In the Mouth of Movie Madness - Super 8

E.T., Gremlins, The Goonies, Back to the Future, Hook and Jurassic Park.  What do all these films have in common other than there iconic status?  Amblin Entertainment, that's what.  The production company that was founded by Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall in 1981.  Amblin Entertainment, almost as famous as the films it has produced over the years, has been a nostalgic wonderland for movie fans for three decades.  When Amblin's famous image of E.T.'s shadow in the moonlight graces the big screen, audiences already know there in for a treat.  When verbalizing what true movie magic is all about I constantly find myself referencing Amblin as the leaders right along with Walt Disney Pictures.  The escapism and thrills one hopes to get from a cinematic adventure can be found in practically any Amblin title, it just boils down to preference.  The lack of originality in Hollywood today has not only hurt themselves but it has also damaged audiences' imaginations.  Today audiences are "watching" movies while they surf the web on their Smartphones and complain after coming attractions are over that they "don't get it" because the entire movie wasn't revealed to them in 2 1/2 minutes.  Hollywood is guilty as charged for their lack of originality but audiences' unwillingness to allow themselves to escape is also a travesty.  So where do we go to find the movie magic we all once knew so well?  Right back where it all started.  Amblin Entertainment.  Producer Steven Spielberg and Director J.J. Abrams (Lost, Star Trek) embarked on a film that packed true movie magic that can only be done the Amblin way.  Is this hot shot duo's latest flick a return to top form for original movie making magic or is it all just a lost cause?  Let's find out...

Super 8 takes place the summer of 1979 in Ohio where a group of friends are filming a super 8 movie when a disastrous train wreck occurs.  Shortly after, unusual and unexplainable events occur leading the friends and the Deputy of the town to uncover the terrifying truth of what's happening to their quiet town.  The film stars Kyle Chandler, Joel Courtney, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills, Riley Griffiths, Gabriel Basso and Elle Fanning. 

There's no denying that Steven Spielberg's films, directed and produced, have left an unbelievable mark on film history and pop culture.  Spielberg's early films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial have struck a cord with audiences since their original releases and continue to be cherished as well as regarded as some of the best films of all time.  Why is that?  Many people have their theories on why Spielberg's as well as many other Amblin produced films have left such a lasting impression on the culture.  The short and most honest answer is simply magic.  It can't be verbalized or easily explained but when reviewing the films again and watching E.T.'s glowing finger meet with Elliot's or when the DeLorean leaves a trace of flames between Doc Brown and Marty McFly's legs it can only be summarized as pure magic.  The idea of embarking on a new film that would be in the vain of these Amblin classics sounded remarkable and daunting.  Could Super 8 really hold a candle to E.T. or Jurassic Park?  Even with the talented J.J. Abrams at the helm and the head honcho Steven Spielberg producing, could the magic be captured again for today's audiences?  The film was a roller coaster ride of excitement and after viewing it I can safely say that Abrams and Spielberg have succeeded in their mission.  Super 8 is the film that movie magic is all about and I'm just grateful to have been apart of the experience.  The film plays as a wonderful mix of Stand By Me meets E.T. with the Amblin essence of movie making oozing out of it.  The young cast, comprised of mainly unknown actors in their first feature, are the heart and soul of the film that will keep your attention fixed to the screen.  The adrenaline filled action sequences are heart pumping and will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire film.  While Super 8 was one of my most anticipated films of the year, I was skeptical at the thought of it being able to capture the magic of my other beloved Amblin films.  I can safely say that I will be proud to line this film up on my movie shelf next to Back to the Future and Gremlins which is where it rightfully belongs.

The trailers for Super 8 made audiences unsure of exactly what was going on and that's exactly what is exciting about seeing movies.  We watch trailers to get the smallest taste of a film, just enough for us to be left wanting our questions answered and the only way to do so is to see the film.  Super 8's promotional campaign was brilliant and manages, much like the film itself, to retain a sense of mystery and inviting audiences to uncover the truth along with the characters.  The obvious question of what is responsible for the terrifying occurrences in the town is sure to be asked but I will not disclose that information in this review.  Not knowing is half the fun and allowing yourself the opportunity to jump while watching the film unfold is what the movie going experience prides itself on.  How much fun would it be if seeing Jaws for the first time someone told you exactly when he was going to attack each time?  Not very fun so the same basic idea applies to Super 8.

Writer/Director J.J. Abrams broke onto the scene with the powerhouse television shows Lost and Alias before making his jump to feature films beginning with 2006's Mission: Impossible III, the best Mission film to date.  In 2009, he breathed new life into the Star Trek franchise solidifying his role as a heavy creative contender in Hollywood.  Super 8 proves Abrams grew up loving Amblin films as many of us did and knew how to hatch a film that would be worthy of the Amblin Entertainment logo before the opening credits.  Abrams crafted a wonderful coming of age story wrapped together with an intense blockbuster popcorn flick that will have many movie fans wondering where has original film making been all these years.  Growing up watching the best has allowed Abrams to become the best at what he does and Super 8 is the film that makes it all come full circle.

In closing, Super 8 proves that true movie magic is back again in full swing.  The performances were moving especially from such an inexperienced cast, the small town late 70's feel made the film's atmosphere elevate off the screen, the exciting action sequences were equally stunning and frightening and the direction came from a skilled pro that was telling a film from the heart in a way to say thanks to all the wonderful films he grew up loving.  Super 8 is one of the best films you will see this whole year and it should not go missed.  Relish in a film that will remind you what movie magic is all about!

Super 8 is playing now in IMAX theaters and traditional theaters