CLOVERFIELD

Michael Stahl-David and Odette Yustman in CLOVERFIELD (2008).

©Paramount Pictures

Mania Rating
Grade: B+

Reviewed Format: Theatrical Release
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman
Writer: Drew Goddard
Director: Matt Reeves
Distributor: Paramount Pictures

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To answer some basic questions about Cloverfield up front: a) yes, it’s pretty much Godzilla in everything but name; b) yes, we see the monster; c) yes, it’s a great monster and d) yes, this is a pretty fine movie about a giant creature rampaging through New York.

Cloverfield utilizes the format made famous by The Blair Witch Project (though actually done before elsewhere in such films as 24 Charlie MoPic) of appearing to be comprised entirely of “found” video footage. We see at the outset that what we’re watching is now property of the Department of Defense and was picked up at the site “formerly known as Central Park.” Uh-oh, New York is gonna get it, and sure enough, it does. There’s a quiet set-up period as we meet our main characters, gathered at a going-away party for Rob (Michael Stahl-David), who loves Beth (Odette Yustman), but has managed to push her away in his diffence; Rob’s somewhat dense pal Hud (T.J. Miller), who’s been hustled into documenting the party with Rob’s video camera, but starts to take this “capturing of events” business seriously; Rob’s brother Jason (Mike Vogel) and Jason’s loyal girlfriend Lily (Jessica Lucas) and the deadpan-sarcastic Marlena (Lizzy Caplan), who’s not quite sure what she’s doing at this shindig.

Then there’s a huge thud, a blackout, the lights come back on, people run up to the roof to see what’s happening and part of Lower Manhattan is ablaze. Pretty soon, everybody’s running for their lives, trying to get the hell out of the city while who knows what lays waste to it.

Drew Goddard’s intelligent screenplay puts us at ground zero in the civilian point of view of a sustained giant monster attack on a major metropolis, which means that, like the characters, we’re never sure where this thing came from or what it’s doing here (though several hypotheses are offered). As a bonus, we get a few subsidiary monsters, with even a hint of another famous creature franchise, though absolute proof of this similarity goes uncaptured by Hud’s camera. The dialogue is sharp, occasionally deliberately funny and entirely free of deliberate howlers (something of a miracle in this specific subgenre). There’s also a nice little inversion of a typical horror movie cliché (to even indicate which one would give it away), though only those watching for it may notice.

Director Matt Reeves does a great job with verisimilitude, making us feel like we’re running along with the characters, and modulating the camera moves so that while there are some wild swings and tumbles (in keeping with what’s happening to the camera and the person holding it), we can see what we need to see without getting Blair-style motion sickness.

The cast is all very convincing, with Stahl-David (who bears a resemblance to a young Noah Wyle) handling trauma and determination very convincingly and Caplan witty yet sympathetic as the sardonic Marlena.

So why a B+ instead of an A (yes, I read the discussions of the grades on the Mania boards occasionally), especially since this is probably the best movie made thus far within these parameters? Well, Cloverfield is most definitely a horror movie – it’s got creatures, gore, destruction and terrified characters with little or no control over their situation – but while we’re absolutely engaged, we’re not terrified as audience members, and that seems to have been part of the intent. Also, without wishing to give away the climax, there are some plot and tonal shifts that make sense intellectually but don’t entirely add up viscerally – there’s an attempt at a certain emotional effect that didn’t (at least for this reviewer) wholly succeed at the end. In short, Cloverfield is pretty terrific, but there are a few things that don’t quite resonate as they should. In fairness to the film, though, these are minor compared with the overall achievement of the stompingly good monster film that has been made.

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Average Grade: B
A-		Cloverfield LinnieG [Feb 10 2008, 11:04 am CST]
America finally gets "Godzilla" right Full Review
F-		Cloverfield theCOLLECTOR [Jan 27 2008, 2:48 pm CST]
Not even close. Full Review
A+		This report is classified hfc7036 [Jan 26 2008, 9:09 pm CST]
You don't have to see it all Full Review
A		Cloverfield themovielord [Jan 20 2008, 9:20 pm CST]
Spoiler Free Review Full Review
Join and add your own review!

Average Grade: B

A-

Cloverfield
LinnieG [Feb 10 2008, 11:04 am CST]

America finally gets "Godzilla" right
Full Review

F-

Cloverfield
theCOLLECTOR [Jan 27 2008, 2:48 pm CST]

Not even close.
Full Review

A+

This report is classified
hfc7036 [Jan 26 2008, 9:09 pm CST]

You don't have to see it all
Full Review

Cloverfield
themovielord [Jan 20 2008, 9:20 pm CST]

Spoiler Free Review
Full Review

Join and add your own review!

