Others say...

"I really wanted to hate this but,"
I didn't. The movie snob in me wanted to stick my nose up at it, but I just couldn't.

Summary: Rob is leaving for Japan (hee GODZIRRA!) and Lily, his brother Jason's girlfriend, is throwing him a surprise going away party. Rob is in love with Beth, a girl he's been FRIENDS with since college - but are on the outs (watch the movie if you want to know why.) Beth leaves the party, cue big bangs and explosion, running and screaming, a glimpse of the monster and me feeling just a tad freaked out. Rob, Lily, Marlena, and Hud (your camera man for the evening) go off to save Beth - because that's what Rob wants, and he's kind of a big deal in this movie.

Why I liked this movie?
*The monster was actually very well done, and REAAAALY freaking scary looking.
*The hand held camera didn't bug me at all. I don't see why people are complaining about it. Maybe I'm used to watching home videos and youtube videos.
*I like what J.J.A. is trying to do (giving the US their own Godzilla).
*I actually watched the Extra features and have more of an understanding & appreciation for what they were going for.
*Unlike Blair Witch, it wasn't pretentious.
*The special effects were really great.

What I didn't like:
*The acting wasn't great. The only character I actually liked was Hud.
*I think there were other good story angles that could've been used that weren't so cliched as "going to save the woman I love!"
*Because of the overlapping of the video, the very first part of the film was a bit confusing. Note! Pay attention to the date at the bottom of the screen.
*In an effort to make the film feel a little "post-apocalyptic" you get no extra information than what is provided on the home video. This left me kind of frustrated at the end.
*The love story was LAME. Would've done better if they focused more on the comedy and action.

It was okay for what it was. I hated BWP & Godzilla 98 - but I enjoyed this. I was entertained - I'm not afraid to say it! The monster put knots in my stomach. Ugly mofo. If there's a sequel I'll see...probably at the $1 show though. Heck I didn't even buy this DVD, my mom gave it to me.

"Good, but annoying at times"
I've always been intrigued by the alien invasion type films, and the amount of hype for this movie definitely got to me. I am not usually a fan of erratic camera movies, but this one was done pretty well, although before the movie was halfway over Hud really, really got annoying. Not only did the fact he kept turning around to film things seem impossible, especially as shots were being fired or buildings were collapsing, but even his voice got to be irritating. I mean, honestly, if you were being attacked by strange alien beings would you keep recording? Previous reviewers have pointed out whether people would actually follow someone into the center of alien-like activity rather than in the other direction, which is a good point. But although there are some impossible moments, Cloverfield still succeeds due to its uniqueness in the genre.

"I wanna know more about the monster!"
Gosh, do you remember all the hype leading up to the release of this film? Some said it was another Godzilla movie. Other say it would involve a cthulhu. Regardless, everyone wanted to see this movie, including me.

Now, I do have to warn that the camera movements are extremely jerky. If you liked *The Blair Witch Project* or even *Bourne Ultimatum*, then you'll enjoy the cinematic style here. If you didn't, then stay away from this movie.

Friends are throwing Rob Hawkins a farewell party, including his brother, Jason, because he has accepted a prestigious position in Japan. Among those attending is Rob's ex-girlfriend, Beth. The appearance has put a damper in Rob's mood. Feeling the tension, Beth leaves the party.

Oh, by the way, I left out the most important detail. One of Rob's friend, Hud, has been handed the videocamera to record this party (and of course, throughout the movie).

After some time pass in the night, the unexpected happens. New York City is under attack. The first thing that people see is the head of Lady Liberty tumbling through the streets of Manhattan. Then, everyone is scrambling towards safety.

While everyone is running away, a small group of friends, including Hud, Rob and Jason are going towards the chaos. The reason is that Rob needs to rescue Beth, who is injured and trapped in her apartment. Throughout the mission, we see, through the videocamera, glimpses of the monster and its man-eating spawns.

I thought that *Cloverfield* was very clever to show this type of chaotic occurrence through a videocamera. By doing this, we do not know where the monster comes from nor do we know why it is attacking. We only get tidbits from the people's encounters with the military, trying to protect humanity. That alone can be frustrating but that was the whole point.

Now, I'm in the mood to see it again!

"Ugh not another Blair Witch Project"
I maybe little bias since I could only watch 30 minutes. I have one or two complaints about this movie.

1) The camera movements were all of over the place. The movements of the camera made me sick and dizzy. I was hoping it would calm down, but didn't. And it looks like others had the same complaint. I know it's suppose to be a documentary style but documentaries don't have to be that jumpy.

2) The Story line was just plainly stupid. This is a movie that took itself to seriously and tried to make something out of nothing.

3) The acting wasn't believable. IF you're going to make a movie like this and use unknown actors. At least get top of the line acting since this maybe their big break. Not the ones the movie used since this maybe and only movie they make.

4) Not another Blair Witch Project. Hasn't Hollywood learned it's lesson.....yet. I guess as long as they're making money, they don't care.

"Fun & Entertaining"
Saw the previews for this before it hit theaters, and wasn't captivated by any means. Picked it up on Bluray for a first viewing and was captivated from the start. Beth is hot, the monster blows up all kinds of stuff, the effects are incredible and it's told from their point of view, so you don't need to know where it came from, or what it is, just roll with it and it is enjoyable. I definitely recommend taking the time to check this out.