Even before Star Wars, JJAbrams worked on science fiction films. After his Star Trek reboot, another science fiction film was released in which he worked with Steven Spielberg. Nowadays the series would be compared to Stranger Things.
Today JJAbrams is known for the Star Trek reboot and episodes 7 and 9 of Star Wars. In total he has only directed 6 films. Between the two Star Trek films, the director worked with another legendary director, Steven Spielberg.
Steven Spielberg not only produced the science fiction film Super 8, but also co-wrote the film’s screenplay with JJAbrams. JJAbrams directed it and the result was a film that today would most likely be compared to Stranger Things.
You can find more science fiction films here: The 13 best science fiction films according to IMDb
You can see the trailer for the film here:
Super 8 – Trailer for the forgotten science fiction film by JJAbrams
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The film is reminiscent of Stranger Things
A group of teenagers want to make a zombie film in a small town in the late 1970s. During the filming, the children witness a train accident, which they are even able to capture on camera. After the accident, unusual things happen and the military suddenly intervenes in the city.
Spielberg’s influence and style is evident from the start. A group of young people have to deal with things that are perhaps too big for them. Youthful curiosity and innocence are a big factor here. The mystery is also a big aspect and plays with science fiction elements and is reminiscent of the film ET
There are also allusions to classic films in the form of pop culture references.
Super 8 seems like a first version of Stranger Things. Even Deputy Jackson Lamb is reminiscent of Hopper. He also tries to solve the mystery on his own and assert himself against the military.
The film was a success for JJAbrams. According to Box Office Mojo, the film grossed approximately $260 million on a budget of $50 million. The film was also well received by critics, as you can see on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite its success, the film is nowadays rather underestimated and forgotten. JJAbrams is now more associated with Star Trek and the new Star Wars films. If you want to get your own impression of Super 8, you can watch the film with a Joyn subscription.
If you need more food before Stranger Things, you can take a look at this list: 9 series like Stranger Things