2008 Woodie Awards
Cloverfield Review (movie)
Rachael Kephart
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Web Exclusive
The Department of Defense just opened its information floodgate and let out a single home movie. Shot with a hand-held camcorder and the shaky hand of Hud (T.J. Miller), the corky best dude, the latest horror/sci-fi flick to hit the box office is slightly reminiscent of the Blare Witch Project. Cloverfield, formerly known as Central Park in NYC, was the preferred area of attack for an unknown crab like monster out to destroy the city and eat civilians. The disaster takes place right in the midst of a going away party for Rob (Michael Stahl-David), hosted by his brother Jason (Mike Vogel) and Jason's girlfriend Lily (Jessica Lucas).
The newly forming romantic relationship between Rob and long time friend Beth (Odette Yustman) is cut short by Rob's job offer in Japan. Just as the situation gets good and awkward for everybody a massive earthquake signifies the monster's beginnings. The shaky camera work and brilliant splicing of footage makes the screenplay believable with the added bonus of leaving intentional holes in the quickly unfolding mystery of the grey monster. The viewer knows no more and no less than the loveable cameraman which may or may not be a good thing.
The newly forming romantic relationship between Rob and long time friend Beth (Odette Yustman) is cut short by Rob's job offer in Japan. Just as the situation gets good and awkward for everybody a massive earthquake signifies the monster's beginnings. The shaky camera work and brilliant splicing of footage makes the screenplay believable with the added bonus of leaving intentional holes in the quickly unfolding mystery of the grey monster. The viewer knows no more and no less than the loveable cameraman which may or may not be a good thing.
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