Cloverfield–A Utah Mom’s Review (No Spoilers!)

Last night Nathan and I dropped Kaisa off with a sitter and went to see “Cloverfield” with some of our married friends. This movie had such an impact on me that I had to blog about it.

First let me say that this movie is not for people who easily get motion sickness. The entire movie is viewed through a single camcorder held by an amateur twenty-something, documentary style. If you are pregnant (the two other women with us were and both had to leave at some point) or just get dizzy easily, sit as far back in the theater as you can and be ready for some queasiness. But brave it if you can…this movie is great!

I don’t want to give anything away, but the plot is basically your traditional “monster” movie, like Godzilla or Jurassic Park. However, because the movie is shot from the perspective of those experiencing it, you feel as if you are going through it with them. I actually felt as if I were there. Without the use of mood-enhancing music and cool camera angles, the makers of this film were able to create a believable disaster film that had a perfect mix of humor and terror. The characters were perfectly designed…everyone knows someone like Rob, Hud, Beth, or Lily. The special effects were ingenious–you never once doubted the fact that what you were seeing was real.

For those who haven’t yet seen it–look in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen during the last scene–when Rob and Beth are in the ferris wheel together. (Wish someone would have told me this because I didn’t look and now I want to go again!) Also, after you watch it think about which character your would be in a disaster situation. I like to think I would be a Hud, providing the comic relief and optimistic attitude, or a Rob who saves the day. But…probably not.

Those with kids: I would suggest not taking younger kids. This will probably give them nightmares! There is some language and quite a bit of blood, and of course lots of scary moments!

Well…stop reading my post and go see the movie!!!