I had heard good things about the movie “Super 8,” but was determined to like it simply because Joel Courtney plays a leading role. Who is Joel Courtney? A kid from Moscow, ID who is a member at a sister church. I don’t know Joel personally, but the simple fact that people I know know him is kind of cool (for an even better take on this, go here). I was eager to see how this young man did in his first acting gig, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. Joel was terrific. In fact, all of the kids did a great job in their respective roles, which really makes the movie. But the writing and story work well, too, so the cast had something to work with. There might be a couple of plot holes here and there, but they aren’t glaring. Or it could just be that I’m not smart enough to figure some details out the first time around (maybe I’ll have to go see it again). Comparisons have been made between this film and some of Steven Spielberg’s other works such as “E.T.” or “The Goonies.” I still remember seeing “E.T.” in the theater. I still remember how much I enjoyed “The Goonies” the first time I saw it on VHS. “Super 8” captures the essence that made these so enjoyable, and give us another rollicking tale of young kids who unwittingly stumble into an adventure that goes far beyond what they would have imagined. But the movie works precisely because the events are happening to imaginative kids, and so I’m willing to go on the adventure with them, and believe that they can do some extraordinary things. I’d be curious to know how many thirty-somethings (such as myself) enjoy this movie precisely because it reminds us of some of the movies that we imbibed in our formative movie years back in the 80s.
As to the movie itself, I don’t want to really give anything away. I will say that I liked the Romeo and Juliet theme that emerged; as well as the subtle Alice in Wonderland motif that seems to be there. For more astute movie connoisseurs (which I am not), they’ll probably catch references to some of Spielberg’s past works. This isn’t a movie for young kids. It’s PG-13 for a reason, so take that into account. I can’t imagine taking someone younger than 12 years old to see it. That being said, go and see “Super 8.” Simply go to enjoy the movie, because it’s a lot of fun. And go to enjoy Joel Courtney’s performance, because, at least for me, that alone makes the movie worth seeing.