I just got done reviewing I AM LEGEND
and ripped it a new bunghole for its poor use of CGI and now I find
myself reviewing CLOVERFIELD and find its use of technology to be
both wonderful and fantastic. It is so interesting to have watched
these two films one right after the other and see how when used
correctly the computer can make a film so much more enjoyable.
CLOVERFIELD gets it right on just about
every level.
The film garnered so much attention
when it was in theaters for its shaky, hand held cam style of film
making that is seems everyone forgot to tell you just what a great
monster movie this is. Basically think of GODZILLA but filmed from
the perspective of the people running around on the street trying to
get away from the stomping death that has come ashore.
The film is a first person chronicle of
the night that a creature attacks NYC and how a small group of
friends battle their way through a city under siege to rescue the
girlfriend of one of the gang. Along they way they face horrors and
see things that will rock your world.
Personally I found the shaky cam corder
style really added to realism of the film. I really felt like I was
walking along side my friends trying to get out of a really shitty
situation. I don't know that a straight style would have worked as
well. It would have played like the GODZILLA remake that came out a
few years back. Yeah, not so scary more silly.
CLOVERFIELD is far from silly. There
are actually moments of sheer terror in this film and in true JJ
Abrams style lots and lots of unanswered questions.
I know I say this a lot but this is
really one that you have to experience for yourself and you're either
going to love it or hate it.
A lot of you hardcore fans are going to
groan the moment you see the PG-13 rating at the beginning and tune
out immediately. That would be a shame. Those of you that think a
film can be judged by its rating just need to look at some of the
true classic horror films (Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman) all of
which are now considered to be G rated films to find out that the
rating don't mean shit. It's all about the feel, tone and content
and as always, its about the writing. None of which are truly
affected by the “rating”.
As you would expect the DVD is cram
full of special features all of which I really enjoyed. A very
complete and well made “making of” feature is well worth a look
as well as a couple of alternate endings that I found to be
fascinating. The audio commentary with director Matt Reeves is both
entertaining and insightful and I found myself gaining a new respect
for the film after hearing all the trials and tribulations of not
only making this film but keeping its contents secret and off the
net.
All in all I think I find CLOVERFIELD
to be a wonderful addition to the “huge monster loose in the city”
sub genre of horror film. I have watched it several times now and
find myself drawn into the story each and every time. A true sign of
a good movie for me is if when there is nothing else on TV or that
interests me on DVD do I stick in the player and give it another
spin.
CLOVERFILD has made that cut on several
occasions now.
There are going to be a couple
different versions of this one hitting DVD. Target has an
“exclusive” type of packaging as do a few other stores but
content wise, it don't matter where you pick it up just make sure you
do in fact pick it up.
Screw the rating, screw what anyone
else has told you, pick it up, put it it in your player and then
settle in and enjoy what just may end up being one of the best genre
films this year.
CLOVERFIELD hits DVD on April 22nd
pretty much everyplace.
