Blair Witch meets Godzilla...and much much more

Rating: 7/10 (24 August 2010)

Cloverfield in a nutshell is a movie about a monster attacking Manhattan all seen through the eyes of 20-some-things hand-held camera. Cloverfield is probably the most intense monster film I've seen and keeps you right at the edge of you seats with several HOLY CRAP moments. The film is filmed entirely using shaky cam (much like blair witch project and indeed paranormal activity). The camera itself becomes a huge part of the film (kinda like a character) and boosts the authenticity and shock value you get while watching the film. Turning towards acting and it isn't the best acting you will see but it isn't supposed to be. It's supposed to come through as people who are filming each other while a big scary monster is attacking them and so maybe the acting is brilliant in a sense that it isn't supposed to be professional at all but more amateurish (home-made). The film is presented brilliantly throughout with no music/soundtrack to support it (i think the only piece of music you do hear is at the party right at the beginning). You never actually see the monster full-on but only from different angles which is the same thing the characters in the film are seeing which makes you feel like part of the film and as if you are actually there as well. Critics compare the film to Blair Witch Project meets Godzilla but for me it was much much more then that. Obviously looks it's best if seen on a big screen with surround sound and I would recommend anyone to see it again even if they have already done so just to enjoy the ride again. Cloverfield is an excellent film with some very complex special effect engineering but the acting isn't the best and maybe it spends too much time setting the scene at the start. There are also quite a few clichés but nevertheless it doesn't take away the fact that it is a brilliant brilliant watch...7/10