Does what it's doing well, but what the hell IS it doing?

Rating: 7/10 (11 February 2008)

Went to see this film last night with almost zero idea of what to expect, and ended up enjoying it. It's certainly like nothing I've seen before, and I think that the filmmakers pulled it of well. Experiencing events as the main characters do, not having any extra knowledge to them, really sucks you into the proceedings, disorientates you, and leaves you gasping for explanations... which unfortunately, you never get!
In parts the film is certainly an awesome experience. The effects combined with the direction of events on screen lead to some pretty intense spectacle (reminds me of some of the better video games coming out at the moment, which really make you feel like your right in the middle of some unbelievable action). The sound effects are brilliant, and definitely worthy of special attention. The ominous thumps and screams of the main monster at the start of the action, the sound of the cables on the bridge coming loose, the intensity of the marines gunfire, are a few of the noises used to set the scene and the mood.
I thought that the film starts well, brings you into what should be a completely unbelievable world excellently, and then goes from strength to strength for the first half or so (up till about the point they find Beth). Then like so many films with good set-ups, it all falls apart "like a Chinese motorcycle". The last half hour is COMPLETE GARBAGE. A few predictable, clichéd moments linked by running, explosions and "I love yous". While incredible sights, sounds and set-pieces, are what I remember from the beginning/middle of the film, when I think back to the end of the film, it's stupid, predictable, pointless moments trying to give the film some drama and emotion and failing terribly; i.e., finding the helicopter out of the blue, the monster taking the helicopter out with wild lunge, Hud getting some very personal treatment, and the truly awful, awful ending ("Oh I love you really"... KABOOM! - Death).
Hats off to the filmmakers though for trying something differently. Also, you've got to admire the technicalities of the film. However, it's got no substance, no intellectual stimulation, and no soul. Still, if you want to go "ooohh...aaahh" for an hour and then marvel at some truly terrible Hollywood plot twists/ending, then give it a go! 7/10