Real Steel Has Reel Appeal

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From the beginning of this film you know it’s going to be one that is not only filled with excitement and great special effects but one that has a back-story that will also touch your heart.

Young Max Kenton played by charming 12 year old Dakota Goyo not only supports his co superstar Hugh Jackman, but at times steals the show.

If you have not yet seen this late Summer Box Office thrill ride, you still have time to view it in its entire large screen splendor at many local theaters.

This Smash-um, Bash-um, Rock-um-Sock-um Sci-fi story is not only well produced, but directed in such a way that it masterfully relates its story of relationships, hurts, joys, and the struggle to hold on to your dreams without losing the most meaningful things in your life.

 

Dakota Goyo
Dakota Goyo “Click for Poster Size Picture”

 

 

Hugh Jackman plays Charlie Kenton, a down on his luck ex-boxer who lost his championship boxing career by being replaced by large futuristic fighting robots.  With his life in the state of turmoil due to the loss of his wife, family, and job, he now scrounges parts to create a robot that can compete in the arena and hopefully bring back his respected status among his peers.  Of course this isn’t working out so well, and to make things worse, his ex-wife passes away leaving him his twelve year old son whom he has no time for.  The very thought of becoming a full time Father is the last thing on his list of things to do.

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“Super 8” A Super Ten!

Super 8 The MovieI 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

Super 8 Boys

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.

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