We may be only three weeks into 2008, but the J.J. Abrams Sci-Fi thriller, Cloverfield (Bad Robot/Paramount), is already a nominee for most anticipated movie of the year. The hype began in July 2007, after movie goers witnessed a very subtle and mysterious trailer that was previewed before Transformers. For months, the title of the film was unknown, as the viral advertisements commenced in true J.J. Abrams fashion. Did this unique first person-esque, camcorder style movie live up to its hype?The level of enjoyment you will get out of this movie depends entirely on what you expect from it. Cloverfield is at best an experience, not an involvement. You, as the movie watcher, are experiencing the horror and hope for survival, that the cast of characters are subjected to. Though it is unquestionable that this thrill ride keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout its entirety, never do you truly feel involved with the characters. Never do you get the opportunity to get to know the cast, thus never giving you an emotional attachment. Perhaps it is most appropriate that this movie begins with a friendly get-together, because you can't help but feel that you were just invited along for the ride. If you are fine with this, and are expecting nothing more than an hour and 24 minute thrill ride, then you will not be disappointed.
Just a note of warning; as mentioned, this movie is filmed mostly in a first person-esque style, achieved through the eye of a camcorder. As you can imagine, the characters do a lot of running around, and that makes for much bouncing and shaking. Do not watch this movie if you suffer from motion sickness! I find that I am not particularly susceptible to the symptoms of motion sickness, however, even I couldn't help but feel a bit queasy through some of the intense scenes. This may also be attributed to the fact that I had nothing but Raisinets and Monster Energy Drink in my system at the time.
Cloverfield may not win 'best movie of the year', but are we really expecting it to? I give it 3 m's out of 4.
Just a note of warning; as mentioned, this movie is filmed mostly in a first person-esque style, achieved through the eye of a camcorder. As you can imagine, the characters do a lot of running around, and that makes for much bouncing and shaking. Do not watch this movie if you suffer from motion sickness! I find that I am not particularly susceptible to the symptoms of motion sickness, however, even I couldn't help but feel a bit queasy through some of the intense scenes. This may also be attributed to the fact that I had nothing but Raisinets and Monster Energy Drink in my system at the time.
Cloverfield may not win 'best movie of the year', but are we really expecting it to? I give it 3 m's out of 4.
