An amazing monster movie, but not for everyone.

Rating: 9/10 (20 January 2008)

I'm just going to start out by saying this, if you want this movie to answer all your questions then you're going to be disappointed. This movie was not meant to give you all the answers; it leaves you to ponder your own explanations, just like the people in the movie. I actually enjoyed the fact that they explained so little because I prefer to come up with and debate my own theories. I also like how the movie ended because I don't think any other ending would have worked. I can understand why others wouldn't like it though, as it is kind of abrupt.
People also complain that the camera was too shaky and that it even made them sick. If you do have a weaker stomach you'll just need to stay a little ways away from the screen and shut your eyes for a few seconds if it gets to erratic for you. I never had this problem and I felt the shakiness of the camera makes you feel more like your in the hectic situations. A steady camera wouldn't make sense if it's being carried by someone who's an amateur and caught in the quakes of the giant monster's steps, explosions, gun fire, or pounce of smaller monsters.
As many have said before the special effects are amazing and I wasn't disappointed in the monster design. I don't see why anyone else would be disappointed by this as you do get to see the monster despite what some have claimed.
The characters in the movie reacted to the crisis, for the most part, like anyone would. Some of their decisions may seem a little iffy, but who can think straight in a situation like that? Overwhelming panic makes most people stupid.
To me the characters talked like normal people, so I don't understand why so many have said the dialogue was crap. Hud especially reminded me of an annoying close friend of mine with his comments, so I found him fairly amusing.
Several people have also mentioned that their quest was stupid and unrealistic, but if someone I deeply cared about was left behind I would go back for them no matter if it seemed suicidal or not. Maybe that's just me though.
Anyway, to sum up go see this movie if you like incredible thrills and won't get upset if you have to think up your own answers for questions that may arise. Don't go into the movie wanting it to go your own way, and simply enjoy it for the crazy ride that it is. I usually don't even like monster movies, but thought this one was great.