Frenetic and in-the-moment but ever-so-slightly one-note.

Rating: 6/10 (19 October 2018)

'Cloverfield (2008)' is an insular alien invasion film that puts its focus on its in-the-moment, frenetic action as our characters scramble to survive the large-scale situation in which they're placed. This is really all it does with any degree of certainty - or confidence, perhaps - as it lacks the character depth or narrative prowess to provide any deeper investment or, even, enjoyment. The hand-held, found-footage style is usually handled well and most of the piece is believable (a few dodgy effects aside). It's no more believable than it would've been if filmed traditionally, though, and the lack of any extra personality or intimacy, which could've quite easily come with such a conceit, makes it feel ever-so-slightly one note; it's certainly no 'Searching (2018)', that's for sure. However, there's entertainment to be had when the alien threat puts our core players - and almost, by extension, us - in real, hectic danger. 6/10