Review of "Super 8"

Review of Super 8 (2011)
Directed by J.J. Abrams
Written by J.J. Abrams
Starring: Joel Courtney, Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Gabriel Brasso, Zach Mills, and Ron Eldard
Review by Jennie Brouse

    Synopsis: Set in the summer of 1979, a group of middle-school aged friends set out to film an 8-track film they want to enter in a film festival, when they witness a mysterious train crash. They attempt to go on with their lives as before, but begin to find things in their small Ohio town becoming stranger and stranger.

    Review: To begin, the most impressive part of the movie, even more so than the special effects, was the acting from the young cast. As five best friends, along with newcomer to the group Elle Fanning, they were not only believable, but also hilarious. They delivered their lines with the expertise of seasoned professionals, making all of their interactions as best friends realistic and, quite frankly, very, very funny. Although very suspenseful and scary because of the new strange happenings to the town, the group of friends were still able to keep the audience laughing because of the undeniable each had with their fellow actor, as well as the witty writing from writer/director J.J. Abrams. Not to say this is a comedy, because it definitely is not, but there are some irresistibly funny moments that stood out in the film. And even while the town is being mysteriously ravaged, there is a subplot involving a blossoming (albeit very innocent) romance between Joe and Alice (Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning). Although very cliche, this film has something for everyone. Although at it's heart it is a science-fiction thriller, there are elements of comedy and romance, as well as a pretty good development of the main characters. Overall, this film was highly impressive. It was entertaining throughout, exciting, funny, sad, endearing, and just kind of beautiful. This is definitely a film worth seeing in the theater.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Upcoming Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love.