Movie Review: Cloverfield (2008)

Cloverfield has been clouded by secrecy since its trailer appeared with the opening of box office smash Transformers last summer. Directed by Matt Reeves, the movie puts its audience in the shoes of nearly helpless bystanders who witness the attack of New York City by a gargantuan monster. Through the lens of an hand-held and seemingly indestructible camera carried by one of the main characters, we follow a group of seemingly ordinary citizen trying to rescue their dear friend. We do not know why the monster is so pissed off, we do not know where it comes from, we don’t even know whether such an outstanding nuclear-powered video camera can be bought. All we know is that this is only the very limited point of view from that small camera perspective, and this is what separates this movie from the pack of epic monster movies. The movie will leave more questions than answers: What happens to the main protagonists, is the monster still alive, will the Giants play in SuperBowl XLI?… Multiple viewings are definitely required if you want to catch everything that was intentionally put on film. Time will tell but a sequel to the movie is a lock given the record-breaking box office revenue on opening weekend.

B+: At a brisk 80 mn, the movie provides quick and effective entertainment