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Cloverfield is a strange film. We rented the DVD along with a whole batch of others as a Blockbuster Special Deal. I suppose it was because the films were so cheap to rent that Hubby and I chose quite a diversity of films. I had read a little about Cloverfield but Hubby knew nothing of the film at all. I thought that it sounded his sort of film but actually overall I guess I enjoyed watching it more than he did.

The packaging of the DVD certainly looks interesting with an eerie green coloured shot of New York from behind a headless Statue of Liberty. A brief statement at the beginning of the film tells of a camera found in Cloverfield which is actually the area once known as Central Park, in New York. We glimpse a romantic episode between a guy and a gal, Rob and Beth, in April and the film then moves on to May. The film is supposed to be the actual film recording which is in this camera and was filmed by one of a group of young people. Initially the photographer was filming his friend, Rob, at a leaving party for him, as he is off on his travels to Japan.

The film moves occasionally back to April and then on to May again. During the party in May there is a terrific noise like an earthquake and all the revellers hit the streets of New York, along with the rest of the City's population. Despite people's attempts to flee the city only some escape. Hud, the person filming, and a few friends return back into the city in attempt to try and save Beth.

For me this film worked well. The scenes at the start of the film were just starting to be a little boring when the 'Earthquake' happened. From here on in I was hooked with, 'what the hell is going on?'. It soon becomes plain that it was no natural disaster that has struck the city and that the horror will be devastating.

There is little in this film that is openly gory or horrific. Cloverfield has more of a promise of threat and terror. The odd, vague monster view is enough to tantalise and shock. The film has a shaky feel to it just as if an amateur was filming a home movie whilst on the run.

None of the young cast were known to me, but that could be down to my age. However I thought they all played their parts well. In many ways this film had an amateurish feel but I suppose that is what makes it seem natural and realistic.

Running time is just 85 minutes. Cloverfield is rated as PG. I think this is more for the psychological tension than what is actually on the screen.

RECOMMENDED?

Well yes I do recommend Cloverfield as something a little different which has a youthful feel, is dramatic and tense in parts, has some romance and kept my attention till the bitter end. It was good for once to watch an American monster movie that was not a 'And they all lived happily ever after.'

Directed by Matt Reeves Written by Drew Goddard. Released 2007/2008.

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