Remember Close Encounters Of The Third Kind? How about E.T.? How about Jaws for that matter? All these classic films had two things in common. 1; They were made in the height of 70s cinema, and 2; They were made by Spielberg. What does this have to do with Super 8? Check the trailer...
The story, set in the 70s, revolves around a young boy and his friends as they partake in their monster movie making activities. Their movies are made on a super 8 camera, hence the title. One night while doing this, these kids witness the derailing of a military train. Only this train's cargo may have mysterious origins. If you liked Close Encounters and/or E.T., your gonna like this movie. This film practically oozes with 70s Spielberg-esque nostalgia, and that's a great thing.
There are a few problems with the film though. While I reminisced over my similar origins these kids have (i recall the Hi 8 films I made in school), a couple of them are just too annoying, so much so you don't really care what happens to them. That is balanced out hoever with some great performances and scenes involving the kids' fathers. One of the best scenes of the film, in fact, involves the two fathers in a quiet scene in a jeep.
The one big problem though was a missed opportunity. While I completely understand what J.J. Abrams was going for with the climax of the story, there would have been a far more complex and heartfelt ending that pretty much stares you in the face. I cant say much more that that without giving anything away, but let's just say that the creature Abrams has created coud have used some more fleshing out.
And speaking of the creature, Abrams seems to have a fetish for this type of monster design. If you've ever seen Cloverfield, you'll know what I mean.
All in all Super 8 is a fine film, with a nostalgic taste to it you can appreciate. While there are missed opportunities and a few characters you don't really care about, it's still very enjoyable and worth the ride.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
X-Men: First Class definitely has class
As the summer movie circuit continues on, I found myself in front of a screen about to show a fifth installment in a film series based off my lifelong favorite comic book series... X-Men.
X-Men: First Class is a prequel (or perhaps all out reboot, more on that later) that traces the epic origins of the 2 core characters of the 60+ year history of the comics; Xavier and Magneto. Set during the mid 60s cuban missile crisis, we are introduced to a handful of new and old mutant characters that set the stage for the epic tale to come. It was this dynamic that got me into the theatre seat, and I'm so glad that not did not disappoint.
You see, the original trilogy never felt like an X-Men story. Not fully. Yes you had the team battling the Brotherhood, yes you had Shakespearian actors Patrick Stewert and Ian Mckellen, and of course there was Wolverine. But the essence of the story's existence was never felt. And don't get me started on whatever that Wolverine movie was supposed to be.
X-Men was conceived as an allegory to racism an human rights movements. At its heart you have the idealistic Charles Xavier (a la Martin Luthor King) vs the emotionally impacted and bleaker Magneto (a la Malcom X), best friends yet bitter rivals in their ideals. In the looming war between man and mutant, which side will you choose?
This is the first film that actually goes the distance to making you ask yourself that question. It raises the calibre of the film to such heights I'd even rate it near quality of say, The Dark Knight or Watchmen.
There are a couple problems with it of course. They introduced relationship dynamics that make no sense plot wise (Mystique and Beast romantically involved?). The ages of a couple characters come into question (Why is Alex Summers, Cyclops' YOUNGER brother, in his 20s during the 60s?). Azazel is in it for seemingly no reason but to have a Nightcrawler-esqe character (plus he's technically not a mutant). And then there is the character of Emma Frost. Granted I've not really seen January Jones' other work, but her performance in this is beyond stale. While visually looking the part, she does not give the character justice, not even close.
It's James Mcavoy and Michael Fassbender, Xavier and Magneto respectively, that make the film though, and I find myself looking forward to Fassbender's future work.
Now, this film, through its plot, manages to actually go so far as to completely erase X-Men 3 and Wolverine. They did not happen. The question is still out on wether the first 2 films are also forgotten (in which case my earlier points on character ages and romances could be forgiven). I could very well see this going on to be its very own franchise story. But in terms of story structure, pacing, and theme, as my title already said, this film most certainly has class.
X-Men: First Class is a prequel (or perhaps all out reboot, more on that later) that traces the epic origins of the 2 core characters of the 60+ year history of the comics; Xavier and Magneto. Set during the mid 60s cuban missile crisis, we are introduced to a handful of new and old mutant characters that set the stage for the epic tale to come. It was this dynamic that got me into the theatre seat, and I'm so glad that not did not disappoint.
You see, the original trilogy never felt like an X-Men story. Not fully. Yes you had the team battling the Brotherhood, yes you had Shakespearian actors Patrick Stewert and Ian Mckellen, and of course there was Wolverine. But the essence of the story's existence was never felt. And don't get me started on whatever that Wolverine movie was supposed to be.
X-Men was conceived as an allegory to racism an human rights movements. At its heart you have the idealistic Charles Xavier (a la Martin Luthor King) vs the emotionally impacted and bleaker Magneto (a la Malcom X), best friends yet bitter rivals in their ideals. In the looming war between man and mutant, which side will you choose?
This is the first film that actually goes the distance to making you ask yourself that question. It raises the calibre of the film to such heights I'd even rate it near quality of say, The Dark Knight or Watchmen.
There are a couple problems with it of course. They introduced relationship dynamics that make no sense plot wise (Mystique and Beast romantically involved?). The ages of a couple characters come into question (Why is Alex Summers, Cyclops' YOUNGER brother, in his 20s during the 60s?). Azazel is in it for seemingly no reason but to have a Nightcrawler-esqe character (plus he's technically not a mutant). And then there is the character of Emma Frost. Granted I've not really seen January Jones' other work, but her performance in this is beyond stale. While visually looking the part, she does not give the character justice, not even close.
It's James Mcavoy and Michael Fassbender, Xavier and Magneto respectively, that make the film though, and I find myself looking forward to Fassbender's future work.
Now, this film, through its plot, manages to actually go so far as to completely erase X-Men 3 and Wolverine. They did not happen. The question is still out on wether the first 2 films are also forgotten (in which case my earlier points on character ages and romances could be forgiven). I could very well see this going on to be its very own franchise story. But in terms of story structure, pacing, and theme, as my title already said, this film most certainly has class.
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