It Knows What It Is - A Tremendously Entertaining Ride

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2020)

Back when found-footage/mockumentary genre was alive and kicking, out also came "Cloverfield", which has kept its place among the better examples of the now almost extinct horror subgenre. And, very importantly, years later, a movie universe was built on it - "10 Cloverfield Lane" (2016) and "The Cloverfield Paradox" (2018) are the ones. "Cloverfield" was also Matt Reeves's start for an amazing run which hasn't stopped yet, for we are all currently waiting (im)patiently for "The Batman". Perhaps "Cloverfield" can't be called very sophisticated, thoughtful or a prime example of realism, but it is without a doubt one of the most thrilling and fun found-footage horror movies ever made, along with REC, The Troll Hunter etc.
In its first 20 minutes, "Cloverfield" introduces the group of characters whose fates we're going to witness tonight, it does so via main character's going away party. Even before any real threat has presented itself, the movie feels fast and dynamic, tagging along with no problems whatsoever. When the mysterious monster strikes, it's mostly all-out action and tension till the very end. There are a couple intermissions, of course, but all in good traditions. The hand-held cinematography, trying to pass the feel realism, does feel faux quite often, and some situations have characters doing actions that are questionable, but even in the light of these flaws the entertainment value is impossible to ignore. "Cloverfield" is also one of those rare found-footage movies that feel, look (and are) expensive - a galore of special effects and lots of destroyable scenery. I've heard people complaining about the casting - personally I thought all the performances were fine and above, I couldn't care less if they are "too good looking". Young people in the same age group, it's more or less justified in the plot. "Cloverfield", as a singular unit, works well on all levels and succeeds at most of the tropes it utilizes, even if they are clichÃ©.
I believe that this film - and many of its genre relatives - should be viewed as an adventure, a rollercoaster ride, a walk in the haunted house, call it what You will. It's big, loud and feels packed, but ultimately works on simple terms. Unless you get dizzy easily, enjoy the trip. My rating: 8/10.