By CHRIS SURPRENANT
Arts Editor
Published August 30, 2011
In years past, the summer TV season has often amounted to endless nights of boorish, wholly unentertaining television. In the movie industry, the blockbusters have tended more towards bust. These have been the forces that normally drive the American public outside during the hot, humid weather. However, Summer 2011 has had great successes in both areas, which has greatly encouraged the inner couch potatoes in all of us. If given the chance, be ready for next summer by catching these hits in reruns!
Super 8
Directed by J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Fringe), along with Steven Spielberg, this sci-fi thriller is one that everyone can enjoy. Set in the late 1970’s, Super 8 centers around a group of
adolescents in the process of making a monster movie. One night, while filming by the train tracks, the group witnesses a colossal train wreck. After, strange events begin to plague the town, later found to be the result of an alien presence.
The film focuses on the theme of growing up and letting go, all while in the midst of a crisis. Joel Courtney, in the lead role of Joe Lamb, allows the character to grow from a child grieving over the loss of his mother, to an adolescent confident in his future. Leading lady Elle Fanning as Alice Dainard, too, gives a great performance as Joe’s love interest. Her affection towards Joe is incredibly natural. Providing the comic relief is pudgy Riley Griffiths, stealing every scene as bossy director Charles.
Super 8 manages to capture the innocence and imagination of childhood in the midst of the most exciting adventure any kid could ever ask for. Abrams is a talented director who is able to tell a taut alien adventure right alongside the classic story of finding one’s place in the world. Make sure to catch it on Netflix.
Crazy, Stupid, Love
For some male viewers, the title may be an automatic turnoff: a comedy that is crazy, stupid, and about love sounds like standard chick-flick fare. But don’t worry! Even if you do see it for your girlfriend’s sake, you won’t regret it. The film stars Steve Carrell, a comedic genius, so it’s automatically funny. Many male viewers will connect with his average, recently divorced character Cal Weaver.
While drowning his sorrows at a local bar, Cal meets womanizing barfly Jacob (Ryan Gosling), who shows Cal a thing or two about the opposite sex. Meanwhile, Jacob meets Hannah (Emma Stone), the one woman immune to his charms. Cal’s ex, Emily (Julianne Moore) also tries to lead her own life with David Lindhagen, played by none other than Kevin Bacon.
There are many twisted relationships in this world, but the ones portrayed by this group have got them all beat. Perhaps the sickest one belongs to Cal’s babysitter, Jessica, who is in love with Cal. She goes a bit too Twenty-first Century to show she cares, which leads to, you guessed it, more hilarity!
The chemistry among all the cast members is incredible. They all play off each other very naturally, and give great performances as people looking for answers. The big payoff is a huge family affair, literally involving every main character, and is by far one of the cleverest plot twists to date. Do yourself a favor and see Crazy, Stupid, Love. It’ll make you feel so incredibly normal, and will have your sides splitting from laughter.
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Check out the Best Surprises of Summer 2011: Television
