Joe Johnston

Joseph Eggleston "Joe" Johnston II  is an American film director and former effects artist best known for his work on the Star Wars films, as well as directing special effects-heavy films such as Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Jumanji, The Rocketeer,  Jurassic Park III, and Captain America: The First Avenger.

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Star Wars (1977)

ClassicEpicAdventurousFuturistic

Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  George Lucas
CAST:  Mark Hamill  •  Harrison Ford  •  Carrie Fisher  •  Peter Cushing

Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  George Lucas
CAST:  Mark Hamill  •  Harrison Ford  •  Carrie Fisher  •  Peter Cushing

Hidalgo (2004)

DramaticPowerfulBeautifulEmotional

Set in 1890, this is the story of a Pony Express courier who travels to Arabia to compete with his horse, Hidalgo, in a dangerous race for a massive contest prize, in an adventure that sends the pair around the world...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Viggo Mortensen  •  Zuleikha Robinson  •  Omar Sharif  •  Adam Alexi-Malle

Set in 1890, this is the story of a Pony Express courier who travels to Arabia to compete with his horse, Hidalgo, in a dangerous race for a massive contest prize, in an adventure that sends the pair around the world...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Viggo Mortensen  •  Zuleikha Robinson  •  Omar Sharif  •  Adam Alexi-Malle

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

The scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Rick Moranis  •  Marcia Strassman  •  Matt Frewer  •  Kristine Sutherland

The scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Rick Moranis  •  Marcia Strassman  •  Matt Frewer  •  Kristine Sutherland

Jumanji (1995)

FantasticalFunnyOriginalSuspenseful

When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Robin Williams  •  Kirsten Dunst  •  Jonathan Hyde  •  Bonnie Hunt

When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Robin Williams  •  Kirsten Dunst  •  Jonathan Hyde  •  Bonnie Hunt

Jurassic Park III (2001)

In need of funds for research, Dr. Alan Grant accepts a large sum of money to accompany Paul and Amanda Kirby on an aerial tour of the infamous Isla Sorna. It isn't long before all hell breaks loose and the stranded wayfarers must fight for survival as a host of ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Sam Neill  •  William H. Macy  •  Téa Leoni  •  Trevor Morgan

In need of funds for research, Dr. Alan Grant accepts a large sum of money to accompany Paul and Amanda Kirby on an aerial tour of the infamous Isla Sorna. It isn't long before all hell breaks loose and the stranded wayfarers must fight for survival as a host of ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Sam Neill  •  William H. Macy  •  Téa Leoni  •  Trevor Morgan

October Sky (1999)

InspiringCharmingCleverBrainy

Based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes, and eventually became a NASA scientist.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Jake Gyllenhaal  •  Chris Cooper  •  Laura Dern  •  Chris Owen

Based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes, and eventually became a NASA scientist.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Jake Gyllenhaal  •  Chris Cooper  •  Laura Dern  •  Chris Owen

The Rocketeer (1991)

Action-packedFast pacedRomanticClassic

A stunt pilot comes across a prototype jetpack that gives him the ability to fly. However, evil forces of the world also want this jetpack at any cost.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Billy Campbell  •  Jennifer Connelly  •  Alan Arkin  •  Timothy Dalton

A stunt pilot comes across a prototype jetpack that gives him the ability to fly. However, evil forces of the world also want this jetpack at any cost.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Billy Campbell  •  Jennifer Connelly  •  Alan Arkin  •  Timothy Dalton

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Action-packedFantasticalFuturisticEpic

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Irvin Kershner
CAST:  Mark Hamill  •  Harrison Ford  •  Carrie Fisher  •  David Prowse

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Irvin Kershner
CAST:  Mark Hamill  •  Harrison Ford  •  Carrie Fisher  •  David Prowse

The Pagemaster (1994)

Tyler knows a lot about accidents. So much so, he is scared to do anything that might endanger him, like riding his bike, or climbing into his treehouse. While in an old library, he is mystically transported into the unknown world of books, and he has to try and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston  •  Pixote Hunt
CAST:  Macaulay Culkin  •  Christopher Lloyd  •  Patrick Stewart  •  Whoopi Goldberg

Tyler knows a lot about accidents. So much so, he is scared to do anything that might endanger him, like riding his bike, or climbing into his treehouse. While in an old library, he is mystically transported into the unknown world of books, and he has to try and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston  •  Pixote Hunt
CAST:  Macaulay Culkin  •  Christopher Lloyd  •  Patrick Stewart  •  Whoopi Goldberg

Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy (2004)

From the earliest versions of the script to the blockbuster debuts, explore the creation of the Star Wars Trilogy.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Kevin Burns  •  Edith Becker
CAST:  Robert Clotworthy  •  Kenny Baker  •  Jim Bloom  •  Leo Braudy

From the earliest versions of the script to the blockbuster debuts, explore the creation of the Star Wars Trilogy.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Kevin Burns  •  Edith Becker
CAST:  Robert Clotworthy  •  Kenny Baker  •  Jim Bloom  •  Leo Braudy

Not Safe for Work (2014)

Tom, a legal firm assistant, spots a suspicious man outside the court and follows him. Later, he gets trapped in a building with the same man who turns out to be a hitman.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Max Minghella  •  Eloise Mumford  •  Michael Gladis  •  Molly Hagan

