I tried to stay away from all the hype and spoilers surrounding this picture, not even watching the trailer until last week visit to the cinema where it previewed before AvP2. The whole idea appealed to me and so many times you can overdose on internet spoilers and theories which eventually ruin a lot of films.
I am so glad I did this as Cloverfield, the latest project from JJ Abrams, was refreshingly different and I for one fully enjoyed it.
On arrival at the cinema we were asked by a member of staff if we were prone to motion or car sickness as several people had been affected by this and forced to leave the theatre. This just made the whole experience more enjoyable, the thought that I might lose my lunch watching this film reminded me of the old 50’s B-movies and their buzzer in the seat shock tactics.
The largely unknown cast were superb and the film was well shot. I have always been a big fan of the handicam being used in film as you really get a feel for being in on the action.
Running around the streets of Manhattan not quite knowing what it is that has hit the city, this film plays well on the underlying unease left behind after the terrible events of 9/11 without ever really eluding to past events. When our protaganists grasp what is actually happening, they are galvanised in a fight to find their friends and get out of the city alive.
My one complaint, well maybe that is too strong a word as I really do like this film….my only down point was that we saw maybe just too much of the creature, far better are the moments when we catch a fleeting glimpse of the beastie.
In a media driven world with everything on film within minutes though it would have be unrealistic for the news crews in helicopters not to get a good shot, so i’m overall i’m happy.
The film has a nice pace to it as well and character development is well done, you really get a feel for the central characters and sympathise with the plight they find themselves in.
All too often in movies of this genre, the action ends up as a gung-ho fight between the military and an “unknown enemy”, whereas with this film you get the impression that the military are just as clueless and helpless as the civillians.
Some people are not going to like this film, some will be confused….others just dizzy and a little nauseaus.
I have faith though that if you are the kind of person who is reading this blog, then you will most probably be the kind of person who will love this film and appreciate the subtle elements that go into the making of a good movie.
It’s still alive….
Felgercarb Rating 8/10
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