DVD Review - Cloverfield
I remember when I first heard about this movie - there was this cryptic trailer that was associated with producer J. J. Abrams. So of course that got people talking.So when I managed to get the DVD to review I was both aprehensive and excited to see what the hype was all about.
The movie is about a group of friends in New York getting together to have a going away party for one of their own when strange things begin happening in the city.
The movie is told from the point of view of one of the characters holding a video camera. Much like the Blair Witch Project, we see the story unfold as if we are part of the group, via the camera.
The movie revolves around the "attack" of the city by a large monster that we never really get a clear view up until nearer the end of the movie, and the friend's attempts at getting out of Manhattan using any means possible.
What I liked most about this movie was how they made it so you believe you are really watching a movie that some guy taped using nothing more than a simple hand held DVR. (We now know that this wasn't the case, based on interviews the the films cast and crew).
This unique film style really helsp you believe that what you are seeing has in fact happened. Not only that but the special effects tie into the movie quite nicely and aren't obviously faked. In other words you do believe that the creature you see on the screen was in fact in NYC at some point.
My only problem with the movie was that it was too authentic. There were situations when the characters were running and you couldn't see a damn thing. I could only imagine how muny turned stomachs there were in the movie theater watching this.
The other problem I had was that the first 15 or 20 minutes kind of dragged. Of course it's the typical footage you'd see at a party - a bunch of people standing around and talking, and the videographer goes around asking people to give their thoughts on the guest of honor. I felt that whole part could have been shorter.
But when things really start happening, after the mini earthquake, the pace really doesn't slow down which is good.
There are parts of this movie where you wonder "WTF - what are you doing?" but then again you have to wonder what you'd do if you found yourself in such an unbelievable and stressful situation.
The end of the movie is sad because just when you think they are going to make it - that they are going to get out of the city, you realize they don't. I'll just leave it at that.
If you liked Blair Witch, you'll love Cloverfield. If you like Godzilla/King Kong/Jurassic Park you'll probably like this movie too. If you aren't into seeing large otherworldy creatures beating up on America then you probably don't want to watch this move.
Overall I give this move an A.
PS, if you do rent or buy the DVD - check out the bonus features. It's only then do you realize that this creature is only a baby.
A baby? Are you kidding me? How big are the parents???
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