Reviewed by Carol Sullivan
Genre: Action / Sci-Fi / Thriller
Released: 18 January 2008
Rating: PG-13 for violence, terror and disturbing images
Director: Matt Reeves
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Starring: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, JessicaLucas, T. J. Miller
Runtime: 1 hr. 30 minutes
Studio: 20th Century Fox
On DVD: April 22nd, 2008
DVD FEATURES
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Deleted scenes
Alternate endings
Outtakes
The making of Cloverfield
Featurettes
Commentary by director Matt Reeves and, hidden research into case designate Cloverfield
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Monster Movie Lovers, Rejoice!
The controversial, yet blockbuster hit, Cloverfield finally hit the video rental shelves, much to my delight, and I bought it immediately. I have been anxiously awaiting this DVD release since I saw the first trailer, months ago.
At that time, Paramount was running the short movie trailers without telling the title of the movie -- only a release date. This ingenious marketing strategy worked perfectly -- people couldn't wait to see it and, I'm happy to admit, I was one of those people!
Cloverfield is meant to be a home movie, similar in style to The Blair Witch Project and the result is raw and jittery. (I have read that it made a lot movie-goers nauseous, but I did not find that to be so watching the DVD, though it may be easier to watch on the small screen.)
The movie begins with Jason (Mike Vogel) and his girlfriend Lily (Jessica Lucas) as they are preparing a surprise going-away party for Jason's brother, Rob (Michael Stahl-David). The young man is leaving New York, headed for a new job in Japan, and all of his friends are there for his send-off bash. Their friend 'Hud' (T.J.Miller) picks up a pocket cam-corder and begins filming the party. We get a brief glimpse into their personal lives: who so-and-so is in-love with, who slept with who, etc. before all hell breaks loose.
Explosions suddenly rock the apartment building as debris and fireballs shoot into the air. The entire party rushes outside to get a better look, just as the head of The Statue of Liberty comes bouncing down the street, crushing cars and scattering people. The Manhattan skyline is ablaze as the frightened part-goers join the thousands of New Yorkers fleeing the island on foot via the Brooklyn Bridge. Still not certain of what is causing the chaos, we finally get a glimpse of the monster as a giant tail comes out of the darkness and shatters a length of the bridge. As hundreds of screaming New Yorkers tumble into the icy water below, the entire bridge collapses, stranding our party-goers on the island.
But, unlike many monster movies, this giant creature is not the only threat -- prehistoric-looking babies, the size of your family sofa, are dropping from the giant monster. These smaller critters are viscous and fast...and hungry.
Going against the advice of the military, the few remaining party-goers go back into the heart of the city to rescue an injured friend. But, the center of Manhattan is ground zero and their chances of escape are more than slim...
A nice touch to this movie is the occasional glance at the happy past. A previous day's recording of a trip to Coney Island is also on the camcorder's memory and we get glimpses of that easy-going, sunny afternoon that now seems very long ago, indeed. I was also glad to see that this movie was not overwhelmed by having big movie stars in it. A super-hunky face that we've seen in every other blockbuster movie would have taken away from the raw, home-movie feel.
All of the VFX and CGI work was beautifully created by Double Negative and Tippett Studios. Director Matt Reeves must have had his hands full with this movie, but executed it perfectly.
It took me hours to come down from this movie and then I was ready to watch it again!
So pop some popcorn, dim the lights and hang on to your socks, because once Cloverfield grabs you, it won't let go!
Highly recommended as a rental and a purchase.
Overall Rating: 4
VIDEO | Official Trailer |
