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While Abrams could easily give audiences what we’re constantly told that we apparently want—non-stop action—he takes a subtler route. He introduces our characters with quickly telling us that Joe’s mom has recently died and both he and his dad are grieving her tremendously. And he also quickly builds the chemistry among the team of adolescent boys passionate for zombie movies, as well as between Joe and Alice. There’s a lovely scene where Joe sheepishly applies makeup to Alice’s face, and it’s a wonderfully quiet moment amongst the tension and chaos to come. Abrams also finds moments to give us great comedic moments, too, which worked so well in Abram’s megamystery TV show (you may have heard of it…).
While Super 8 doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders Courtney takes on the hero role quite nicely and helps lead the film well. In his first role, he’s actually a talented young actor that’s great at connected with his peers and the audience. He also plays off nicely with Chandler as the grieving widower trying to keep his town safe. Fanning is also quickly becoming a far better actress than her older sister and has a bright future.
And of course, it’s not just all great acting and storytelling—there is indeed action and suspense. While the special effects aren’t the most top-notch I’ve ever seen, and I feel like Abrams does better with just tension than actually showing us what the mystery is, it all works together really well. Plus, the train crash is truly a beautifully executed action sequence where train cars fly through the air and explode all around our young heroes. It’s quite thrilling.
Don’t go into Super 8 with the same mindset as you will for the next Transformers flick. Think of it more of a Goonies for the next generation (but with more explosions and mystery). If you want a little bit of story and heart behind your summer blockbuster, do yourself a favor and see Super 8.
--Darcie Duttweiler