Unlike other Hollywood directors J.J. Abrams is able to keep a secret. In 2008 he kept audiences guessing about the title to his soon to be monster hit Cloverfield. Three years later he is at it again, though this time he has offered us up a name by which to call it: Super 8.
Set in 1979 Ohio, Super 8 follows several youngsters as they set out to make a zombie film with a now historic Super-8 camera. But things get a little crazy when the troupe witness a train derailment during the shooting of a scene. But the wreck was no accident. With more questions than answers the team of adolescents must muster the courage to find the truth hidden amongst the rubble and make things right, or else risk losing their family and home to an unknown creature lurking in the dark.
J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg know how to tell a story, and when it comes to Super 8 neither disappoint. Granted the film flourishes thanks to the witty dialogue, noteworthy 70s references and unmistakable cinematography, the fact that I knew nothing about the film before seeing it made it that much better.
I will be the first to admit that the film isn't life changing. A good secret is only good until you reveal the punch line - and after the film is over you will have had your fix for a while. But for what it is, Super 8 is the perfect film for the season. In a summer full of sequels and remakes, Super 8 rises above it all to present a unique and fun-filled adventure that will have you laughing and gasping in awe. Hype isn't everything, but with Super 8, the wait was well worth it.
