sentimental.

‘Super 8’ is walk down memory lane of an age of cinema and time that was in existence not too long ago. The themes of the movie will resonate with viewers and the special effects will provide the visceral thrill for the casual viewer. Though there are pacing issues with the second half and certain plot threads are resolved too soon or simply left hanging the real pleasure lies in taking layer after layer apart from the movie while it drowns you in nostalgia.

Final Verdict: Despite a weaker second half and few pacing issues, the movie ultimately works like a charm; don't miss it on the big screen.

Grade: B+

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