★★★½ Cloverfield

[Twinkletoes: 3.5, Gino: 3.5]

Twinkletoes says: 'They've been trying really hard to keep this film under wraps so I'll try not to give anything away here. This is the film that's been all over the internet and TV about NYC being under attack by something. A lot of things were done really well. I love the concept of the film. The film is supposed to be an unedited video that was found in Central Park. I've always been drawn to films that take an intimate, small scale look at much huger events and this format brings a great sense of realism and urgency to what is basically, a ridiculous story. For the most part, it really does feel like a found video tape. I also thought the editing was top notch. To be able to tell a cohesive story through a found video is an accomplisment. We get some background on some of the characters by having snippets of an older recording that was taped over appear throughout the film. It's a great idea that aside from a couple of stagey feeling scenes, was very well done. Now for what I didn't like so much. I know this is a bit of a contradiction, but as much as I liked the concept of the film, the camera work made me nauseous. I've never been one who has been bothered by the hand held camera but this really got to me. I literally felt like I was going to throw up on a couple of occasions. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the dude with the video camera just happened to be a guy who works as a cameraman (half kidding) Some of the realism of the film was hurt by some of the characters and their actions. I understand that without the actions of these charcters there would have been no film but just let me say this. Gino, please know that if we happen to be in NYC when something like this happens do not feel bad for not coming with me on a 60 block trek if I need to go after Mrs. Twinkletoes because if you need to do the same for Twoshoes, you're on your own. Sorry. Overall I liked it. I had a good time but this is not a film I'll ever need to revisit. I'm going to recommend it but if you are the least bit prone to quesiness, wait for the DVD and whatever you do, avoid the IMAX (if there is one) version unless you wear a raincoat. On a couple of side notes, as fantastical as this story is, I have to think that this thing will prove terrifying to anyone who happened to be in NYC during 9/11. Also, they list this film at 91 minutes. The start of the film to the start of the credits lasted less than 80 minutes.'

Gino says: "I pretty much agree with all of what Twinkletoes has said. I was a little surprised that I didn't have a more visceral reaction to this film, but it might be because I saw it on a laptop on a train and not in a darkened theater. Though I would have been sick to my stomach in a theater from the camera work. Special effects were awesome though."