If it’s not a giant gorilla or lizard, it’s a huge monster, that has smaller monsters falling off it! ‘Cloverfield’ is the third film that has introduced another 100ft sightseeing monster into Manhattan, destroying everything in its path! And that’s basically the plot. However this film had a bit more of a twist, in comparison to other monster- eating -everything movies.
The unique and original concept behind ‘Cloverfield’ had the potential to take the typical Hollywood film in a new direction. Filmed in the eyes of one man, using a hand- held video camera; the film produces an interesting array of shots. Intriguing shots, where you get small glimpses of the monster, from behind a building, as the camera whizzes past it. This combined with the special effects, gave the movie an aspect that hasn’t been seen before on such a huge level. Also the film’s great lighting gave it a real sense of panic and chaos, by often showing things creeping out of shadows and darkness. This brilliant forward thinking aspect of the film, clearly set itself aside from the usual ‘Godzillary’ type film. Sadly the rest of the film didn’t follow in this unique trend.
The step- aside this film took away from the usual Hollywood stereotype movie, wasn’t far enough, and heavily clashed with the typical convention of an American action film. The film was poisoned with a sickening love interest that leaned the film into a disappointing plot. Now rather than simply watching people flee the city in chaos, you find yourself lulled into a story of man rescuing the girl he loves, against all odds. This aspect of ‘Cloverfield’ along with the typical boring comments, made by the characters, that are far too calmly spoken, taking into account there’s a monster chasing them up the street, set the film down the same road most American films take. Very quickly the brilliance of ‘Cloverfield’ wears off, and you soon find yourself rooting for the monster, hoping it will sooner than later eat the script and characters, who’s only response to everything seems to be, “Dude…What is that?”

For an American action movie, visually it has stepped out of the stereotypical box, that most monster action movies stew in. This idea of a film, shot almost like a documentary, giving the feel of a realistic approach, could have made the film brilliant. But the disappointing storyline, revolving around a love interest, along with the unnatural lines, made this film not quite the original triumph as it possibly could have been.