User Score
6.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 750 Ratings

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  1. TimT.
    Jan 18, 2008
    3
    I thought the special effeects were excellent, but i didn' like how the storyline was or the ending. I also did not like that the movie was a video cam and even the people behind me said it made them dizzy.
  2. Sep 17, 2011
    5
    I admit the movie was a crazy, thrilling ride. However, just because "Cloverfield" was filmed in first person perspective doesn't mean it is a good movie.
  3. Ambrose
    Jan 17, 2008
    2
    I just saw this on opening night, this film is so bad that I am only giving it 2 points, 1 point for actually been made into a film, 1 point for the special effects. During its short 82 minutes, there is probably only 40 minutes of footage that is viewable, the rest of the time is shaking, running, shaking, footage out of focus, shaking, screaming, footage too focused and more shaking, I know its the style, but I personally hate films like that, god forbid blair witch, it makes the movie experience feel cheap and unworthy. I wont recommend this movie, I wont recommend this DVD when it comes out or using this DVD as cup coaster, well maybe as a coaster. Expand
  4. DavibP.
    Jan 18, 2008
    1
    the camera made me feel sick and there was no real story.
  5. GeoffH.
    Jan 18, 2008
    1
    This is the worst film I have ever seen. It is the Blair Witch project all over again. Hand held video camera with a battery which has the longest life I have ever seen. Not to mention the fact it continues to work despite being dropped,bashedthrown about etc. No story to speak of. Do Americans really shout and scream at each other as they do in this film? All in all a poor film which I wish I hadn't wasted my time and money on. Expand
  6. Dec 1, 2010
    10
    This is one roller coaster ride. Although this does require a suspension of disbelief because this was on-camera monster attack on NYC, It made me believe it actually happened. This movie was scary, thrilling, emotional, and just plain freakin awesome! I didnt mind the ending whatsoever. Awesome movie.
  7. Oct 16, 2011
    7
    This right here is a very under-rated movie. It was a very cool and successful expeiriment that I thought did exceedingly well. It not only kept my attention and stayed interesting throughout the whole thing, it began a new era of film. It brought the idea of making the movie look like it was home videoed to the attention of the film industry. I also love the producer(J.J. Abrams) and the director did well with this movie too(Matt Reeves). So after all of that about how good it is your probably asking yourself, "why did he give it a 7/10?" Well the movie isn't completely perfect. I thought for one it could have been a bit longer. It only being like one hour and 10 minutes was kinda a let down. Also, I know it was like home videoed but there was a little too much zooming in and out and shaking of the camera. It didn't have the best angles either. It also was hard to see I feel like. The only time you can watch it is if your in a dark area because in a lot of the parts the glare makes it hard to see the screen and whats going on. One more thing is the actors. They didn't do the best job of acting in this. I guess most of them were just begginning actoras and actresses but they could have done a little better. The only one that did a professional job was Lizzy Caplin(Marlena). She was pretty good in it but then again she has been in a couple of movies before this one. She's not the best acteress though for sure. There is many others better than her, no defense Lizzy. I guess T.J. Miller(Hud) had done a prett y good job too. He had also been in a few movies before too. So those are a few things that this movie lacks and if they make a remake... add these please. So this movie is a pretty good movie with a good plotline and amazing special effects. I highly reccommend you see it. Expand
  8. JoeJ.
    Jan 21, 2008
    0
    The makers of "Cloverfield" seem to have forgotten to add the essential What, Where, and Why elements to the story. WHAT is this thing? WHERE did it come from? WHY is it attacking New York City and killing millions of people? If they could have added just a LITTLE backstory, this could have been a halfway decent movie. There was no ending either. The viewer never knows if the monster is defeated. All you see is an explosion. Ka-boom, roll credits. The theater is much too expensive to be seeing movies like thise. Expand
  9. AngelaH.
    Jan 23, 2008
    2
    Good idea but god that movie made me SO nauseas... it was shaky and it wouldn't stop moving and it was short. if it has stayed in place it would have worked... not a real story tho...just just goes with its... if u don't get movie sick then ya. but don't go for it.
  10. MarcoH.
    Feb 21, 2008
    0
    The worst film of all time - pointless, amateurish, pretentious. Everyone involved should feel embarrassed.
