Cloverfield: Review By ROFLitschristian

Ghostman has got me thinking with his recent "My Top Ten Movies Review" segment he's making. After reading his Momento review I though to myself, "Why have I not reviewed my all-time favorite film? You'd think this would have been my very first review here at Movieweb, or so you will after this praise-full review, rather than Deathly Hallows Part 2. So I now present you with a review long overdue.

Cloverfield is a very underrated film, in my opinion. It has received so much negativity due to its found footage filming style, which is where I bicker with its over-populated group of haters. Almost, excuse me, EVERY single clip, trailer, and word of mouth have stated that this movie is presented like it's being filmed on a regular Joe's camera. Now this comment does not apply to those who hate the film for getting queasy, but if you know you won't like it, why view? If there was more common sense in the world this movie would not be carrying so much animosity. See how protective I am of my baby yet?

But now back to the main part of this review. Cloverfield is a 2008 monster attack/thriller in which a large monster, referred to as Clover by its fans, has awaken to attack Manhattan, but more importantly, attack the going away party of the film's main character Rob.

Rob, now the vice president of a Slusho (a slushie company in Japan), has just been thrown a large going away party in his apartment by his friends Lilly, Hud, and his brother Jason. There's also Marlena who's more-than-likely just there for the booze, but we'll get into her later. At the party Rob confronts his ex-girlfriend Beth, whom we're seen at the beginning, and throughout most of the film, had a loving relationship with Rob. After Rob and Beth's fight, Beth storms out with her new boyfriend and is not heard of until later in the movie. Then all hell breaks loose.

After a news report's story of an ocean liner collapsing in the sea, a minor "earthquake" erupts. Then, BOOM, there's a large tower explosion, sparks flying, fire balls rushing towards Rob's party. Outside, Manhattan has turned to sh*t. The fun begins, especially when the Statue of Liberty's head comes soaring through the streets.

I know that since the film is over 3 years old it would be okay to write about main events, but I don't want to bore my readers, nor do I feel like sitting here fore an hour. (Smiley face). The film then explores new areas. Basically, the gang - Rob, Lilly, Hud, Jason, Marlena - is moving along like the rest of city's people, just trying to cross the bridge in order to evacuate the city while simultaneously being frightened by the paramedics' immediate arrival to help the blood-curdling screams coming from the injured. Jinkys indeed. This soon starts Clover's first attack, smashing the bridge with its tail, killing Jason. But that's not the important part. Wow, that was rude, huh?

On the bridge Rob receives a voice-mail, beginning the main story. Beth, crying in agony, calls Rob telling him that she's hurt and needs him. Clover roars, Beth screams, the call ends. Rob now must be the hero, turning around to save Beth... and mostly because Clover has just divided this bridge in two. Now it's up to Rob, Lilly, Hud, and Marlena to run through the warfare and save Beth. Now caught between Clover's onslaught and the Army's attempt to stop him-or-her, the excitement and scares begin.

At times the film can get funny, disastrous, and even frightening. Overall, you're put into the movie. You feel the characters' fear, susp*cion, and confusion. Cloverfield's that movie ride at Universal Studios, only you don't have to wait 9 days to get in and only see 5 minutes. Cloverfield is the ultimate experience.

Michael Stahl-David plays the hero that will stop at nothing, and he does a tremendous job. He's not the great all-mighty hero from Greek Mythology, but he can be seen as the equivalent to the knight who rescues his princess from the tower.

T. J. Miller has prospered from this film, being the funny-guy Hud. T. J. Miller adds this serious humor to Cloverfield. It's not straight-out one liners. He creates a "Jesus, why did I say that" humor and that's great for this movie. If it wasn't for Hud the film would've been to heavy on the serious aspect.

But of course, the best of the film is Marlena, played by Lizzy Caplan. Lizzy Caplan plays Hud's undying love, even though she could probably care less about him. Caplan nails every role she's in, including this one. I much prefer Caplan in comedies such as Mean Girls or Party Down, but she does just as good in Drama.

Directing. Hey, Matt Reeves? I love you. Thank YOU for directing this magnificent piece of work. Reeves did direct a found-footage film yet he crafted it in a way that's not sloppy or vomit/headache inducing. Everything looks fantastic here. Reeves shows us just enough of Clover to last until its big reveal. Finally being able to look into the monster's eyes is such a memorable scene for me. I remember thanking God it wasn't in 3D. I probably would've pooed. You should also be thankful. This particular scene was planned to be just another glimpse of Clover.

Another thing I commemorate Reeves for doing is placing all the hidden secrets in Cloverfield. Every time I watch the film I discover something new! Reeves put screens from other iconic monster films in the movie when the camera cuts, the ending has a nice, MAJOR Easter egg, and the message at the end of the credits? Ingenious! What hasn't this man accomplished!? I still search for new items when I get in my Cloverfield moods!

Clover looks great. Excuse me, the entire film looks great. The monster is handled very well in the film. Clover's been bashed for not being as threatening as the build up to his 15 minutes of fame is, but to me he looks perfect. They didn't go all out with him like Super 8's monster, which by the way is very scary to look at when home alone, on the computer, in the dark.

The only visuals that aren't so great are the little insects that detach from Clover. They move very fast in their scenes so visuals are hard to keep modern but that's okay. The tank's fight with Clover, the helicopter scene, Clover's grand reveal, everything looks great, right down the the newly decapitated Statue of Liberty.

Overall, Cloverfield is a monster film that separates itself from other monster movies. If you need more proof you can read Josh's short and sweet review of the film. I applaud what he simply points out.

Even so, Cloverfield is a great ride. If you get queasy easily you may want to bring a barf bag, but do NOT miss this. It's too much fun to miss. There're so many things to see and so many replays to have.