highly enjoyable, but could have been even better

Rating: 8/10 (18 January 2008)

the whole first person effect for this film really makes it a lot more adrenalin thumping. i also really liked how the monster is out of view most of the time as it really added to the suspense feel and gave me a better feel about how immense the monster was
just a pity about the actual storyline parts. while it was believable that a single person would return for a loved one even under the most perilous of circumstances, the chances that a whole bunch of other people would overcome the instinct to preserve their own lives and tag along, for me stretched the believability somewhat. even a monster movie needs to be structured in a believable way
i also felt the edit at the end was not so good. a film like this needs to go out on a big bang rather than a soppy whimper. BIG SPOILER *and after our cameraman gets chomped* we have to then wonder if extra movie time is going to enhance the film or not. for me the end came at the wrong moment
overall though, the monster was great (not sure about the mini ones though) and i enjoyed the film a lot. it was far better than 'the host' for example, a very similar Korean movie which surely must have influenced Cloverfield
the sound and effects in the film are absolutely first rate. and somehow the space that the monster occupies/destroys seems very real. the sound system at the theatre where i watched it was poor but when the monster smashed things it still sounded very cool, and as well as the heavy thumps you could almost hear the dust grains settling afterwards
i wasn't aware of the various websites and blogs that support the movie until after, so i've been enjoying those. i recommend everyone takes a look as it really gives the movie a heightened level of believability and depth when you read about the Japanese corporation behind it all, Tagruato, Slusho and the hints that the monster was awoken and seemingly chased by the military before it made it to Manhattan
overall a really brilliant film that has stayed with me for some time after viewing it, but it could have been even better imo had the actions of some of the central characters been a little more believable, and if they'd left the smaller critters out of the picture!