I have to say that ever since I saw the trailer for “Cloverfield,” I was hooked … ready to see it. That’s rare considering that I don’t go to the movies that often. Why go to the movies when you have cable, the internet and a bit-torrent downloader (you techno-geeks know what that is, right?)
But something about “Cloverfield” got me up off the couch and into a movie theatre. And on a Friday night, no less. Yes, I paid full price for a movie, soda and popcorn. Hey, it’s a scary movie… you gotta have popcorn.
Here’s the premise of “Cloverfield.” A bunch of hip, trendy New Yorkers (reminiscent of the cast of “Friends” in the early years) throw a going-away party for Rob, who’s leaving town for a new job … and to get away from Beth, his female best friend who he recently had sex with and somehow forgot to call afterwards. It’s actually the most realistic part of the movie.
At the critical moment, when Rob is about to realize his feelings for Beth … and in the midst of his Rob’s party … a monster strikes New York City. I mean, is that perfect timing or what? I mean .. Honey, I meant to say I love you, but a monster destroyed the city. Works for me!!!!
Anyway, Rob decides to go to save Beth … who is trapped somewhere on the 49th floor of her apartment building. He’s joined on his heroic quest by his brother, his brother’s girlfriend (the only non-white person in the movie), a really moody, stuck up girl, and their dorky video camera wielding friend.
They really have a tough time getting across New York City … I mean, besides rush hour traffic and not being able to find a cab, they have to deal with falling buildings, collapsing bridges, a flying Statue of Liberty head (awesome, by the way), explosions, army guys with lot of guns … oh, and then there’s the monster. And the best part, he (or she) is not alone. The monster literally, drops off some friends for a bite to eat .. and I don’t mean from the corner deli.
Ok, so most of you know that “Cloverfield” is shot from the viewpoint of a digital video camera. Which means, a lot of running and shaking … which did make me a little nauseous at times, but it worked. And I really like how the video camera told the entire store. Although, since the movie takes place over an eight hour period … I wonder how they got the video camera battery to stay charged that long. If anyone knows, please let me know.
I admit, the movie was pretty suspenseful. I was sort of on the edge of my seat for most it. And the part in the subway tunnel … rocked. I won’t give it away, but let’s just say when the rats start running … you know it’s gonna be bad.
And I really like the fact that Cloverfield did not have any big name stars. The most famous face I saw was lead actor Michael Stahl-David (who I just noticed as the bad seed on a repeat of Law & Order: CI the other night. Good job on that, by the way) Anyway, the lack of star power kept the movie from being pretentious and ego-driven. And I have to say .. I really liked the way the stuck-up girl dies… it’s awesome. By the way, I’ve cancelled my planned trip to New York … too many monsters this time of year. Maybe, I’ll just go to Tokyo since Godzilla does not scare me anymore.