Cloverfield

Starring: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Odette Yustman
Directed by: Matt Reeves
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: During a goodbye party for Rob (Michael Stahl-David), a huge fireball is seen in the distance in New York City. Soon, it becomes apparent that the city is under attack from some sort of monster- leaving Rob and his friends struggling to survive.

Review:

Tim: I loved this movie. It is produced by the brilliant J.J. Abrams, and it is unlike any movie you have seen. This is a monster movie, but perhaps the most realistic, believable monster movie ever made. I have to say, though, that my favorite aspect of the film is the title. I just love that a movie about a monster attacking NYC is called Cloverfield. The name really makes the movie. On the one hand "Cloverfield" is a very peaceful word. However, here, it takes on a menacing, almost frightening quality. I absolutely loved the title.

The movie is also incredibly unique in that it is told through the point of view of a group of everyday, normal New Yorkers, through a handheld video camera. This really contributes to the realism of the movie, because it all feels like this is something that could actually happen. The film does a brilliant job of setting the film up, just a typical day in the Big Apple. Our protagonists are going about their lives- focusing on saying goodbye to a friend, but still completely unaware that anything is out of the ordinary. The genius of this movie is that these scenes are equally as compelling as anything to follow. These normal moments almost lull the audience into a false sense of security- so when the monster arrives, and all hell breaks loose- we are completely unprepared.

I don't want to spend a great deal of time on the cast. They are all relative unknowns, and they give realistic, strong performances. Michael Stahl-David is easily the film's best actor. His everyman performance is great. I also had to mention T.J. Miller, who gives a strong performance as Hud, acting as our eyes and ears throughout the chaos.

Cloverfield is unlike any movie that you have seen in years. I love that the producers took a film genre that typically doesn't get much respect, and made an in-your-face, thrilling, suspenseful, powerful movie. This film is brilliant on many levels. It can almost be hard to watch at times. There are definitely some gruesome moments, and definitely some jaw-dropping Did-You-See That? scenes. For a lot of reasons, this movie is a must-see.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Star Trek, Vantage Point, Tremors, Mission: Impossible III