J.J. Abrams may have only been the producer behind “Cloverfield,” but his visual ferocity and unwavering propensity for theatrical build-up are sprinkled all throughout this 85-minute Godzilla-meets- YouTube extravaganza. Seen entirely through the lens of a handheld camera, this film is piercing, jittery, and more deeply enthralling than most monster movies can ever dream of being. The audience is transported right into the heart of mid-town Manhattan where a mystifying creature has brought the hammer down on everything in sight and, although bits and pieces of the beast are shown, ambiguity still reigns supreme at each point in the madness.
Initially, I had doubts as to whether or not the finished product could possibly live up to the hype generated by the trailer, but upon screening it, I can definitively say that Abrams and Co. deliver in intensely exhilarating fashion. Sure, the characters are obnoxious and proceed to make one inane judgment after another, but the absurd naivety of these people had no bearing on my overall satisfaction. If you ask me, the real stars here are the production team who, equipped with a rather modest budget, orchestrate a stunning recreation of New York City on a California soundstage without any reservations about their ardor or authenticity. Some scenes are so spot on that the uncanny parallel with 9/11 is sure to stick with people long after they’ve left the theatre.
I don’t usually say this, but to truly experience the white-knuckle adrenaline rush that this film promises, the whimsical ambiance of your local megaplex is an imperative. Somehow, I just can’t see anyone maximizing their viewing pleasure by popping in the DVD on a Sunday afternoon and expecting to be altogether gripped by the anarchical chaos that director Matt Reeves develops. An all-out monster flick such as this is a perfect opportunity to shell out the $9.75 necessary for admission and be wildly entertained by people who know exactly what today’s audiences are looking for. After all, the WGA is still picketing.
- *** ½ out of 4
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