Rating of
3.5/4
The Godzilla Documentary: Cloverfield
Alex - wrote on 01/23/08
[update: Just saw this again for the second time. It was as good as the first (well, almost - I was not in a huge theater). A real go-getter of a movie. It may not stand the test of time with many people. But for me it will. Good script, good acting, and the non Hollywood ending topped it off.]
The good thing about Cloverfield is that it is a complete experience. To be more specific, from when the teaser trailer first hit the internet and theaters, it sucked movie lovers in and it got them talking. Then JJ Abrams name was attached to it (though he merely produced it and neither wrote it or directed it as many would have you to believe). This stirred up more buzz and excitement. And finally, the movie was released after numerous promo pieces detailing destruction were released. Unlike Godzilla, this movie exceeds on a high level.
Let's be honest the story is 100% copied (Godzilla, King Kong). Even the way the story is told is copied (Blair Witch). But, when you combine the two, you get a fresh, creepy, suspenseful feel that is better than Blair Witch and is the best monster movie since 1933. Granted, the shaky cam is not for everyone nor is the sometimes unbelievable consequences and actions (there is no way he would have left the camera on during those instances). Despite some of the short comings and believability issues - I didn't care. I thought it was a hell of a film that felt real. I also loved the fact that there were no cop outs, no B.S. heroics, and no Hollywood endings.
If you like something different in your camera style and can't wait to see a sci-fi that is a little different, than this is for you!
