CINEMATIC Review

SUPER 8   ***

J.J. Abrams

2011

IDEA:   While filming a zombie movie on a Super 8 camera, a group of suburban kids witness a horrific train crash that lets loose something that wasn't supposed to be let loose...

BLURB:   Super 8 is calculated for maximum nostalgic effect, drawing upon the kind of carefree, youthful adventure movie where a pack of ragtag kids could save the world while unveiling a massive government conspiracy. Much of the story here is admittedly derivative – generic family problems and cliched plot mechanics aplenty – but J.J. Abrams is such an adroit, intelligent director he somehow steers the train back on track even after it’s taken some wrong detours. And while the cast of ancillary characters are heavily underwritten, the kid leads Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning are absolutely terrific, the former such a fresh, open face he lends the film the majority of its genuine wonderment. The rest comes from some shrewdly effective monster thrills, as well as a couple notes of poignancy that surprise you with just how much they melt your heart.