Sunday, July 10, 2011

I’m back ... finally! Let’s go to the movies!

Sorry for the delay; I’m up and running now and hope to stay that way!

Attending summer movies, for those of us over 30 (way over), can be a challenge. As readers of my print column know, I have pretty eclectic tastes, but even so, some summer releases are just not my kind of entertainment. But then, if they were yours, you probably wouldn’t be reading this.
Let’s look at what’s out there now that might be worth your price of admission.

Super 8
Super 8 is still in some theaters and if you haven’t seen it, you should. Yes, it is a Steven Spielberg creation … but it’s directed by J.J. Abrams, the genius behind Lost, so it seemed like a no-brainer to see. It’s vintage Spielberg but not cutting edge and it avoids (SPOIILER ALERT?) an unhappy ending, but it will definitely appeal to fans of ET and many other Spielberg movies for the family. Since this is PG-13 (mostly for a little language), many just the older kids. Super 8 tells the story of a group of middle school kids, who while making a Super 8 movie, witness a horrific train crash that may or may not be literally out of this world.
The best thing about this film is the 1979 setting, in which they got all the little details right. Loved that nostalgia aspect and the spot-on understanding of kids of that age. Casting is very good, with the kids the standouts, especially Joel Courtney who plays the main kid, Joe Lamb. He’s cute and he’s funny. Also good are Elle Fanning as the “older girl” Alice, and Riley Griffiths in his first film, as Charlie. Kyle Chandler is good as Joe’s father, the Deputy Sheriff. This isn’t particularly scary (there are moments) but it is often (intentionally) funny. The chase scene is somewhat atypical, and is scary and funny at the same time. It’ll keep you on your toes throughout, whether the scene is frightening, funny or touching. When you go, be sure to stay through the credits or you’ll miss a real treat.
I’m giving it 3.5 reels out of 4.

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