Screenplay: Drew Goddard (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, LOST)Producer: J.J. Abrams (Alias, LOST, Fringe, Star Trek (2009)).4
Starring: Michael Stahl-David, T.J. Miller, Jessica Lucas, and Odette Yustman
Gross Revenue: $170,764,026 worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes Tomato meter: 76%
IMDB Rating: 7.4
People often complain of unoriginality in modern cinema, and how every new movie is a "remake" or an adaption of another material. People refute the quality of modern film making and just seem disappointed with every new release. Well, Cloverfield is a purely original film. Taking a new and modern approach to a familiar concept, it relaunches the monster movie genre in exciting new ways.
Cloverfield is a monster movie with a unique twist; it is told entirely from a hand-held camera. No professional camera moves here, it is shot as if one of the main characters was shooting it. I don't want to give too much away, because I believe in being surprised when watching a film for the first time. (Or even the second or third re-viewing). Basically, a group of college-age kids are attending a party, when a giant monster attacks New York City. One of the party-attenders, who was video taping the party, decides to record their venture as they try to survive the night. It is a visceral and emotional thrill ride.
What I love about this movie is how unique the camera work is. It literally looks like one of the main characters shot it. (In actuality, many scenes of the movie were filmed by the actors in order to generate authenticity). This even includes mundane things, such as the camera being pointed away from the actors' faces, and the screen being crooked and sideways. It really transports one to the center of the action, and it makes it feel as if the one is there experiencing this whole adventure. In response to claims of that the movie uses too much "shaky-cam" I say that it is what makes the movie work, and places it in a more modern context.
The acting is spot-on all around. J.J. Abrams made sure to cast only unknowns in the movie, so as to make the experience seem even more believable, which is does. It is hard to suspend one's disbelief enough if George Clooney was the one on screen, filming the monster through his home video camera. Unknown actors make it seem much more authentic. They really deliver authentic and natural performances that really add to the creepy feel of the movie, and make it seem more "real."
This is a great film, loved by critics and audiences alike. J.J. Abrams (In my opinion, the smartest man in entertainment today) really knows how to get audiences excited about a movie. He continues to make movies that are smart, funny, original, innovate, and supremely entertaining. His T.V. shows and movies are both incredible works of entertainment, and every new project he announces gets me very excited.
In summary, Cloverfield is one of the best modern day horror films, and one of my favorite of all time. It is an exciting and visceral emotional thrill ride, with a unique and exciting way of film making. Movies like Cloverfield give me confidence in modern cinema, and make me look excited to go the movies. 9/10
I finally watched this movie last night based on this review. I remember when it was in theaters I wanted to see it but I had forgotten about it until I read about it here. Great movie, it was a lot of fun to watch. The shaky camera style didn't bother me. I loved the premise of the movie being actual footage that was found. I liked that about the Blair Witch Project as well, but I felt like Cloverfield was more engaging. Maybe it wasn't as disturbing, but it told more of a story.
ReplyDeleteGood review, good flick, keep them coming.
Chris