Cloverfield Movie Review

I thoroughly enjoy movies...especially those of the horror persuasion. Tuesday night I had the opportunity to catch a free pre-screening of "Cloverfield," thanks to my awesomely-awesome wife who loves me enough to scour the net for these pre-screening dealies! For those of you who don't know, I'm pretty critical of movies...and even more so the "scary ones." I think I've even been dubbed a movie snob in some circles, but I can't help the way I feel. I'm very passionate about the entire film making process. "Cloverfield" was one of the big movies I was really looking forward to seeing, but after the last two mediocre seasons of "Lost" I was worried that J. J. Abrams's newest creation wouldn't deliver. However the fact that Phill Tippett ("Constantine," "Robo Cop," "Starship Troopers") was in tow doing the creature designs was very promising.

The movie begins with a little backstory of the protagonist(s) to set the stage...pretty much what you see in the previews. However once the creature begins destroying N.Y. and lobs Lady Liberty's head into mid-town like a soccer ball, the whole film takes off. From there on out it's utter mayhem! You'd have to be a drunken, overworked toll-booth operator to fall asleep during this movie.

What I liked about it:

- The special effects and creature designs were great! Unlike in "Lost," you definitely get to see what all the baddies look like. Don't worry they're nothing like the gummi-faced vamps from "I Am Legend."
- The story was told from the p.o.v. of average, everyday people. No heroic, stiff upper-lipped speeches from the president or some gun-toting, military official.
- There was no explanation of where the creature came from, or what it is.
- The non-stop suspense and scares kept you on edge. I'm not gonna lie, the puckering factor of the "rear-iris" was pretty high with this one.
- No character was sacred. Whether you were a man, a woman, a youngun' or an old codger, death was right behind you. Don't get attached to ANYONE!
- The off camera comments from the protagonist's best friend were great. No movie would be complete without the plucky sidekick, who adds a little levity to the situation.

What I didn't like about it:

- The ending was a little labored. You'll see what I mean. :)
- J. J. showed a little too much of the giant creature. Again, you'll see what I mean.
- The protagonist's selflessness seemed a little stretched. This one's debatable.
- The life-span of the character's camera battery was infinite! This one's not debatable. Man, if you actually own a camera that can shoot for over 12 hours straight I'll give you my left kidney for it.

Overall "Cloverfield" was seriously amazing and well worth the watch on the big screen. So if you're debating whether or not to shell out the $9 to see it this weekend, do it. You won't be disappointed...but as good old Levar Burton always says, "You don't have to take my word for it (insert an explosion of rainbows here)"



Before we saw the movie, my wife closely examined the trailers and swore that the creature in "Cloverfield" looked like a koopa from Super Mario Bros. It doesn't. LOL But I dedicate this sketch to her, and dub it..."Koopafield." I wonder if J. J. would be willing to produce and direct this flick?