Tom, a legal firm assistant, spots a suspicious man outside the court and follows him. Later, he gets trapped in a building with the same man who turns out to be a hitman.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Max Minghella  •  Eloise Mumford  •  Michael Gladis  •  Molly Hagan

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Slow movingAction-packedBoringBrilliant

During World War II, Steve Rogers is a sickly man from Brooklyn who's transformed into super-soldier Captain America to aid in the war effort. Rogers must stop the Red Skull – Adolf Hitler's ruthless head of weaponry, and the leader of an organization that intends ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Chris Evans  •  Hugo Weaving  •  Tommy Lee Jones  •  Hayley Atwell

During World War II, Steve Rogers is a sickly man from Brooklyn who's transformed into super-soldier Captain America to aid in the war effort. Rogers must stop the Red Skull – Adolf Hitler's ruthless head of weaponry, and the leader of an organization that intends ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Chris Evans  •  Hugo Weaving  •  Tommy Lee Jones  •  Hayley Atwell

The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Spring Break Adventure (1999)

In the sixth film in the series, in February 1916, high school student Indy's plan of taking his girlfriend Nancy is sidetracked when a mysterious break-in, the theft of an electric motor, and rumors of German spies result in a mystery that only young Indy and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston  •  Carl Schultz
CAST:  Sean Patrick Flanery  •  Lloyd Owen  •  Ronny Coutteure  •  Robyn Lively

In the sixth film in the series, in February 1916, high school student Indy's plan of taking his girlfriend Nancy is sidetracked when a mysterious break-in, the theft of an electric motor, and rumors of German spies result in a mystery that only young Indy and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston  •  Carl Schultz
CAST:  Sean Patrick Flanery  •  Lloyd Owen  •  Ronny Coutteure  •  Robyn Lively

From 'Star Wars' to 'Jedi' : The Making of a Saga (1983)

From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga is a 1983 television documentary special that originally aired on PBS. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the original Star Wars trilogy, with particular emphasis on the final film, Return of the Jedi. ...  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  George Lucas  •  Mark Hamill  •  Carrie Fisher  •  Harrison Ford

From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga is a 1983 television documentary special that originally aired on PBS. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the original Star Wars trilogy, with particular emphasis on the final film, Return of the Jedi. ...  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  George Lucas  •  Mark Hamill  •  Carrie Fisher  •  Harrison Ford

The Giant's Dream: The Making of the Iron Giant (2016)

A documentary about how the critically acclaimed film wound up being a box office disappointment, only to become regarded as a classic over a decade after its initial release.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Anthony Giacchino
CAST:  Brad Bird  •  Allison Abbate  •  Vin Diesel  •  John Walker

A documentary about how the critically acclaimed film wound up being a box office disappointment, only to become regarded as a classic over a decade after its initial release.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Anthony Giacchino
CAST:  Brad Bird  •  Allison Abbate  •  Vin Diesel  •  John Walker

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe (2014)

A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  Robert Downey Jr.  •  Chris Hemsworth  •  Chris Evans  •  Mark Ruffalo

A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  Robert Downey Jr.  •  Chris Hemsworth  •  Chris Evans  •  Mark Ruffalo

The Wolfman (2010)

Lawrence Talbot, an American man on a visit to Victorian London to make amends with his estranged father, gets bitten by a werewolf and, after a moonlight transformation, leaves him with a savage hunger for flesh.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Benicio del Toro  •  Anthony Hopkins  •  Emily Blunt  •  Hugo Weaving

Lawrence Talbot, an American man on a visit to Victorian London to make amends with his estranged father, gets bitten by a werewolf and, after a moonlight transformation, leaves him with a savage hunger for flesh.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston
CAST:  Benicio del Toro  •  Anthony Hopkins  •  Emily Blunt  •  Hugo Weaving

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms—where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston  •  Lasse Hallström
CAST:  Mackenzie Foy  •  Keira Knightley  •  Morgan Freeman  •  Helen Mirren

When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms—where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Johnston  •  Lasse Hallström
CAST:  Mackenzie Foy  •  Keira Knightley  •  Morgan Freeman  •  Helen Mirren

Phil Tippett: Mad Dreams and Monsters (2019)

An in-depth, sad, and beautiful documentary about the stop motion and VFX artist Phil Tippett, a man who changed the landscape of visual effects in film.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Gilles Penso  •  Alexandre Poncet
CAST:  Paul Verhoeven  •  Joe Dante  •  Phil Tippett  •  Jon Berg

An in-depth, sad, and beautiful documentary about the stop motion and VFX artist Phil Tippett, a man who changed the landscape of visual effects in film.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Gilles Penso  •  Alexandre Poncet
CAST:  Paul Verhoeven  •  Joe Dante  •  Phil Tippett  •  Jon Berg

Rocketeer: Excitement in the Air (1991)

American TV-Special hosted by Bill Campbell, star of "The Rocketeer". A sneak peak at the film "The Rocketeer" with behind the scenes interviews and meeting "real-life rocketeers".  (more)

DIRECTION:  Douglas Burnet
CAST:  Billy Campbell  •  Jennifer Connelly  •  Joe Johnston  •  Timothy Dalton

American TV-Special hosted by Bill Campbell, star of "The Rocketeer". A sneak peak at the film "The Rocketeer" with behind the scenes interviews and meeting "real-life rocketeers".  (more)

DIRECTION:  Douglas Burnet
CAST:  Billy Campbell  •  Jennifer Connelly  •  Joe Johnston  •  Timothy Dalton
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