Super 8 (2011 film)
| Super 8 | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | J.J. Abrams |
| Written by | J.J. Abrams |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Larry Fong |
| Edited by | |
| Music by | Michael Giacchino |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release dates |
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Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $50 million |
| Box office | $260.1 million |
Super 8 is a 2011 American science fiction thriller film written and directed by J.J. Abrams and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. The film stars Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, and Kyle Chandler in lead roles. Set in 1979, the plot follows a group of young teenagers who witness a mysterious train derailment while filming their own Super 8 movie. As strange occurrences unfold in their small Ohio town, they realize that something dangerous has been unleashed from the train.
Filmed in Weirton, West Virginia, Super 8 blends elements of mystery, science fiction, and coming-of-age drama, drawing comparisons to iconic films like E.T. and The Goonies for its nostalgic tone, while offering a darker twist on those familiar themes. Released on June 10, 2011, Super 8 received positive reviews from critics and was a moderate box office success, grossing over $260 million worldwide.
Super 8 received 4 nominations at the 17th Critics' Choice Awards, including Best Action Movie and Best Young Actor/Actress (Fanning). The film received 8 nominations at the 38th Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film, and won 3 awards – Best Director (Abrams), Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Courtney) and Best Music (Michael Giacchino). Fanning also received a nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards.