Super 8

The second tribute to the Spielberg catalog of space movies this year, after Paul. It’s a nostalgia soup, focused more on invoking memories of the past than actually producing a compelling narrative. It’s very well-made, the performances are good and it’s enjoyable. But the plot lacks sophisticated science fiction. The alien’s methods and motives are unclear, and the conclusion is harried and muddled. Even the attempts at Spielbergian sentiment feel rushed and clumsy; an imitation rather than the genuine article. It’s still a good movie, though. Maybe attempting to emulate classic movies will at least yield a good movie? Here’s hoping J.J. Abrams will move on from flattery and into individuality.