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