Cloverfield (2008) is like
reliving a Godzilla movie from the ground and might be more aptly named “Godzilla
Takes Manhattan.” Still, it is truly a B-movie
concept with A-level execution. Filmed
in the style of minimalist cinéma vérité
with the main action taking place over a 24-hour period, this tense adventure
is delightfully immersive and filled with excitement at every twist and turn,
although a satisfactory epilogue feels unfortunately absent.
At times the first-person camera work will make the viewer ill, it
eventually settles to the point where one no longer notices. There are annoying eruptions of chaos and some
repetitive dialogue, but these are fairly superficial in comparison to the overall
emotional and visual strength of the film.
The character of Beth (played by Odette Annable) stands out as glaringly
weak in comparison to the remainder of the robust cast, with the exception of “Hud”
(played by T. J. Miller), whose character may rank among one of the most
annoying in history—nearly on par with Jar Jar Binks.
The most blatant issue Cloverfield
is that it feels comprised of two separate films intercut together. The opening of film accurately captures 21st century
youth in its indigenous environment, complemented by enough relationships and
life problems to carry the rest of the film without any monster at all. While the monster portion of the film
certainly connects the two parts of the story, they could have been separated
into two equally-satisfying stories.
Cloverfield is also
reminiscent of Quarantine (also
2008), only without the quarantine, or Godzilla meets The Blair Witch Project (1999).
Rating: 4 / 5