Long before Disclosure Day was a thought in anyone’s mind, Steven Spielberg helped bring to life another sci-fi thriller that people loved slightly more than his latest movie. Even though the acclaimed director wasn’t behind the camera, there’s no denying that it definitely had that old-school, Spielberg glow to it, as it easily resembled some of his earlier work. Blending elements of E.T., The Goonies, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the film was a box office smash, and now, it’s once again poised to become a hit on streaming.
Released in 2011, J.J. Abrams took point on the coming-of-age sci-fi thriller set in 1979, which Spielberg co-produced through Amblin Entertainment. Featuring a strong emotional core that added a lot of depth to the picture alongside all the action, it was led by a strong ensemble cast made up of a crop of young actors who have all come into their own since its release. Grossing $260 million at the box office, the nostalgic favorite is a phenomenal blend of mystery and sci-fi that’s not to be missed.
Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams Struck Gold With Their Sci-Fi Blockbuster
Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney in Super 8Paramount Pictures
Starring Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Riley Griffiths, Gabriel Basso, and Kyle Chandler, Super 8 hit theaters on June 10, 2011, and immediately won over the masses. Taking place in the fictional town of Lillian, Ohio, the film begins with a group of young teenagers who set out to make their own zombie movie. They get more than they bargain for when they witness a massive train derailment that thrusts them into a series of unexplained events that all leads to a monstrous cover-up.
Mixing childhood friendship drama with large-scale sci-fi suspense, Super 8 – at its core – is a movie about growing up under pressure. Joe (Courtney) is dealing with the loss of his mother, which is tough at any age, let alone 14. This puts a strain on his relationship with his father, Deputy Sheriff Jack Lamb (Chandler), who already doesn’t approve of his son’s friendship with Alice (Fanning). Toss in a little romance, and you have everything you need for a movie about first love, friendship, and loyalty, set against the backdrop of a sci-fi spectacle.
Needless to say, viewers appreciated Abrams and Spielberg’s efforts to deliver a nostalgic adventure movie, as Super 8 holds a strong audience score of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. Compare it to Disclosure Day, which has a 70% rating on the Popcornmeter, and it’s obvious which is the clear favorite. Critics also preferred Super 8 slightly more, as it’s Certified Fresh with an 81% rating, while Disclosure Day currently sits at 80%.
‘Super 8’ Returns to Streaming Next Month
For those that don’t already have Super 8 in their physical media collection (and you really should) but want to enjoy all the excitement of the 2011 sci-fi adventure, you’re in luck. The film is being added to Paramount+ as part of their July lineup of movies, joining other such favorites as the underrated Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Good Morning, Vietnam, Tremors, and the entire Expendables franchise.
Release Date
June 10, 2011
Runtime
112 minutes
