I just went to go see Cloverfield...it did not suck...that is all...>click

[Steerpike]

I was not overly impressed. I got really tired of the camera work after the first 15 minutes. Shots of blurry asphalt and running feet just give me a head ache. The plot was thin as was the dialog...I will send the producers a bill for the script that I had to write in my head as I watched the movie.
Overall a brave attempt at experimental cinema. But personally I needed more meat on those bones, as it did not satisfy. The ending was the worst. It reminded me of that old underground short, "Godzilla vs. Bambi". Many people complained about the plot holes and unbelievability of the script. I just could not get into a movie that had so little coherence. It was the camera work in the end that left me with a bad taste in my mouth for "Cloverfield".

[semillama]

1. I enjoyed it. That sort of movie has to have plot holes, if you ask me. SPOILERS

Considering it's all first-person perspective, and the concept of the film is that you are viewing a military document, just one piece of evidence in the whole incident, it's pretty coherent for what it is. The first=person persepctive definitely made it more terrifying than it would have been.


SPOILER-I actually found it sad, because towards the end of the movie, you begin to realize that the characters don't make it.

[Steerpike]

2. Thank you for your reply.

I see where it would be an enjoyable film for people who enjoy experimental films. Or for those who have a more artistic bent. I do feel that the first person narrative was a positive.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. I didn't see any plot holes.

I saw the suspension of disbelief being stretched. But it is about a giant monster attacking a metropolis.

But I didn't see any plot holes.

[Steerpike]

4. I think you may be right about that.

I would have liked the movie if the camera work was less shaky. I'm sorry but that just ruined it for me. And of course you're right about the suspension of believe being integral to any movie. Maybe my definition of "plot holes" is different than yours. That does appear to be the case. I did google "plot holes" and "cloverfield" and came up with many examples of plot holes that I thought had merit.
But I do understand how many people might really enjoy watching. In it's current form it just did not appeal to me.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

5. Err...

could you provide an example of what you or somebody else things was a plot hole?

[Steerpike]

6. after a great deal of thought

Cloverfield: The Monster from the Internet

It’s been over a week since I took my wife and kids to see Cloverfield at the local cineplex. My wife, who is generally hard to please, liked it. But, she thought the shaky hand held camera work detracted from the overall experience. Both my pre teen children loved it. They both seemed generally terrified at all the right parts and ate their popcorn in a most hypnotic manner. My reaction was only slightly more nuanced. I liked the movie, but I just felt like there was too much missing.
My biggest complaint is the camerawork. All the jerky movements and blurred shots got old after the first five minutes. I was bored to tears watching poorly shot asphalt and running feet. Let’s face it, it’s a gimmick. The subpar cinematography does not enhance the theatre going experience.
The plot of Cloverfield (or what passes for a plot) revolves around an extremely attractive group of twenty-somethings who brave impossible odds to rescue the male lead’s ex-girlfriend. In a major suspension of belief, they head towards the center of the city as a gigantic mutant ravages New York, eating people and knocking down skyscrapers.
This brings me to my next point. Cloverfield’s script borders on incoherence because it explains nothing. And, believe it or not, this is what fascinates me the most about this movie.
The main plot points and explanations do not exist in the movie. They exist on the internet. The producers of Cloverfield have set up a series of internet sites that provide the answers to most of the questions posed in the film.
Now these sites all fit into the mythos that the makers of Cloverfield have created. The sites include on line comic books, fake Japanese corporations, soft drink ads and more. If you visit all these sites and take in all the content provided the movie will suddenly come into focus.
The producers of Cloverfield have taken the “Blair Witch” concept and taken it up a notch.
This is not a film released in the classical sense…this is a true multi media event taking full advantage of the internet. Maybe that’s why it is hard for me to like this film. It takes personal time and investment to truly appreciate its genius. You can’t just sit in the theatre and watch the movie, not if you want to understand what’s going on.
It has become very clear just how conflicted I am regarding this movie. After visiting the connected internet sites I now understand the movie and what it’s about. So I’m enjoying the movie more after the fact. I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether or not that’s a good thing.
So in the end I will give Cloverfield 4 stars out of five. The film deserves that rating if nothing else for the sheer innovation of its packaging.