Abrams produced David Robert Mitchell’s new horror scare, The End of Oak Street. Mitchell is perhaps best known for his fan-favorite and inventive picture, It Follows, which ushered in a new age of horror fare. A sequel to the unique narrative is reportedly on its way, but before then, the director may deliver the most talked-about sci-fi movie of the year.
Since his early years producing cult classics such as Lost and Fringe, J.J. Abrams made a name for himself as the king of blockbuster sci-fi. His connection to these beloved works paved the way to Star Trek in one of the most solid sci-fi trilogies in recent memory. While the recent Star Wars saga films may not be as widely appreciated, Abrams still has a significant pop culture caché. The time has come for him to return to the big screen, and there is no better vehicle than The End of Oak Street.
The premise of the Ewan McGregor-led sci-fi movie includes the bold decision-making that the filmmaker is known for. Though he is not in the director’s chair, the concept has his fingerprints all over it. There was a time when fans – and characters – theorized that dinosaurs may be haunting the jungles of Lost. While that was proven to be false, Abrams finally has a chance to implement this big swing.
The End of Oak Street follows the typical suburban nuclear family of Greg (McGregor) and Denise (Anne Hathaway) along with their children, Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery). This idyllic home is thrown into chaos when their street is inexplicably transported into a primeval era. Accosted by varying breeds of dinosaurs, this story is Jurassic Park come to life. The only problem is that the Platt family can’t escape it. The trailer showcases a gun-toting Denise as her son wields a bow and arrow in an attempt to combat their new foes.
Reviews are in, and already critics are touting the movie as more than a dinosaur romp. The collaboration between Abrams and David Robert Mitchell seems to have yielded something utterly unique. It calls back to Abrams' early works such as Cloverfield, which was early in the mockumentary horror craze.
The End of Oak Street appears to capitalize on Abrams' brand of sci-fi fun while this time delivering something truly unexpected. The film promises to be what is exciting about Abrams’ projects and what has largely been missing from the theatrical experience as of late. The successes of The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day have proven that this is the summer for big swings, and this new dinosaur sci-fi feature may be just risky enough to work. Eternal Lost fans will be proud.
English (US) ·