8 reasons SUPER 8 was Super Gr8

One of my favorite films of 2011, J.J. Abrams’ flashback/homage to the classic works of Spielberg taps into 4 essential components of his filmmaker’s late 70s to early 80s films:

1. panoramic, storybook skylines
2. extraterrestrials disrupting suburban, middle-class life
3. relational struggles between parent/child
4. excessive use of lens flare

You can just feel the entire film is a narrative expression of J.J. looking at Steven saying “I love you man!” However, the film isn’t just your typical, monster/alien-incursion-forces-coming-of-age-story… it also pulls our heartstrings with some pretty universal themes related to:

1. coping with loss
2. struggling with forgiveness
3. the need for reconciliation
4. being truly “known” by another

For a look at the film’s various elements contrast with parallel truths and important questions for our own lives, check out the video review.

Watch on YouTube or play/download/embed using the player below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS