How dare you J.J. Abrams?? A Spoiler Free review of Super 8

Spoiler Free

First off, let me explain that I’m a fan of Abrams’ work from the mind boggling epic that was Lost to his version of Star Trek and even his more recent work Morning Glory.  And no one can deny the work of Steven Spielberg; if you need a list of his work you can visit imdb.com.  Unfortunately, even with these two master minds behind the wheel of a multi million dollar motion picture doesn’t always have the marvelous result we hope for.  Just for kicks I feel like I should mention here that on opening night (June 10^th, 2011 at 7:00 P.M.) there were roughly 15–25 people in this theatre.  Last time I checked these guys both have the money to dish out some better marketing strategies.  But then again, how well can you market something that is supposed to be on the hush.

Now of course, I won’t ruin the ending or even tell you the plot (after all, they did work so hard in keeping it secret), rather I’m just going to explain my bigger issues with the movie.  You may be wondering by now what’s up with the title of this post?  My biggest fret with Super 8 was the overwhelming conveyance that the United States Air Force is somehow the enemy.  Call me patriotic if you must but how does that happen?  Sure the USAF must have their secrets but so do all of the armed forces and government agencies but to explicitly depict the USAF as a cruel and maniacal force, how dare you J.J. Abrams?  On to the next, this film is littered with scenes that are beyond me as to how they are essential to the plot.  At one point of the movie you have kids running through a town where tanks are just firing at….well, that’s what I can’t figure out.  What are they firing at?  Does the Air Force even have tanks??  It became obvious quickly enough that several of these types of scenes were just thrown in for some “oohs and ahhs.”  My last bit with the film was the over use of the children cussing.  After about the third time I heard the P word from some 14 yr. olds mouth, I’m just about ready get up and leave the theatre.  Am I just old fashioned or is it common for teenagers to be saying p***y ever 20 seconds?  Wash your mouth out if you do!  It doesn’t add shock value; it’s not by any means cool or even necessary for an audience to hear that. 

Now on to the positives.  The acting in Super 8 is incredible!  Elle Fanning delivers and the collective other child actors are phenomenal together.  If I can forget for a split moment that I am in a theatre and embraced into what is unfolding in front of me, well, I have to say job well done.  Unfortunately, that isn’t enough to save the film from a sketchy plot, scenes that go nowhere and bad writing!  That’s right, I’m a fan and I just wrote that.  I’ve come to the conclusion that Super 8 has at least one unique quality which I call the “reverse Shrek” effect.  Remember how Shrek was absolutely 100% a kids movie, but then had all these hidden innuendos that were meant for adults?  Well Super 8 is like that, but exactly opposite.  Confused?  This movie is mostly for kids, but marketed towards an adult audience.  In other words, if you are between the ages of 13-17 then this movie is for you.  For the rest of you, I recommend waiting for DVD, but most certainly watch Super 8 whether you are a fan of Spielberg, Abrams or even science fiction in general.