“Super 8” A Super Ten!

I have always been a fan of coming of age movies which include young actors in starring roles and have followed the careers of youngsters like Fred Savage, Elijah Woods, Haley Joel Osment, Josh Hutcherson, Thomas Sangster, Freddie Highmore, and more recently Troye Sivan, and Jaden Smith.

Now, along comes newcomer Joel Courtney, who more than captivated my interest in his portrayal of Joe Lamb, in “Super 8”, J.J. Abrams’s 1979-set film about a group of kids who witness a spectacular train crash while attempting to film a horror flick.

This movie was more than what I even expected.  With all the Hollywood special effect films that have come out recently, I have sometimes walked away feeling disenchanted due to a lame storyline or poor acting.  This film was a pleasure to watch largely due to the cast of youngsters who portrayed their roles with professionalism that would usually be expected from much more experienced actors.  I was quickly drawn into the story because they convinced me that I was more than an observer but one who was a part of their unique company of friends.

Of course it’s no secret that I’m a Sci-fi Action Adventure freak, but I also enjoy a good drama that causes you to think, not just duck bullets or things flying out of the screen at you. This film did both for me.  Not only was it exciting, with a crazy unknown alien creature running about destroying things and striking fear into the small town of citizens, but it also wove a wonderful story of friendship, understanding, grief, and emotion which must be seen in its entirety to be fully enjoyed

The success of this movie is not found in the special effects even though my hat is off to Steven Spielberg for once again captivating me with his amazing film producing talents. It’s this group of young actors that really brought the story to life, making the unbelievable convincingly real, through the excellent portrayals of their characters.

Joel Courtney, who leads the cast of characters as a young boy who recently lost his mother and is now trying to find his place in the world, along with his bossy best friend Charles, Riley Griffiths, who portrays a boy with a strong desire to direct his very own zany zombie movie reeled me in early in the film. The other male characters Cary, Ryan Lee who has a very impressive resume as an actor, played a fireworks addicted youngster who can’t resist blowing things up. Preston, Zach Mills another experienced young actor added his persona as an inspiring actor and Martin, Gabriel Basso, who I remember from his role in the movie “Alabama Moon”, completed the testosterone collection.

The rose among all the thorns is none other than Elle Fanning, who played “Alice” the girl who captures the attention of the two leading boys causing a brief conflict in their friendship, not only steals the show with her acting prowess but also brings balance to the ensemble of young actors.

Director Abrams outdid himself, keeping us all on the edge of our seats with the stranger than strange happenings that just kept building until the alien is finally revealed. And even though the film is full of those moments when you just know something is going to jump out at you it is filled with touching scenes like the one at the end that reminded you once more that you were not just watching a sci-fi movie

I can’t tell you how much I really enjoyed this movie and in fact I will be sure to add this one to my collection of favorite’s right up there with AI and ET!

Super 8 is a Super 10!!!!!!  Don’t Miss This One This Summer!!!!!!

If you saw this movie please leave your comments and your opinion below!