  11. BB
    Feb 3, 2008
    3
    Awful movie! Luckily it is very short.
  12. ChrisL
    Jul 11, 2008
    2
    Abysmal garbage. Let's see lame Cliffhanger, terrible acting, piss poor plot= FAIL. I must give credit for the cgi effects however. Nevertheless don't throw garbage like this towards us Paramount. You should have learned your lessons from War of the Worlds or any of your other disastrous Sci-fiction/monster releases.
  13. JasonT.
    Jul 9, 2008
    1
    Special Effects were as good as the story was bad! I'm still mad that I wasted an hour and a half of my life watching this rubbish!
  14. DaveG.
    Aug 3, 2008
    0
    Anyone that gave this piece of crap higher than a 0 should stick to watching sesame street. If I want to want home movies I visit the jackass down the street. I was disappointed when I missed this on the big screen. Now I'm glad I missed it. It would have been a bigger piece of crap at a higher cost of seeing it. I would classify this as docu-crap.
  15. MikeM.
    Jan 18, 2008
    0
    the worst movie i've ever seen. the handheld camera movements literally mad me sick. i had to leave the theatre. besides that, the movie was weak on all levels. garbage.
  16. jacobm
    Jan 19, 2008
    0
    I have one comment about this movie. It's a waste of time.
  17. MaryM.
    Jan 19, 2008
    0
    What a waste of time. I couldn't believe the lame, very long into to even get to the monster portion. It was a bad combination of product placement, bad acting, no script, and a hangover all in one. I checked my watch over and over and it's only 84 minutes long. A very long 84 minutes, long. Watch the trailer. It's more entertaining and you'll save yourself valuable time and money. Expand
  18. JoshC.
    Jan 19, 2008
    1
    This movie made my eyes want to bleed and gave me a headache. As a New Yorker the allusions to 9/11 were tacky. The monster had no story and the characters were idiots and I'm glad they all died.J.J Abrams and company hide a truly moronic story behind clever marketing. They get an A+ in marketing and an F for actual movie.
  19. SamF.
    Jan 21, 2008
    1
    First off Anyone who lost someone on 9-11 or still gets emotional every anniversary, Don't see this movie. with that said I gave this movie a 1 for the acting as they truly make it seem this was a film found after the event. This "movie" is 90 minutes of a shaky camera where you barely see anything especially the monster except a few seconds at the end. No explanation of what it is where it came from but these young kids are running away from it. thats the movie...actually they are trying to rescue a girl which is why they stay...I would have gotten my ass outta there ...JJ Abrahms made LOST Enough said...no explanation keeps leaving you with more questions. Expand
  20. GianellaG.
    Jan 25, 2008
    0
    So bad it was pointless horrible one of the worst movies i've ever seen i regret watching it i don't reccomend it.
  21. DannyH
    Oct 2, 2008
    0
    Worst movie ever, filming makes you dizzy, just plain stupid, no real story behind it and then theres an ending that just makes you want to cry because its like "well I've wasted 2 hours of my life" but then on top of that laugh because it seems like the producer ran out of money so just decided to end the movie. Crap, if you respect a movie with half a plot, do not see it. If you like watching people die meaninglessly and have a high resistance to motion sickness, go ahead. Expand
  22. KenL
    Jan 30, 2008
    1
    The Blair Witch Godzilla Project. Enough said.
  23. KimberlyJ.
    Feb 23, 2008
    0
    Horrible movie. Way too much hipe. Characters were annoying. "Plot" was annoying. Film style was annoying. Hated it.
  24. Tony
    Feb 5, 2008
    0
    The first 20 minutes were so boring I fell asleep, a first at the cinema, and when the explosions woke me up I thought "at last it's started." I might as well of stayed asleep as the awful hand held camera made it unwatchable. Worst film since Blair Witch Project which used the same diabolical system. Tony
  25. Ananke
    Jan 18, 2008
    3
    A harsh lesson in bad kaiju. the monster has no motivation, unlike godzilla who only wanted to go to his precious radioactive tower. the humans were vapid and unrealistic. their physical injuries at odds with fight or flight instincts would never have allowed certain survival instincts. all this movie did for me was give me a bad headache, and i went into it so hopeful for amazing thrill ride. this was the ubermeh. Expand
  26. ErikB.
    Jan 18, 2008
    0
    Completely and utterly pointless. Lead in scenes too long and drawn out, and I was actually surprised to see as the credits rolled that there had even been a script. God help us if they make more of these movies. This film was so bad it made me hate every movie I've paid for in the last 5 years.
