Cloverfield
Film review
CLOVERFIELD — ★ ★ ★ — Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T. J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman; rated PG-13 (gore, profanity, vulgarity)
"Cloverfield" features more shaky, jittery and blurry camera work than any other like-minded film since the 1999 smash hit "The Blair Witch Project."In fact, the hand-held, digital camera work here strongly recalls that of "Blair Witch," which tested the patience and stomach of some in the audience.
So be warned: This film is not for the weak of stomach or those who get motion sickness. But while "Cloverfield" has a similarly limited premise to that early film, it's no mere "Blair Monster Project."
For one thing, this science-fiction/thriller is smart enough to wrap things up quickly. At less than 90 minutes, it's a lean, mean monster movie even if it's gimmicky filmmaking makes it an acquired taste.
As far as the plot is concerned, it's basically a giant monster attack from the victims' perspective. Things begin with a going-away party for Rob Hawkins (Michael Stahl-David), who's about to head off to Japan for work.
One of his best friends is Hud (T.J. Miller), who's using Rob's video camera to record good-luck messages from the partygoers. And as it turns out, the camera comes in handy when Manhattan becomes chaotic.
Some sort of creature has come ashore in New York City (after wrecking an oil tanker and beheading the Statue of Liberty). Now, the gigantic beast is tearing its way through most of Manhattan's high-rises.
As the U.S. Army tries to evacuate civilians and do battle with the monster, Rob drags Hud and a couple of others with him as he desperately tries to find and rescue his true love, Beth (Odette Yustman).
Screenwriter Drew Goddard and director Matt Reeves are both friends with J.J. Abrams, who produced the movie. (And the film looks and feels like a lot of Abrams' work, especially TV's "Lost.")
And for the sake of "authenticity," they used a fresh-faced cast, though most of these actors acquit themselves nicely. (Miller's often-clueless Hud is a source of some welcome humor.)
"Cloverfield" is rated PG-13 for strong scenes of violent action and disturbing imagery (creature attacks, gunplay and warfare, including explosive and vehicular mayhem), some graphic gore and blood, scattered profanity and some crude references (slang). Running time: 84 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T. J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman
Find a Movie Theater
- Ex-S.L. man pleads guilty in Florida 11:07 p.m.
- 2 W.V. men charged with lewdness 11:06 p.m.
- Defense prepares for murder case 11:05 p.m.
- Utah man gets 51 months for fraud 11:05 p.m.
- Man competent for trial in 2008 death 11:04 p.m.
- Man arrested in sex assault on teen 11:03 p.m.
- Man charged in stabbing last month 11:02 p.m.
- Man solves own crime 11:02 p.m.
- Kids coping parents' addictions 11:01 p.m.
- W.V. man charged with sexual abuse 11:01 p.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Blazers offer Millsap 4-year deal
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Okur signs two-year extension
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Letters: Palin mistreated
142 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - LDS seminary principal arrested
137 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Blazers offer Millsap 4-year deal
79 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
71
Jazz need to keep Milsap without a doubt! he did a lot for us. Trade AK and...
Actually, based on the choices we have, or likely to have Cherilyn Eagar is...
Thank you, Bishop Wester, for all of the goodness you add to our community.
Why is everyone coming down on Millsap? He's only 24 years old, hasnt hit...
> Every single student I know with whom he came in contact adored him. I...
Very intelligent, chrismatic, and socialy gifted people easily eliciting the...
Boozer doesn't have that much value until he gets games under his belt. Calm...
IF BOOZER AND MILSAP ARE WORTH 12.8 AND 8 MILLION A YEAR THEY HAVE TO BE...
I have an idea, lets tax the people who go to years and years of school and...
Your right borhter pratt is a good man but its still a crime that hurt more...




You can be the first to comment on this story.