Cloverfield DVD Review

"Cloverfield" reviews

DVD

Cloverfield

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2008-06-06 16:50:18

Provider

DVD Review

Despite the barrage of hype that preceded the release, Cloverfield still managed to live up the huge expectations from cinemagoers. The reason for that is it delivers on a number of levels. For one, it's a fairly fresh spin on the old monster-attacks--big-city genre. Using only the viewpoint of a handheld camera, audiences are only given teasing, tantalising glimpses of what is attacking their screen heroes.

It is a disorientating and sometimes muddling technique but it's hard to deny that it works on a visceral level and provides the kind of adrenaline rush that is lacking from many of today's big blockbusters. The rooftop rescue sequence near the end is particularly thrilling and tense.

Some might find the shaky camera style infuriating, at worst headache inducing, but you have to applaud the filmmakers for daring to try a different approach to the time-honoured movie premise.

And since Lost's J.J. Abrams produced the film, it leaves you with more questions than answers - which is bound to prompt endless viewings and debates with your pals.

Let's hope they resist the temptation to offer a sequel, as the dark ambiguity of the monster's origin (which would be the first to go with follow up movies) is what makes this quirky blockbuster very special indeed.