  27. NK
    Jan 18, 2008
    2
    This movie tries so hard to be cool and gritty and different but fails on all but one of those goals. Gritty is about the only compliment it gets, if you can call grainy footage and cameras that shake epileptically "gritty". The introduction to characters drags, the action sequences are unsatisfying and the ending is a complete dud. And be warned: if watching the "Handycam-esque" style of Blair Witch Project made you feel a little queasy, Cloverfield will have you reaching for, and filling, the bucket. Blurgh! Collapse
  28. MichaelR.
    Jan 19, 2008
    2
    For the first time in my life I emailed all my friends to warn them about how bad this movie is and the critics are dead wrong. This is complete garbage and other review have really nailed down why. Something else I didn't like was if you are going to do a guerilla type movie the story should line should really try to pass this as "it really happened" type feel or else the audience will be confused and angered like I was. The movie ends "My name is Rob Anderson and if you are watching this, you know more about this than I do". No Rob, actually I don't...because no monster ever attacked NY and we haven't invented time travel so there is no way this video could have come from the future. All I know is I just dumped $15 on your crap piece of film. Thanks JJ Abrams Expand
  29. RebeccaS.
    Jan 19, 2008
    1
    This movie was a waste of my time. It was way too bloody, violent and just plain stupid. The first 20 minutes were boring-just bring a pillow and blanket and sleep for the first 20 minutes. This movie was so bad people in walking out! Save your money and time and go get ice cream instead of seeing this movie.
  30. JimothyT.
    Oct 6, 2009
    0
    One of the worst movies of this decade. The first person was not cool, or original, but just annoying. Lame shots of the monster, poor dialog, and needless to say a horrible ending.
  31. SimonP.
    Jan 18, 2008
    0
    I have never, ever had a feeling of intense anger swell within me as the credits started rolling on a film I'd been eagerly awaiting...until Cloverfield. Despite the nausea-inducing camera work, the movie left nothing but a giant, unfulfilled void where I was expecting to finally see "that amazing monster flick" I'd so eagerly hoped it to be. The entire audience actually booed when the credits rolled, I can't believe it is getting such positive reviews! Do not waste your time, or more importantly, your money, on this horrid monster of a movie. Expand
  32. JasonK.
    Jan 18, 2008
    1
    Horrible excuse for a movie. I don't know what the critics are thinking. It requires not only a massive suspension of disbelief, but also a suspension of reason and logic. Add to that the fact that you do NOT find out anything about the monsters origins, and I would not recommend seeing it even if they paid you $12.
  33. SamR.
    Jan 18, 2008
    2
    The camera perspective is from a handheld camera and its like watchin a 2 hour blare-witch project. Watching the 2 minute preveiw is probably more interesting than the movie. Don't waste ur m$n$y
  34. ScottyE.
    Jan 18, 2008
    1
    Let me put it this way...half the theater left either sick or really ticked off. There were at least 2 people that actually threw up in the theater while I was there. I sat near the back of the theater because of the potential motion sickness. I still got sick. The director should have at least used the steady shot on the camera. It was like they had to throw the "Im using a camcorder and I need you to know it" over and over again. Great story but horrible visuals aka camcorder view. It should have been used sparingly. This movie could have been made by anyone and probably been easier to watch than this version. I recommend this movie to know one. If you go sit in the back row and bring a brown paper bag. Cant wait till the book hits the shelves. Expand
  35. Ron
    Jan 18, 2008
    0
    Deadly dull, even at 84 minutes.