Comments
#1 - Killerewok [Jan 19 2008, 10:42 am CST]
Excellent review! I really enjoyed this movie and felt that the cast and crew did a great job making the entire thing very realistic and believable. I don't think this will spoil anything, but if you watch the very last scene in the movie, dated April 27th, if you look closely you can see just where the creature came from. Many people in our theater missed it, so I'm not surprised the reviewer did as well. Overall a great movie and a very accuate review. I highly reccomend it.
#2 - jacetheace [Jan 19 2008, 11:56 am CST]
Sounds dumb. They ain't gettin' my 10 bucks.
#3 - cso1982 [Jan 19 2008, 12:02 pm CST]
This is just my own opinion, but I cannot agree with this review. This movie was SO hyped, and for me, it lacked in delivery. Just like Lost, it left me wanting more, not because I enjoyed myself so much that I need more, but rather because I didn't get the answers or the closure I expected. Although I did go into the movie with low expectations and expected a "Blairwitch" experience, I still was let down. It was entertaining, but it wasn't worth dealing with the crowds at a theater on opening night. Nor was it worth 30 bucks for 2 tickets and concessions. (My reason for going on opening night was so that the revealing of what the monster actually was wouldn't be spoiled by me reading reviews or hearing other people talk about it.) I went with my girlfriend, and a few other friends, all who consider themselves "movie buffs" in the sense that we all appreciate good cinematography, innovative techniques, good acting and such. We all had been waiting for this movie ever since we saw the teaser back in the summer and we all felt a little duped. (Possible Spoiler ahead) However, I think that this movie as a whole would have been better as an extra feature to a special edition DVD version of a movie dealing with the actual beginnings of the monster and the solution to the problem; a movie shot in the traditional method. I do appreciate what they tried to do, but give me a freaking ending with some sort of explanation. Just because I liked or appreciated the series finale of The Sopranos, does not mean I want that same experience in a movie with this much hype. I am a fan of J.J. Abrams. I really am. And I know he was only the producer here, but I was disappointed in the delivery of this movie. I know that I can't be the only one out there with this sentiment.
#4 - jonniej1017 [Jan 19 2008, 12:11 pm CST]
Hmmmm... same way i felt about I am Legend.... but no one wants to agree.
#5 - muchdrama [Jan 19 2008, 12:17 pm CST]
Just a warning for potential viewers: I saw a 9:45pm screening last night, and if you're the type who hasn't taken to the "snaky cam" style of the Bourne movies, well, you're in for it with "Cloverfield". There are some good chunks, that, due to the editing and choppy (and I mean CHOPPY) "camera" work, you will have NO idea what the hell's going on. The good stuff: Great special effects (when you're actually treated to what's going on) that make this flick look like a Summer tentpole in some sections. The monster is terrific. Further bad stuff: The acting is only so-so...believe me, people would behave MUCH MUCH differently if a giant monster attacked Manhattan. New Yorkers ain't THAT dumb...especially after 9/11.
#6 - raulendymion [Jan 19 2008, 1:17 pm CST]
*Could be read as a spoiler but more of a correction to the first line of the review. Godzilla like? why, because it's big? Nothing like it.........Sit toward the back (or top) of the theater, the shaky cam was a bit much. Otherwise, a unique and novel approach to an old concept, well done. And the review was otherwise spot on.
#7 - mckracken [Jan 19 2008, 1:18 pm CST]
I saw this last night and guess what? I thought it flat out sucked. The audience booed... THEY BOOED the screen. thats how bad it was.... oh my GOD it sucked.
#8 - mlaforcer [Jan 19 2008, 1:22 pm CST]
Gauley...I am going to have to agree with you... Zack...There is nothing in that review that most of us don't already know except for the insight on some of the characters, what was said in review was not even one third of what the movie is about or there journey to get out of the city, so no need to be a cry baby. go watch the movie and have a good time man... I watched it last night and it is the best Monster /City Destruction/Run for your life type of movie I have ever seen...The camera movement is not that bad at all, not like Blair Witch but it does have a moment or two where the camera does do a good amount of shaking but not enough to make me dislike this movie in any small amount... On another note and different subject if I may...This Monster movie was good for what it was and did the job for me but it really failed in comparison to another movie of a different genera that I had watched earlier that day...I now have a new all time favorite movie and if any of you get the chance to go see it DO, it's called There Will Be Blood and Daniel Day Lewis( the greatest modern day actor of our time) gives a performance that leaves you completely blown away not to mention how beautiful it looks from beginning to end...If I had to describe what the movie was like, it's a cross between The Shinning and Citizen Kane...If you get a chance to go see it do so in the theaters... ps...The reason I mention the shinning is because There Will Be Blood has that same kind of strange beautiful Haunting music to it that the shinning had, nothing more...
#9 - goatartist [Jan 19 2008, 2:04 pm CST]
They're probably gonna get my ten bucks at some point
#10 - WISEGUY562 [Jan 19 2008, 2:10 pm CST]
Baddest Pokemon ever. This is one of the few times that I agree with a review. I thought it was a very good monster movie. Would've liked to have gotten more and better views of the monster but because of the first person perspective is understandable. Not much to add but to say that I was satisfied. I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel done the conventional way to answer some questions.
Showing 1 - 10 of 53 Comments, Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Comments

#1 - Killerewok [Jan 19 2008, 10:42 am CST]

Excellent review! I really enjoyed this movie and felt that the cast and crew did a great job making the entire thing very realistic and believable.

