Cloverfield

Rating: 5/10 (3 May 2008)

A party given by Jason(Mike Vogel)to his brother, Rob(Michael Stahl-David)whose moving to Japan for a spell is interrupted when a rampaging monster wreaks havoc on New York City leaving absolute devastation in it's wake, while also "leaving behind" little creatures to terrorize citizens on foot. Through the use of a camcorder, operated by Rob's best friend Hudson(TJ Miller), we are witness to the monster's attack and how the city appears once it leaves for other areas to destroy. Following the monster's attack on the bridge they're walking, Rob decides to return to find his beloved Beth(Odette Yustman), who sends him a call claiming to have been hurt, with Marlena(Lizzy Caplan), an unfortunate victim attending the party, Lily(Jessica Lucas)a dear friend set up the party, and Hud, taping everything he can.
I think the most effective moments are when we witness the aftermath of the monster's rampage with a city crumbling with buildings and cars destroyed. The monster itself didn't really impress me, to tell you the truth, and perhaps should've been left to the imagination. The little creatures which seemed like off-spring from the monster were pretty creepy, especially when they attack our heroes in a subway tunnel. The bridge attack was a bit effective and the the smoke and terror on the faces of those who just witnessed their city attacked rather works. But, to tell you the truth, Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" was basically made in the same fashion, except for the "Blair Witch Project" type of "real footage found" governmental set-up. The city is attacked, we witness the carnage and horrified people, and follow certain protagonists as they try to move to a desired location. I agree with others that the camcorder used is top of the line and takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I do digress..I don't think Hud would follow behind Rob, or Marlena, for that matter. Being best friends is one thing, but returning to find someone that's very possibly dead, Hud wouldn't be criticized if he joined those being evacuated...although, I realize we wouldn't have the "Cloverfield experience" if that was the case. You can read on this site the numerous factual errors that are looked over in impacting the viewer like Beth's damaged building leaning against another skyscraper or the Statue of Liberty's head. As far as the constant dizzying movement, it didn't bother as much as others, but there were times where I wanted him to hold the damn thing still..I guess we must understand the situation Hud was facing and take it from there.