You'll Either Love it or Hate It - I Loved It

Rating: 8/10 (18 January 2008)

NO SPOILERS!
I just got back from the midnight screening and I have to tell you how awesome I thought Cloverfield was. It is not surprising to see how many people are already bashing this movie. What is surprising though is why they are. People keep on complaining about the camera work and the way the movie ends. Let me ask those people this: What did you expect? It was pretty clear since the beginning that this movie was being filmed on a Handy-cam. So why expect still shots and Academy Award winning cinematography? I think the reason why people are giving this so much crap is because they were annoyed by all the buzz and just decided to lash out against the movie itself. I'm not saying that's the case with all of you guys, but I know there are those people out there that are like that.
If you haven't seen the movie yet, let me just give you some tips before you do. Don't go in expecting a typical monster movie with a beginning, middle, and end. Abrams and Reeves set out to redefine the monster movie genre and that is exactly what they do. They made this movie very unique, managing to stay away from a lot of the pitfalls and clichés that always manage to sneak into the other monster flicks.
I may just be the only person who enjoyed the camera work. Seeing it from the point of view of the people who went through it made it even more incredible and realistic. I hardly get scarred or jump in a movie, but this one definitely will cause a few jumps! However, if the whole shaky camera thing is not your cup of tea, then you have been warned (although you don't really need a warning). I did not find it distracting or nauseating like some people will say (overreacting of course), but I can understand how there are those of you out there who will not like it.
Secondly, be prepared to find that there is actually a human element involved in this film. The characters are so realistic it's hard to remember that they are just actors; they do such a great job of keeping the film going when they aren't running for their lives. Basically, the main character Rob is trying to find the girl he loves throughout this entire attack, going against the common sense of getting the hell out of there! And lastly, do not expect to have all your questions answered. I'm gonna try and not spoil anything here so I'll just say this: whatever the hell that monster is or where it came from is up in the air at this point.
Some of you may not like the ending. I found it fitting and strangely satisfying. Although, why people think there will be a sequel is beyond me.
Cloverfield is a very entertaining movie that manages to keep you on the edge of your seat most of the time and has a surprising amount of humor from cameraman Hud. The graphics are very well done, the monsters are refreshingly new and original, and overall the film kept me entertained. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, but if this sounds like something you will like then see it! 8/10