Not for anyone over 30.
Cloverfield (2008)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:193
Fresh:147
Rotten:46
Average Rating:6.7/10
Consensus: A sort of Blair Witch Project crossed with Godzilla, Cloverfield is economically paced, stylistically clever, and filled with scares.
Rated: 15 [See Full Rating] for violence, terror and disturbing images.
Runtime: 85 mins
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Theatrical Release:01-02-2008
Synopsis: Director Matt Reeves (THE PALLBEARER) and producer J. J. Abrams (LOST, ALIAS) turn a mysterious monster loose in Manhattan in the disaster flick CLOVERFIELD. The movie begins at a party for Rob... Director Matt Reeves (THE PALLBEARER) and producer J. J. Abrams (LOST, ALIAS) turn a mysterious monster loose in Manhattan in the disaster flick CLOVERFIELD. The movie begins at a party for Rob (Michael Stahl-David), who has accepted a promotion that will send him to Japan. Hud (T. J. Miller) is entrusted with the responsibility of videotaping the party--and as the trouble grows, he holds on to the camera, recording everything that happens. In fact, the entire movie is seen through the lens of his camera, reminiscent of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT. As terrified people in a post-9/11 New York City take to the streets, Rob decides to head uptown to try to save Beth (Odette Yustman), the woman he loves, though he's afraid to tell her so. Rob is joined by his brother Jason (Mike Vogel), Jason's girlfriend Lily (Jessica Lucas), Lily's friend Marlena (Lizzy Caplan), and Hud, who has a thing for Marlena. Rob is determined not to give up, even after almost being crushed by the Statue of Liberty's head and as the military shows up to force evacuation of the city. Reeves and first-time screenwriter Drew Goddard, who previously has written television episodes of such series as BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, ANGEL, ALIAS, and LOST, focus in on the central aspect of the story: people trying to survive the monster attack. Very little else is explained, since the story is told completely through the video camera. And there is no additional score to heighten the drama; the only music is that which is picked up by Hud and the camera's microphone, including snippets of songs by Kings of Leon, Parliament Funkadelic, Of Montreal, and others. The anticipation of CLOVERFIELD's release was enhanced by a viral marketing campaign that included Web sites built around the main characters and even the fictional drink Slusho. [More]
Starring: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan
Starring: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller
Director: Matt Reeves
Director: Matt Reeves
Screenwriter: Drew Goddard
Producer: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Reviews for Cloverfield
The shaky video camera perspective is alternately involving and irritating, but director Matt Reeves keeps the carnival of wreckage spinning at a brisk clip.
At times Cloverfield seems less like a movie than a theme-park motion simulator, but that's not a complaint.
Cloverfield is the ultimate movie for people who don't feel a cataclysm has really happened until they can videotape it, upload it and stream it live to the rest of the world.
We know only what they know, see what the videocamera sees. I.e., not much.
A twitchy thrill ride that's relentless in its escalation of tension, merciless in its intensity.
It's an event movie in January, and when was the last time we had one of those? Experience it on the big screen with an enthusiastic crowd.
The plot effectively reduces down to one long slog from Spring Street to Central Park South.
Cloverfield is a success on nearly every front and a film I urge people to see in a theater opening weekend.
pure adrenaline-filled fun, and about a scary as you can get with a PG-13 rated monster flick.
Dont's be surprised if critics use in their reviews the high-concept that producer Abrams did when pitching the project to Paramount: "Cameron Crowe film meet Godzilla meet Blair Witch Project," though judging by result it's mostly monster creature flick.
By giving Godzilla the Blair Witch treatment, producer J.J. Abrams has created a monster movie for the YouTube generation, with impressive - if not entirely scary - results.
a refreshing update on the classic genre of a big monster stomping a major metropolitan city into dust
...the swiftness, economy, and momentum of the storytelling is enough to sweep right over the rough parts.
If you thought the Bourne flicks had some nauseating moments, pop those Dramamines during the trailers.
Anyone who thinks Cloverfield's just a tease has it all wrong. The monster is there on the screen and he's absolutely amazing to see.
A terrific movie, filled with spectacle and a surprising amount of humor, which makes up for its lack of terror or emotional impact.
This monster mash-up is a lot of fun, creating some intense gross-out moments and maintaining suspense throughout its speedy running time.
This film takes you into the heart of the maelstrom and leaves you there.
Latest News for Cloverfield
April 27, 2009:
Five Favourite Films with J. J. Abrams
The blockbuster season is upon us and amongst the line-up is the highly anticipated reboot of Star Trek. RT spoke to the man in the captain's chair, J. J. Abrams, about his... More...
March 02, 2009:
Abrams Plots Cloverfield Sequel-Type Thing ![]()
Saying "the idea's pretty sweet," J.J. Abrams has confirmed that a sequel to "Cloverfield" -- or at least a new movie "related to" it -- is on the table. More...
September 25, 2008:
Matt Reeves Will Let the Right One In ![]()
Overture is prepping a remake of Tomas Alfredson's Swedish vampire movie "Lat Den Ratte Komma In," to be helmed by "Cloverfield" director Matt Reeves. More...
April 21, 2008:
RT on DVD: Cloverfield, Charlie Wilson and 2008's Worst-Reviewed Film
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a Slusho, whatever that is! Cloverfield stomps its way onto DVD as not only the most exciting new release of the week, but the one most... More...
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