Movie Review: Cloverfield

Cloverfield is the big monster movie that was more or less a small production ala being filmed on handheld camera; though with stunning special effects. Does this movie live up to all of the hype surrounding its quirky marketing campaign of mystery and secrets? Or its worldwide massive box office intake? Sure.

Cloverfield was directed by Matt Reeves and follows a group of young adults via their personal video camera as a beast attacks Manhattan. The large beasts comes with smaller creatures attached and dropping off of it and amongst all of the chaos these friends are on their way to save one of their friends in stead of evacuating.

I bet this movie was a treat to see on a big movie theater screen as I recall theaters posted warning signs about motion sickness issues. The camera is indeed shaky and all over the place, however it gives things a more intimate feel. Adding to the shaky camera is what is being captured: a sense action packed terror and some emotional, even romantic acting talent. The best way to sum up this movie is to compare it to a ride at Universal Studios; it would be the perfect attraction for their lot.

The camera work is not going to be for everyone, but even with a predictable ending it was an entertaining experience. Considering that the run time for the movie is less than an hour and a half everyone should be able t at least give the flick a chance.

I will note that since the characters are doing a lot of running in the movie the camera guy is often capturing shots of the ground and their shoes. The new girl spends a lot of time in her heels, taking them off finally to climb the steps of a building. Once they are in the building she tosses the shoes to the floor in a hall and abandons them, yet a few shots later when they are running again they are back on her feet. Perhaps shoes mix ups aren't generally noticeable, but in this case the fact that the camera is pointed down a lot brings the goof to the forefront.

Overall Cloverfield was a fun ride of an experience with some good acting performances.