Succeeds beyond the hype

Rating: 8/10 (21 January 2008)

What a trip. The movie that was the hype-fest of 2007 has finally hit screens, and after the first viewing it left me wanting to see it again. For those of you who aren't quite sure what this movie is trying to do, it is a monster attack from the POV of the man on the street. 'Cloverfield' is the military codename for the event in the area formerly known as Central Park. It follows a group of young people as they are caught in the middle of this disaster, all caught on a camcorder. It feels like you are there. This is not a movie with your traditional plot, nor is it trying to be artful or dodgy. If the movie had a plot, it would have been ruined. Thus, being done as it is, it's immersive (if you don't mind the shakiness at times), intense and, dare I say, realistic.
Though it starts off a bit on the slow side, it gets in your face from the moment the city shakes from its arrival. People die in brutal ways, and their emotion is so real and guttural at times that you wish you could take a nuke to that beast to end their suffering.
The direction of this movie is done incredibly well for the chaotic scenario that it is. It doesn't feel directed at all, with the possible exception of the character "Hud", who is the guy with the camera. Though almost all of his interactions are behind the lens, he still has a great amount of character. His personality comes through even with the movement of the camera. He is comic relief, but you love him all the more for it.
You may be wondering how much of the monster you actually see. Well, I'm not going to spoil anything. But you won't be disappointed in this regard. Go see the film, who cares what people are saying about it, and make your own judgment. Cloverfield is the best monster attack movie ever. It leaves you wanting more.
Great job, Drew Goddard and Matt Reeves. Here's to hoping we see more out of you two.