Brilliant.

Rating: 8/10 (30 April 2013)

When the first indescribably spontaneous trailer for 'Cloverfield' previewed, Abrams and co. effectively threw the absorbent mystery net over the viewers. Releasing the brilliantly teasing two minute trailer of a ravaged national sculpture being tossed through NYC and supporting text other than 'Produced by J.J Abrams' - no movie title. Terrorist movie? Monster movie? Disaster movie? What we acquired about J.J's style from 'Lost' was that there were no limitations. This movie was spectacularly marketed. The opening character meet and greet serves a comfortable introduction to the characters who endure the mystery J.J has in store for them. Deciding on a slightly less recognisable cast really allowed the interest in the characters to flourish, with no John Mcclane's or James Bond's to assure us they'll get the girl and save the world. 'Cloverfield' is boldly portrayed, tensely gripping and since its release in 2008 has been a monster movie unrivaled (arguably until Abrams returned with 'Super 8' in 2011).
8/10.