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| Sidewise World? |
The acting was good, though there were no marvelous performances to speak of. Much of the main cast consisted of kids, most of whom handled their roles like pros. Riley Griffiths (Charles) and Ryan Lee (the pyro) were especially charming and fun to watch. Meanwhile, Joel Courtney (Joe Lamb) and Elle Fanning (the chick, and yes, Dakota Fanning's sister) did well in speaking to the Spielberg-esque 1950s mantra they were set to portray. Adventurous, funny, and passionate, they warmed the movie and made it one that a variety of people can enjoy on all levels.
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| Similarities between Dakota (top) and her sister Elle are quite noticable |
Graphically speaking, it reminded me at times of Michael Bay. Many of the effects were mind-blowing, though at the same time overdone in screen time and splendor. The score also cannot be underrated. The music was much in the style tributing the Williams-Spielberg relationship and did a fantastic job of emulating it as such. It is also good enough proof that Michael Giacchino is the next big thing in movie scores.
I do have issues with the storyline of the film, however. The plot developed at such a slow pace, which was good for suspense but hurt the film's ending. Abrams interweaved many different plots and conflicts, at times too many. The theme of over-coming loss was pervasive throughout the entire film, but at times fell to the background of more cliché feel-good themes that popped in and out. In the end, which was supposed to be a heartfelt moment, the viewer can't help but feeling somewhat lacking in the emotional department. Though the film was suspenseful, thrilling, comedic and entertaining all at once, which something to boast of for this movie, at no point was it tear-jerking or heart-pumping. For a film filled with such mystery and action, there never occurred any jumps or eeks from the audience.
All in all, the movie is very much worth seeing, especially if you are feeling somewhat nostalgic for another classic Spielberg movie. It's E.T. meets Transformers, with a story that's both original and time-honoring. And though this film wont go down as one of the greats, it'll most likely be remembered as one of the best of the summer and worth the ticket price (which is saying something, considering how much theaters charge these days).
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| What Super 8 looked like to me |