  36. Aug 20, 2010
    0
    ive seen some bad films such as godzilla's 1998 remake , Jason x , death Bed the bed that eats people , and death stalker 2. but nothing is more terrable then this film . i had nothing bad to say about JJ abrhams till i seen this filth. god i dont even know where to start but i will try . lets start out with the camera that god awful camera . i know he was not trying to be original with that Blare witch project rip off style but oh my god it seems any time and i MEAN any time some thing some what intresting starts to happen the camera shakes all over the damn place so nothing is viewable . then the plot which is so simplisticaly stupid i mean this whole movie can be described in 1sentence and basically you will have seen the movie . giant monster attacks and guy goes and saves his girlfriend ... thats it. i mean the old Godzilla movies had more plot then this . i had more questions after seeing this crap then i went in with . you never find out what the monster is , where it came from , why its attacking , what thoose things coming off it are . why people are blowing up after getting bitten . i mean really thoose are the things i know the vast majority of people seeing this turd want to know! people who like tnhis movie try to lie to me and give me bull **** answers on thoos questions just because for some unknown reason they like this piss and wana defend it. listen ive seen this crap 2x it DOESNT ANSWER ANY OF THEM . YOU ARE ONLY GUESSING SO SHUT UP!!! god this movie is just pissing me off reviewing it . that should tell you how bad it is . i mean serously id rather wach the crappy 1998 godzilla film any day over this dribble . this film so gets my vote for worst movie of the decade . Expand
  37. Sep 9, 2010
    3
    Well executed, entertaining stuff, but did we REALLY need this to be set in New York? The whole film seems designed to cynically exploit the relatively fresh memories of Sept 11th. The film loses several points for feeling like being repeatedly whacked over the head with a copy of the 9/11 Commission Report...
  38. Aug 26, 2011
    7
    The movie certainly has a good premise, but unanswered questions in the end and a camera that is way too shaky disrupt the experience.
  39. Sep 9, 2011
    9
    From the creator of the recently-ended TV series LOST (who is now known as the director of later films STAR TREK and SUPER 8, as well), CLOVERFIELD is the thrilling point where THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, and GODZILLA all meet. The use of the similar "cinéma vérité" and "found footage" styles are prevalent to the film's plot, as it enhances the believability of the disaster which the story is centered on. At first, I didn't think it was going to be that great of a film, as it began with a light-hearted mood, but by twenty minutes into it, once the whole disaster started to take place, I was thrilled. Also, the ending was not that great, and it left me flummoxed by how complex it was, but think of the endings to other films made in "found footage" style--especially THE LAST EXORCISM--if you may: they were the same way. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic film. To create yet another monster was a brilliant idea, and for once well-tackled. But if there's one thing about CLOVERFIELD that really goes beyond expectations, it's the cinematography and how ingeniously every action is captured--even if it's on home video. Expand
  40. DonnyN.
    Feb 8, 2008
    8
    It was a very good film and the ending was perfect - what do other movie goers expect to get from a "Military Archive Tape"??? It was refreshing to see a "monster attacks" movie from a first person perspective rather the 3rd person scale we usually see these movies from. A great idea. The filming was actually very tolerable. I felt a little sick watching Blair Witch Project but Cloverfield was much more controlled. Expand
  41. kathrynk.
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    What a wonderfully thrilling movie experience this film was. I was part of a group of several people, ranging in age from 20 to 62, who saw this movie together and unanimously loved it! I can see how some parts of the movie would be judged difficult to watch because of the hand-held camera work, but all of us agreed that this just heightened the sense of what we were watching as happening in real time. Anyway, if my sixty-one-year-old mother was able to cope with the camera work, I don't see how anyone else couldn't, and my mother is prone to car sickness! She just closed her eyes at some of the more difficult parts to watch. I say just cowboy-up and go see this film. Don't wait for it to come out on DVD or you'll be robbing yourself of a good time. "Cloverfield" should be enjoyed on a theater screen with a shattering sound system! Expand
  42. LongC.
    Jun 4, 2008
    8
    Wonderful, thrilling, and uniqie expirience with great characters, but deliberately leaves you with no answers.
  43. AncplAEHHc
    Jan 18, 2008
    8
    Cloverfield was pretty good. the sound and picture was awesome, except when the screen shook a lot or it was tilted; this also gave a feeling that you were really there, so it was good and bad. i think the ending blew it though. it wasn't that but, . .. it's kind of like you wanted more. they could've explained it like "20 years later" or something like that.
