Day 235: "Bad things happen... but you can still live."

The last thing I expected from a summer "blockbuster" movie was an abundance of quality.  As one of the main characters so bluntly puts it several times throughout the film,"production values."  Super 8 was a really enjoyable science fiction/action movie that had me enjoying a pretty good story while strolling down Nostalgia Alley checking out all the cool little details from my childhood placed around the sets.  The story revolves around a tight group of friends trying to finish a labor of love: a Super 8 zombie movie that they have been working on for, what we can only assume, about a year.  The group has recently added a female cast member, and are shooting "on location" at a small train station, when there is a monumental disaster and it's all caught on film.  As is the case with most movie disasters, the military is soon involved and all hell begins to break loose as it becomes obvious that there was something alive on the train that has escaped.  The gang begins to investigate what's happening and is soon in way over their heads.  Amazingly, the heart of this film is worn on its sleeve, and there is quite the emotional attachment to these characters as well, as one has to cope with an unthinkable loss throughout, but comes out that much stronger.  It was a pleasant surprise to see well developed characters in a genre that can be hopelessly embroiled in its effects shots instead.

Joel Courtney plays Joe Lamb, Ryan Griffiths is Charles, and Ryan Lee is Cary; the three main boys.  They have a really nice chemistry and are believable as the teens in a whole world of trouble.  Courtney, in particular, has a great presence for such a young actor.  Elle Fanning portrays Alice Dainard, Joe's romantic interest and resident damsel-in-distress.  She has a great scene towards the beginning of the movie, acting in the movie within a movie, and completely steals the scene.  Ron Eldard, Kyle Chandler, and Noah Emmerich play the detached adults trying to make things right, generally failing in the attempts.

I enjoyed this movie a whole lot, and director J.J. Abrams does a nice job keeping the peril turned up to eleven, although I did find his overuse of the "BOO!!" scare tactic a touch annoying.  One of my favorite things about Super 8 was finding all the classic toys and models that I, myself, had played with and built in my youth.  I never thought I'd see Classic Monsters of Hollywood magazine or a monster model kitagain, and it was really cool.  Like the movie.  8.5/10.

See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!!