Cloverfield isn't for everyone, but it's definitely for me.

Rating: 9/10 (17 January 2008)

I saw an advanced screening of Cloverfield on the 16th and came away from the movie both entertained and impressed. The movie, as I'm sure you all know, is shot entirely from a hand-held camera pov. Doing this took a lot of guts and I think that ultimately it pays off much more than just an easy on the eyes cookie cutter monster movie. Yes, there ARE sequences where you literally cannot see anything that is happening (specifically when the camera operator is running), but little glimpses of action and excellent use of off camera sound make for an even more effective film in my opinion. If The Bourne Ultimatum made you queasy with its shaky cam, then Cloverfield will send you into convulsions. However, I loved the film, and the realism stuck with me(On my drive home I half expected a monster to leap up and kick down the Sears Tower). Also, this movie has a great sense of humor from the character Hud, who spends most of his time off screen being the camera operator, but often finds opportunities for colorful one liners to lighten the mood. All in all, Cloverfield isn't a perfect movie, but it's definitely entertaining and the best attempt I've ever seen at this kind of film making (Blair Witch sucked!!!).