rating:
(out of
4 stars)United States; 2008
Directed by Matt Reeves; produced by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk; written by Drew Goddard
Starring Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman
Wow! I did not expect a film intense as 'Cloverfield' before walking in. To be honest, for me this is the first modern monster film that works. Filmed as 'The Blair With Project' with visual effects, this is as realistic a film containing a monster as big as a skyscraper can get. It is also an argument that films really should be seen on the big screen.
The film starts by explaining that we are about to see the footage found on a place formerly known as Central Park. We are introduced to Jason (Mike Vogel), who makes a video for his brother Rob (Michael Stahl-David), about to go to Japan. He is taping it over one of Rob's home videos in which he films a day one month earlier together with Beth (Odette Yustman). From time to time we "accidentally" see footage of that day too.
Jason does not really wants to make a video, although his girlfriend Lily (Jessica Lucas) keeps persisting. He talks Rob's best friend Hud (T.J. Miller) into taking over, and he agress since his crush Marlena (Lizzy Caplan) is there. Now he's got a reason to talk to her. While doing that something what seems to be an earthquake is hitting Manhattan and we follow these six characters outside, where the earthquake turns out to be something alive instead.
Hud keeps the camera rolling while the group tries to get off the island. Here they follow the big group of people, and the handycam effectively captures the fear and chaos in Manhattan. Sometimes the viewer gets glimpses of the creature doing the damage. Later some members of the group decide to help a friend, stuck in her house. Hud still films, showing the military fighting the creature, and again, the realistic aspect is as high as possible.
In the end 'Cloverfield' follows the same basic rules as 'The Blair With Project', but changes the mystery into a monster film. I have great admiration for both films, but 'Cloverfield' stands out in its own genre. It is hard to do this kind of film the right way. Mysteries and thrillers are often done right. Many people will not expect anything good, but believe me, this film is just that.