Cloverfield
There has been a buzz about
this film since mid 2007 when we first saw the Statue of Liberty's head
go flying down a NY City street in the original
trailer. The name of J.J.
Abrams attached to it only increased the excitement. Well the wait is over
as Cloverfield hits theaters this Friday. The secrecy surrounding
the film and its contents ranks right up there with the JFK assassination.
Yes they know who did it. Quit fooling yourselves. Even at the screening
of this film fans were instructed to not give away anything they were about
to see, but to allow their friends to experience it first hand. And granted
that is the way it should be. Why ruin it for the other sucker? There is
little left in the film world to be excited about or to anticipate. So
enjoy it as much as you can. My review this week will seem vague but know
that it is only because there is little to tell and the rest is impossible
to describe.
Many asked me if the film
is any good. I had no answer. A film like Cloverfield isn't supposed
to be good. Not in the traditional sense. This film has elements that are
great and it leaves you stunned and shaking your head. The concept, the
story, the artistic direction; all make a profound impact. It is the lack
of anything formulaic that makes it so bold but also takes away from the
whole. Have you ever ridden a rollercoaster and after you have been off
for about an hour your head is still fuzzy and you are sort of in that
motion sickness stage? That is the way I am now. Still. I can see the faces
of those in the film and I feel for them. Even now. Sitting here. It is
quite odd.
Set in Manhattan the story
revolves around an attack on the city. Monster, alien, scientific experiment.
Who knows? But it is huge and mad about
something. The film follows
a small group of young New Yorkers as they document their escape and try
to get out alive. The movie is roughly 80 minutes long and at no time does
the camera ever sit still for more than 3 seconds. It is a constant, shaky,
jerking motion that rattles your head around so much that you find yourself
almost nauseous. When it isn't grainy the film is dark and out of focus.
It never settles on an image long enough to get a feel for what you are
truly seeing. But as frustrating as that is there is no doubt that
it sucks you into the film and adds realism to the story. You feel like
you are in the action. You can feel the sting of the smoke and smell the
city on fire. It drains you physically causing your mental senses to kick
in to compensate. By the end you are done. But the imagery and everything
you didn't see lingers long on in your scull wagon.
Cloverfield is rated
PG-13 for violence, terror and disturbing images. I can see where the realism
would have a very strong effect on younger viewers so
parents be very careful
with those under 12. The line is skewed between movie making and reality.
Adults can process this better I would think. True
this is a monster movie
in the vain of Independence Day and War of the Worlds. But
neither of those put you as front and center in the chaos as this one does.
And in all honesty pale in comparison. Still, know going in that
traditional movie fans will be disappointed with the lack of "movie" and
put off with the dizzying camera work. I walked out the theater hating
this film but as I sit here several hours later writing this review I realize
how special it was. Do I like it any better? I am not sure. But I can not
deny its effect on the viewer. No. That I can not deny. I got the sense
that when the end of the world finally does come, this is what it will
feel like for those left in the chaos. I give Cloverfield 3 out
of 5 mini DV's. You will love it or hate it and nothing I say will change
your mind, regardless of which side you are on.
Matt Mungle (1/18/08)
Matt is a member of the North
Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and co-hosts a weekly radio feature,
The Mungles on Movies, with his wife Cindy.
For additional reviews,
interview clips and great DVD giveaways, visit the website www.mungleshow.com"
Review copyright 2008 Mungleshow
Productions. Used by Permission.
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