This document analyzes common themes, techniques, and story elements across three films directed by J.J. Abrams: Mission Impossible 3, Star Trek, and Super 8. It finds that all three films open with action, feature a "mystery box" plot device, involve the disruption of a happy family, focus on themes of loyalty and loss of innocence, are set in the science fiction genre, involve the death of a loved one, center around protagonists working against the odds and authority, use timers or countdowns as plot devices, employ ensemble casts working as a group, include flashbacks or flash forwards, feature damsels in distress and white male protagonists with strong female secondary characters, and utilize c