I don't think this will spoil anything, but if you watch the very last scene in the movie, dated April 27th, if you look closely you can see just where the creature came from. Many people in our theater missed it, so I'm not surprised the reviewer did as well.

Overall a great movie and a very accuate review. I highly reccomend it.

#2 - jacetheace [Jan 19 2008, 11:56 am CST]

Sounds dumb. They ain't gettin' my 10 bucks.

#3 - cso1982 [Jan 19 2008, 12:02 pm CST]

This is just my own opinion, but I cannot agree with this review. This movie was SO hyped, and for me, it lacked in delivery. Just like Lost, it left me wanting more, not because I enjoyed myself so much that I need more, but rather because I didn't get the answers or the closure I expected. Although I did go into the movie with low expectations and expected a "Blairwitch" experience, I still was let down. It was entertaining, but it wasn't worth dealing with the crowds at a theater on opening night. Nor was it worth 30 bucks for 2 tickets and concessions. (My reason for going on opening night was so that the revealing of what the monster actually was wouldn't be spoiled by me reading reviews or hearing other people talk about it.) I went with my girlfriend, and a few other friends, all who consider themselves "movie buffs" in the sense that we all appreciate good cinematography, innovative techniques, good acting and such. We all had been waiting for this movie ever since we saw the teaser back in the summer and we all felt a little duped. (Possible Spoiler ahead) However, I think that this movie as a whole would have been better as an extra feature to a special edition DVD version of a movie dealing with the actual beginnings of the monster and the solution to the problem; a movie shot in the traditional method. I do appreciate what they tried to do, but give me a freaking ending with some sort of explanation. Just because I liked or appreciated the series finale of The Sopranos, does not mean I want that same experience in a movie with this much hype. I am a fan of J.J. Abrams. I really am. And I know he was only the producer here, but I was disappointed in the delivery of this movie. I know that I can't be the only one out there with this sentiment.

#4 - jonniej1017 [Jan 19 2008, 12:11 pm CST]

Hmmmm... same way i felt about I am Legend.... but no one wants to agree.

#5 - muchdrama [Jan 19 2008, 12:17 pm CST]

Just a warning for potential viewers: I saw a 9:45pm screening last night, and if you're the type who hasn't taken to the "snaky cam" style of the Bourne movies, well, you're in for it with "Cloverfield". There are some good chunks, that, due to the editing and choppy (and I mean CHOPPY) "camera" work, you will have NO idea what the hell's going on.

The good stuff: Great special effects (when you're actually treated to what's going on) that make this flick look like a Summer tentpole in some sections. The monster is terrific.

Further bad stuff: The acting is only so-so...believe me, people would behave MUCH MUCH differently if a giant monster attacked Manhattan. New Yorkers ain't THAT dumb...especially after 9/11.

#6 - raulendymion [Jan 19 2008, 1:17 pm CST]

*Could be read as a spoiler but more of a correction to the first line of the review. Godzilla like? why, because it's big? Nothing like it.........Sit toward the back (or top) of the theater, the shaky cam was a bit much. Otherwise, a unique and novel approach to an old concept, well done. And the review was otherwise spot on.

#7 - mckracken [Jan 19 2008, 1:18 pm CST]

I saw this last night and guess what? I thought it flat out sucked. The audience booed... THEY BOOED the screen. thats how bad it was.... oh my GOD it sucked.

#8 - mlaforcer [Jan 19 2008, 1:22 pm CST]

Gauley...I am going to have to agree with you...

Zack...There is nothing in that review that most of us don't already know except for the insight on some of the characters, what was said in review was not even one third of what the movie is about or there journey to get out of the city, so no need to be a cry baby. go watch the movie and have a good time man...

I watched it last night and it is the best Monster /City Destruction/Run for your life type of movie I have ever seen...The camera movement is not that bad at all, not like Blair Witch but it does have a moment or two where the camera does do a good amount of shaking but not enough to make me dislike this movie in any small amount...

On another note and different subject if I may...This Monster movie was good for what it was and did the job for me but it really failed in comparison to another movie of a different genera that I had watched earlier that day...I now have a new all time favorite movie and if any of you get the chance to go see it DO, it's called There Will Be Blood and Daniel Day Lewis( the greatest modern day actor of our time) gives a performance that leaves you completely blown away not to mention how beautiful it looks from beginning to end...If I had to describe what the movie was like, it's a cross between The Shinning and Citizen Kane...If you get a chance to go see it do so in the theaters...

ps...The reason I mention the shinning is because There Will Be Blood has that same kind of strange beautiful Haunting music to it that the shinning had, nothing more...

#9 - goatartist [Jan 19 2008, 2:04 pm CST]

They're probably gonna get my ten bucks at some point

#10 - WISEGUY562 [Jan 19 2008, 2:10 pm CST]

Baddest Pokemon ever.

This is one of the few times that I agree with a review. I thought it was a very good monster movie. Would've liked to have gotten more and better views of the monster but because of the first person perspective is understandable. Not much to add but to say that I was satisfied. I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel done the conventional way to answer some questions.

Showing 1 - 10 of 53 Comments, Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6

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Average Grade: B