Fantastic, adrenalin-pumping, original - WOW!

Rating: 9/10 (20 January 2008)

My mind & body were still buzzing 12 hours after seeing this film. Not since "Raiders of the Lost Ark" has a movie taken me on such a wild ride!
If you've seen the trailer (and if you haven't, you're either dead or in jail) you know the premise: a small group of friends tries to survive when a giant monster attacks their city. The hand-held camera, lack of music, fantastic sound effects and sparse glimpses of the monster only add to the authenticity of the premise. "Alien" was the last great movie to successfully increase tension and fear by only briefly showing the creature.
Surprisingly, I also enjoyed the beginning of the film, which set the table for Rob's reasons for trying to save Beth, Hud's crush on Marlena, and Lily & Jason's relationship. I found Hud to be hilarious, and he provided some much needed comedic relief.
Critics who complain about the constantly shaking camera, lack of explanation for the monster, the overwhelming sense of chaos and the resolution, i.e. fate, of each character can't see the forest through the trees (pardon the cliché'). People, there is no better way to portray what the film's about! I compare it to disliking "Titanic" because it takes place entirely on a ship, or not liking "The Sopranos" because you don't like Italians. No matter how good it is, they won't like it, period.
For those who dislike the film for these reasons (and I heard a couple of dim-wits after the movie saying they hated it), check your calendar for the release date of "Rambo." That movie will appeal to movie-goers who like everything nicely explained, black or white and neatly wrapped up. Surely Rambo even kills someone! Go see it! And I'll stop calling you Shirley.
PS - Jessica Lucas, the actress who portrays Lily, is absolutely gorgeous!