Review of Super 8 (2011) by Noneofyourbees — 09 Jun 2011

Saw this on Thursday, one day before the official opening, which was announced on Twitter (I found out via IGN.com. I suppose Spielberg and Abrams are testing word-of-mouth, by releasing the IMAX version one day.

I thought it was good, not mind-blowing. I realize this is a coming-of-age film and, as an adult, a kid watching this would probably feel this is his or her generational movie, in the same way that I identify with Stand By Me. That's what this movie is: Stand By Me with an alien, or Stand By Me meets E.T. meets Jaws meets Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind. In the same way that Bryan Singer made Superman Returns as a love letter to Richard Donnar's Superman, Abrams crafts his own letter to Spielberg, celebrating his early works such as the ones I referenced above. Is that a good thing? In this case, Abrams did a good job, unlike Singer (Brandon Routh should've had a chance to be in his own Superman universe, not Richard Donnar's). Did he do a great job? Again, when I watch this movie, it reminds me of my experiences as a child. But a child watching this will be having those experiences now, making it more visceral. However, this movie does have curses in it, so please be advised if you plan on taking the family. Don't go into this movie thinking it's exactly a new E.T. for this generation, like some have been saying, in terms of the language. I have no problem with the language; I'm just saying be weary if you take a child.

I would see it again, which indicates it was a good film. Classic? Now now, but it will be in the future, in the same way that others look at American Graffiti, The Diner, Stand By Me, The Outsiders, My Girl, basically any Coming-Of-Age film about a bunch of kids who grow up quickly, tackling and conquering mature issues while the adults take the backseat.