Watch: Full Trailer For J.J. Abrams' 'Super 8' Looks Flat-Out Terrific

by Oliver Lyttelton
March 11, 2011 1:25 AM
8 Comments

Summer movie season, consider yourself saved. While a few of the summer movies are yet to show their wares, most of the big movies have debuted a trailer of some kind, and most have disappointed -- "Green Lantern," "Pirates 4," "Thor," "The Hangover 2," "Cars 2," all underwhelming to one degree or another. But, fresh from easily looking the strongest of the Super Bowl movie ads, J.J. Abrams' secretive "Super 8" has finally debuted a full clip, and it looks just as great.

Kicking off with the logo for Amblin Entertainment, Steven Spielberg's mostly defunct production company which serves as a kind of byword for a certain kind of family-driven entertainment, seems like as good a statement of intent as any, and the kind of kid-friendly sci-fi-romance-comedy-horror blend that J.J. Abrams has been promising is most in evidence in this clip than in the others.

It's lending quite heavily on atmosphere, a tease more than a hard sell, and that's kind of the way we like it -- there's more than enough to hook us, but we don't feel that we've already seen the whole movie, and in an ideal world, this would be all the footage we'd see before the film's release, although it's probably unlikely. Abrams' directorial skills, which took a big leap in "Star Trek," seem to have developed further -- he's channeling Spielberg, to be sure, but there are worse people to channel.

The period details are engrossing, but without being over-egged (indeed, the closest thing we can compare it to is a sci-fied up version of "Freaks & Geeks"), the cast look strong, and there's a mix of awe and wonder in just about a perfect balance. Maybe it's lacking the single iconic money shot that so many summer trailers rely on, but it seems that Abrams is happy to do things in a more old fashioned way here.

It remains to be seen whether "Super 8" will be able to compete against its better-known competition -- it's certainly fighting an uphill battle, but few people have their pulse so firmly on the audience than Abrams, and we're confident that it'll capture people's imaginations. We'll find out when the film hits theaters on June 10th. [HitFix]

More: Films, Super 8

8 Comments

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LA2000 | March 12, 2011 1:05 AMReply

In terms of trailer execution, this looks to be the "Inception" of 2011. Classy and intriguing from start to finish.

Funny how rare that is these days.

It will, without a doubt, have a monster opening by the standards of a non-sequel, live action original screenplay project.

That record is currently held by "Avatar" at $77 million. With proper handling, this looks like it could surpass that.
Mr. Arkadin | March 11, 2011 10:05 AMReply

@1:42 min

random booty shot ftw...

I guess this trailer has something for everyone.

GOOO! (screamed the black man who - like so many before him - most likely won't survive this film lawl)
starway2001 | March 11, 2011 7:57 AMReply

Holy shit, I'm so there!
Christopher Bell | March 11, 2011 5:00 AMReply

Holy crap, this DOES look terrific.
Paul | March 11, 2011 3:53 AMReply

I've found my flick of the summer!

Feels like classic Spielberg!
Is NOT a prequel/sequel/remake/adaptation so I have no idea what direction it's going to follow.
It's a movie that could influence kids to try & make movies on FILM & not just flip on a 5D & call it a movie.

All in all, this & Tree of Life should equal a good summer!
stephen smith | March 11, 2011 2:40 AMReply

That just made me feel about 10 years old, can't wait.
Cory Everett | March 11, 2011 2:21 AMReply

God, this looks great. I hope it works.
Annie | March 11, 2011 1:52 AMReply

Coach! Had me sold with his VO alone