Cloverfield (2008)
R1 / NTSC DVD
Paramount / 2008
Directed by Matt Reeves
Written by Drew Goddard
Cast: Michael Stahl-David, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan & T.J. Miller
Review by Brian Harris

A cheerful going away party is interrupted after a terrifying 350-foot monster tears through Manhattan, leveling the island as it goes. Despite the military's offensive, the creature continues its rampage unleashing bloodthirsty parasitic beasties as it goes. A few survivors from the party decide to make their way across Manhattan to save a friend's life and make it to the departure zone before the U.S. Government takes extreme measures to stop the beast.

What is the monster in Cloverfield? Well, that's a good question but one that isn't really answered in the film which makes sense considering nobody would really know what it was or where it came from in real life either. The film really takes a realistic approach to the question, "What if a monster smashed through your city?" Obviously, the last thing on most people's minds would be the name and origin of the monster that just stepped on their bank and ate their family.

I know the major controversy with some people has been the director and producer's reluctance to actually show the creature full on but their decision to only give us small glimpses through a survivors camcorder only adds to the excitement of the concept. As far as I'm concerned the less of the monster I saw, the more it worked for me. I mean you all know how shit goes in horror, a new movie comes out with a shitty CG monster and the entire community begins whining. In the case of Cloverfield, less is better.

I did make a quick mention of the whole camcorder thing but I think I probably should mention again for those that haven't seen the film yet that the entire film is shot as if it were being filmed through a survivor's camcorder so be prepared for a rough ride as the camera's movements, and purposefully choppy editing, may cause some to get a bit queasy. No biggie though really, especially if you're a seasoned Blair Witch fan.

Honestly, everything about Cloverfield really did kick ass from the visual effects and monster itself right on down to the acting. I was a bit put off by some of the comedic relief provided by the camcorder-toting character "Hud" as some of his antics came off a bit too idiotic and therefore felt a bit unrealistic but ultimately the world is full of incredibly stupid people so I suppose I can let it slide.

• Screen Format: 1.85: 1 Widescreen / Color
• Audio: English, French & Spanish / 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital
• Subtitles: English, French & Spanish
• Running time: 84 mins.

• Audio Commentary w/ Director
• Featurettes -
  "The Making of Cloverfield"
  "Cloverfield Visual Effects"
  "I Saw It! It's Alive! It's Huge!"
  "Clover Fun"
• 11 Easter Eggs

Wow, Cloverfield was fun and I was definitely entertained. I don't think I was blown away or anything but it was a damn good movie and I for one will hit theaters for the planned sequel. If you're a Kaiju fan and you love your monsters huge and nasty, you're going to love Cloverfield and it's freaky Lovecraftian denizens of the deep. Shit, now I want a toy and a limited edition Cloverfield Taco Bell soda cup!

"Thrilling...Move Over Godzilla!"