Cloverfield (Paramount) 4854558
Director: Matt Reeves
Running time: 1 hr 25 mins
Rated: PG 13
Cast: Michael Stahl-David, Jessica Lucas, Mike Vogel and Lizzy Caplan
Overall rating: B+

Godzilla-meets-The Blair Witch Project is an apt description of the new movie, Cloverfield, a short but jolting and utterly terrifying thriller that will leave you shivering and pondering the what-ifs. At the same time, the film-makers (renowned film production honcho J.J. Abrams is also behind this one) scores major points for originality and taking a huge risk that pays off as the movie delivers some frightening sequences and your money's worth of excitement.

It's an ordinary night in New York City and hundreds of people are out and about. Among those in the 'Big Apple' are five friends who are throwing a surprise party for another friend (Michael Stahl-David as Rob). Music. Laughter. Good times. Then, all of a sudden, there is a huge explosion, the lights go out and buildings begin to crumble around them.

Are Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda the culprits? No, the city is under attack by a gargantuan creature, and it's all being captured on someone's video camera.

Though we've seen other "monster films" like War of the Worlds and Alien, Cloverfield is related to audiences from the point of view of the sometimes-shaky, hand-held video camera, which documents the New Yorkers' attempt to survive what definitely seems to be the most mortifying experience of their lives.
The armed forces are quick on the scene and the battle to save the city from further destruction intensifies. But scores of residents are caught up in the crossfire on the dark streets, among them the six friends, whose desperate attempt to seek refuge and stay alive accounts for the bulk of the movie. But the towering creature, which we only catch glimpses of, seems impenetrable and there are more fatalities than lives being saved. As one of the army officers resignedly says: "Whatever it is, it is winning."

It takes a certain amount of skill to pull of a movie like this and the creators (led by director Matt Reeves) admirably overcome the challenge. Yes, there are minor flaws in the fast-paced storytelling but, believe me, with your heart racing (as if you were actually one of those fleeing the destruction), you won't have time to complain.

Overall, while Cloverfield is not the first or the greatest entry in its genre, it certainly breaks new ground in the manner in which it relates its terrifying tale. At the same time, what catapult this film to success are the non-stop chills, thrills and a large dose of heart-pounding action.

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