The Writer's Life 2/28 - Supers

When Super 8 arrived from Netflix, I did not recall why I’d added it to my watch list. I have no recollection of its theatrical release, either, although it did very well at the box office. It wasn't a mega-hit, but it brought it in 126 million on a budget of 50 mil in the U.S. alone. Written and directed by JJ Abrams, produced by Steven Spielberg, the influence of other films of the sci-fi/monster genre are obvious. Most of the characters are barely out of their teens. They are involved in making a zombie flick. While shooting during the middle of the night, a spectacular train wreck changes the course of the narrative. The emphasis is on thrills, not gore. There is much humor. The chaos of one particular household, full of kids, is quite amusing. The acting is endearing, especially in regard to the subplot of loss and forgiveness. Screen vets Ron Eldard and Kyle Chandler capably portray the most significant adults. The effects are solid. The monster is shot in such darkness that it is difficult to get a good look at it. This point is the subject of spirited debate at IMDb, some hating it, others stating it adds to the creepiness. I lean more to the former, as I’ve become frustrated with the darkness that characterizes a lot of works these days. I stopped watching ABC's Marvels Agents of Shield because of it. 257,000+ users have rated Super 8, forging to a consensus of 7.1 of ten. On a scale of five, I say three. Although its appeal is geared largely toward teens, the investment of two hours would not be wasted on other age groups. I hesitate to criticize by saying we’ve seen this before, as that can be said about almost any work, but it does show more in some than others, and that was the case here, at least for me.

The laugh of the day, other than the shenanigans of the Clinton Global initiative, came from the Weird But True column in the NY Post. Authorities pulled over a drunk driver, who said everything in the car was his - except anything that might be illegal. He must have meant the bag of cocaine that was found.

My thanks to the kind folks who bought books today, to the elderly Russian gentleman who donated five Danielle Steel paperbacks, and to Mike, a local Super, who offered to keep an eye on my wares while I drove my car around the corner, saving me the toil of lugging the crates a couple of hundred yards. Ralph purchased Nice Guys Finish First by Doug Sandler. It couldn't have to gone to a more appropriate customer. An attractive middle aged woman overpaid for a guide to pairs yoga. From the look of her svelte figure, I bet she puts it to good use.

Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/pdxwsnt

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/