MOVIE REVIEW - Super 8

Steven Spielbergs's new summer flick, Super 8 opens to much fanfare this weekend. And were off and running for the big summer movies.

Super 8 is set in rural Ohio in 1979. It's the story of this group of young kids, middle school age that somehow find themselves in the middle of a major government cover up. But what exactly is the Air Force covering up? These kids are having fun, making a zombie movie on the old super 8 film. For many of you, that makes no sense. But before there was video tape there was regular 8 and then super 8 film. No sound,just a grainy picture, and film pack that would only hold about 5 minutes of action. As they are filming, they accidentally capture a major train derailment in their town. And end up seeing things the Air Force wish they wouldn't have.

The small town of Lillian, Ohio now after this accident, is being terrorized by something. No one knows what. What exactly was on that ill-fated train that is so dangerous, so enormous that it's causing all this? Some being, that is causing major trouble, and forcing the government to swoop in and take over the town. Will the kids and the town survive this turmoil? That is Super 8.

Super 8 is typical Speilberg. It is highly entertaining, and not too intense. His action flicks by and large have a nice feel to them. It has been said that he can make great scenes, but not great movies. That is a bit harsh, but there are some really great scenes here. But for some, the end result may be a let down. This has happened before. War Of The Worlds, and a few others come to mind. A great idea that somehow just doesn't kick the door all the way down. The trouble spots in Super 8, are problems with story and writing, and not movie making execution.

Teen aged 1979 is captured spot on here. It's done through music, cars, wonderful sets, and costuming. But far more importantly, it's captured through mood, and feel. These kids are perfectly cast, and the actions, emotions, and a certain innocence of the time is perfect. You can feel it. Although they are not perfect kids, the things parents wish they were not doing in 1979, by today's standards are tame. If you were a teen then, this movie will really speak to you in that regard. Well, well done.

There is plenty of action here, but much of it is not overly compelling. And to be fair, there are a few loose ends out there, and some things not made overly clear as the plot goes on. Super 8 is also a bit too convenient at times, and rushed through a bit quickly at critical times. There will be those too who will find the end payoff a bit shallow. But I'm not sure that is a deal breaker. The allure of Super 8 will be transporting those back to a time, and watching their adolescence all over again, only in a summer action movie.

Because of a generation gap, this may not be for 20ish year-olds. Although they will enjoy the action and effects, because of how fast we've gone down the high tech trail, some of this may look like a silent movie to them. But, this target is a bit older. For those who would like to see their junior high friends one more time.

Super 8. It's not super great. But it is summer fun. And in the end, that's all it is supposed to be.