Cloverfield [Blu-ray]

Unfortunately I wasted money on this movie in the theater against my better judegement. I could have dealt with the hand-held camera perspective if you actually got to see something. You never really got a good look at much worthwhile. And you never found out what the monster really was which leads me to think that a part 2 is waiting which has no chance in my opinion. The story was just awful, there was none. If you want to watch a freaky movie check out The Happening. Cloverfield has nothing to offer.

For a catastrophic event movie, it is unique in that it restricts the perspective of events to the limited knowledge, perspective and insight of a (seemingly) randomly selected point of view. The sense of photo-realism is unique with the filming style (personal video unit perspective) but the behavior acting is not very realistic. The acting is subordinate to the suspense plot. Special effects inject a setting of compelling surrealism.

The compelling question in the acting drama is whether in extreme psychological situations the mind would choose irrational paths. For example, since the video perspective is supposed to be an amateur eyewitness video log, what would compel a person to forgo natural and instinctive tendencies to self preservation and film events of such horrific personal and familiar devastation. On the surface, it seems ridiculous. Perhaps an exercise to rationalize it is overreaching.

The characters are steered through a world destined to showcase their personal faults while snaring them in a constant life and death struggle. It is, however, difficult to read any larger point or purpose into the unfolding of the drama than the rescue plot points.

The gaps in story are provoking to the imagination. Information is withheld the viewer as to causes and reasons. If a person cares enough, it's a puzzle. If they don't, it's a joke.

The devastation theme is almost textbook catastrophe horror. The plot is action based and as an action movie it is "dizzily" intense. In such stories there is not as much need or cause for dramatic showcasing. Truly an action adventure. What else would you expect?

Good for a thrill. Not as original as it was made out to be, just the same concept as Godzilla on the loose in Tokyo with better SPFX. Creepiest scenes were those atop a tall, leaning residential building, and on a crowded bridge at night. How the actual story was told---via camcorder---was a nice touch. Has some good moments. Worth the rent, not worth owning unless you get it on the cheap. I hear by now Vinnie in the back alley on Seventh Street has a few good copies...

One of the worst films I've ever seen. Supposedly filmed with a handheld video recorder. I believe it, the worst camera that has ever been made. Picture quality is poor throughtout; very little of the 'monster' shown. Poor storyline, poor acting.
Deserves no stars.
Save your money, and your time.

This movie at least has a decent monster. I just wish it would have been less Blare Witch. I got tired of the camera always not showing stuff and jumping from one time stamp to another and always bouncing around like a home movie. This movie does not even end in a concluding way. You do not know who lives or dies. You do not know if the monster lives or dies. I give it a two star rating only because of the alien's quality monster. It is cool and the Blu Ray has a sharp picture. Rent his movie or borrow if from some sucker like myself who bought it thinking the director of Lost would not let a movie this bad passes his desk. Oh well, guess we all make mistakes. Buying this movie was one of mine!