*Directed by: Matt Reeves, J.J. Abrams
Written by: Drew Goddard
The Cast: Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T. J. Miller,
Michael Stahl, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Anjul Nigam,
Margot Farley
Theatrical Release: January, 18, 2008
Running Time: 85 min.
Genre: Action/ Mystery/ Sci-Fi/ Thriller
Rated PG-13*
When you see this film you may to say to yourself, what a stupid film that was the response I heard from a few members of the audience after the film. Moreover, however, there was some handclapping from a small number of the audience who obviously found this movie enjoyable. After watching this new sci-fi release of "Cloverfield" from directors J. J. Abbrams and Matt Reeves, I was" immediately reminded of another interesting horror movie entitled "The Blair witch Project." I say that because various scenes showed people taking pictures of the events around them, camera footages of people moving quickly along with a series of tapped sessions of friends gathering together.
In “Cloverfield” we see the same scenes as we saw in “The Blair witch Project” friends making video tapings of each other at a party, on the streets, and most sadly the images are taken in the last moments of their lives. Minutes later they meet their fate with death when they encounter a colossal and hideous alien monster and its accomplices that invade New York City, destroying everything, and everyone around them.
All of the actors in this movie are unknown, and certainly don’t deliver the best performances; however, "Cloverfield" is a movie that works quite well because of its enormous special effects, and sound effects along with a look-see at the creature and its accomplices. And its very realistic looking destruction it causes in the city. Most noticeable is the scene of the head of Statue of Liberty getting tossed about the streets by the invading monster.
As I mentioned earlier, "Cloverfield" is also noticeable because of its focus on a group of young adults that videotape they’re last hours on earth. And the thundering, and pounding sounds of a monster knocking down buildings, pulling people apart, along with a group of multiple legged stomach turning creatures that accompanies it and completes the same task of mayhem and destruction. That’s sums up this film. "Cloverfield" is your typical monster flick that manages to distinguish itself with a slight odd twist of adventure.
What is also enjoyable about this film, as I mentioned earlier, are the excellent sound and special effects, the sight of an unusual looking monster, and its accomplice species. This film manages to dull your interest at its onset, and suddenly pulls you in midway keeping your interest to the very end.
At the time that I saw this movie I said to myself, “it is unpredictable how “Cloverfield” will fare at the box office” but audiences can look forward to an entertaining monster flick with good direction by J. J. Abbrams, and Matt Reeves to say the least. As a matter of fact, “Cloverfield” did fairly well at the box office. You’ll find this movie to be very interesting if you’re a fan of monster movies.