Cloverfield, which is the name given to Central Park by the government in the aftermath of the "incident", plays out as though the viewer is watching a video found after the events chronicled in the film. It begins innocuously enough, with some home video of Rob (Michael Stahl-David) and Beth (Odette Yustman), two of the main characters in the film. This recording takes place almost a month prior to what is recorded later on and shows us that Rob and Beth are very familiar with one another, what with Beth awakening to the video camera in her face and she being undressed. Little bits of this particular day pop in between later footage because Rob's brother, Jason (Mike Vogel), has been asked by his girlfriend, Lily (Jessica Lucas), to record the events of the evening of May 23rd, because they are having a huge surprise party for Rob, who is leaving for a job in Japan. They borrow Rob's camera, unbeknownst to him, and don't remove the old tape, simply recording over it. So this is the premise of the "shaky cam" and the casual way in which the video is recorded. It's just a party being captured on film and people's last words to a dear friend who is going overseas.
We quickly find out, when Beth arrives on the arm of another man, that Rob and Beth are dear friends who slept together. Soon, the entire party finds out, thanks to Hud (T.J. Miller), the big-mouthed best friend who is also now the holder of the Handi-cam. Rob and Beth have words and she leaves in a huff, and we find Rob and Jason and Hud having a heart-to-heart talk on the balcony, when all hell breaks loose. First, there's giant boom and the news says that a tanker has overturned. The party decides to head up to the roof to see if they can catch a glimpse and what they see instead is a huge explosion and fireballs raining down and coming towards their building. Everyone runs out of the building and scatters, although the core group of Jason, Lily, Rob, Hud and a girl Hud is interested in, Marlena (Lizzy Caplan), stick together and decide to make it across the Brooklyn Bridge in the hopes of safety. When you see the head of the Statue of Liberty come careening down a street, you will be moved.
On the bridge, they get their first look at the monster that is causing all of this commotion, as he destroys the bridge and they must run for their lives. Many die. Here, Rob gets a panicked call from Beth and he loses the connection, only to listen to a voicemail where she says she is hurt and bleeding and needs help. Naturally, despite the angry words they shared earlier, Rob sets out to get to Beth's building and rescue her, although the military has just arrived on the scene and is forcing a mandatory evacuation on everyone in Manhattan. The remaining crew decides to stick together and go save Beth. Unfortunately, this Godzilla-like monster did not come alone, for he sheds dangerous parasites much like smaller versions of himself, in a very Alien-like manner. So in addition to the huge monster, the military (who are non-stop firing on the creature), the destroyed buildings and the inherent dangers with those, the gang also has to deal with these little evil guys. The remainder of the movie is the group fighting for their lives as they retreat into the subway to form a game plan of getting to Beth's house and back out again.
While I didn't think this movie would be very scary, it had several jump scares, one of which got me good. I found myself leaning towards the TV with my chin resting on my palms, completely glued to the situation unfolding in front of my eyes. It's hard to imagine yourself in a situation like this, but J. J. Abrams' vision for this film definitely immerses you into the experience, almost as if you are running behind Rob and his friends, danger all around you.
Special features include deleted scenes and alternate endings, although the differences in the alternate endings are basically what tiny piece of Rob and Beth's original video you get to see last. You'll also find outtakes, commentary, making-of and numerous other featurettes and the research that went into Cloverfield. I found it somewhat endearing that the filmmaker's refer to the monster as simply "Clover" and although I never got this from the film, apparently the creature is supposed to be an infant, frightened itself. They felt that there is nothing more dangerous than a scared but formidable animal.
All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed this movie. While not exceedingly long, it is jam-packed with thrills and terror and the ending is satisfying. Don't let the shaky cam put you off, because Cloverfield is definitely worth watching. Highly recommended.