  44. DaveY.
    Jan 19, 2008
    7
    This movie would have been perfect if A: NORMAL CAMERA WORK AND B: DON'T END SO ABRUPTLY!!!! GIVE ME A LIL MORE INFO
  45. Hooah
    Jan 21, 2008
    10
    This is a great movie!!!!! do not pay attention to the people saying otherwise. GREAT effects! good acting, Great directing, jumped out of my seat MANY times, it kept you thinking what, how, why IF YOU ARE GOING TO SEE A MOVIE SEE THIS ONE!
  46. c.notas
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    I thought this movie was one of the best movies i have ever seen. I would definetly give this 10/10.
  47. WestSider
    Jan 23, 2008
    5
    Cloverfield has many good elements...but the camera work was not one of them. Perhaps they should have used some conventional angles to move the story along and show some of the bigger events in physical perspective? Also the characterization was nil...I agree with the Times review that at a certain point I was rooting for the monster...but that is what you get when you use all of 5-10 minutes to develop the main characters. Expand
  48. MerylD.
    Jan 20, 2008
    7
    The obviousness is a detriment--if you're going to use our "new emotional context" for terror (which is now ~ 7 years ago and only resonates for people in New York City and/or airports), you should at least do so with artistic purpose, even if you are just making a "monster movie." Vacuous characterization helps me root for the monster, which I would've liked alot more if it wasn't the same old pallid goblinesque "Cave/I Am Legend/every other movie monster of late" creature. The interesting thing about the Blair Witch was what you didn't see. Cloverfield gets by on what you do see--computer explosions, somewhat menacing spider-crab babies and the Statue of Liberty's head bowled through Manhattan (Chuck Heston must've winced in his sleep). In other words, good fireworks I will forget in about a week. Expand
  49. Dan
    Jan 27, 2008
    9
    Why am I not surprised. Something different comes along and it gets booed (I couldn't believe it myself until the boos at the end of the movie). I'll admit I was a big queezy with the handycam for the first 5 minutes; but the style suited it so well: finally some more experimentation since blair witch. As for the abrupt conclusion, how could people not expect it? It fit perfectly, and helped to sell it. It had great cg and special effects (especially how they fit it all in handycam settings). I found the acting was natural and sold well. Overall great movie. Expand
  50. SJN.
    Jan 29, 2008
    1
    Total rubbish ridden with factual, technical, military and continuity errors.
  51. TonyB
    Jan 30, 2008
    0
    I agree with all the zeros. I would have preferred being in NYC with the monster than watching the movie, LOL. Or anywhere else than watching the movie. If you cut out most of the party, and the most of the scenes aimed at feet and mid-sections, it might have rated a lot higher. But then it would have been around, maybe about 30 minutes in length - that would have been an improvement. It seems they were trying to make a non-movie, and they succeeded in that. Expand
  52. StefanosM.
    Feb 17, 2008
    9
    Great Suspense, Cinema Experience Keeps You Hooked. Filming Of It Makes It Feel Realistic. Amazing.
  53. LuisG.
    Feb 20, 2008
    7
    HYPE !!! dang the HYPE i wanted to be blown away but there i was expecting something else .. guess its my fault ... cloverfield was and will be a monster movie that will just be shelved away intension are admirable but i was shortchanged i will will do a follow-up and screen again...
  54. PeteH.
    Feb 25, 2008
    10
    The second most astonishing experience I've ever enjoyed at the cinema, the first being the original Star Wars when I was five. I was lucky and somehow completely missed the hype, so I went in with only low-level expectations given the large amounts of negative commentary on the net. For the first twenty minutes some annoying kids were burping and swearing in the cinema (bless - up past their bedtimes) but as soon as things kicked off they sat there in stunned silence, just like everyone else. We all shuffled out of the cinema mumbling and punch drunk. I completely forgot to eat my popcorn and my bloody hands were shaking! When did a movie last do that to me? Er... never, dude. Not even watching Alien on video alone in a large house with the lights out when I was thirteen. Brilliant special effects, even better sound. Totally suspends disbelief, it's horribly, horribly real-feeling. The videocam storytelling technique completely removes the fourth wall, so the audience is right there trapped in New York with the rampaging monsters. Absolute genius, bloody terrifying, short, horrific and sweet as hell. Expand
  55. RyanP
    Feb 2, 2008
    10
    People who gave this a low score totally missed the point of this movie. This film was near on perfect the characters were introduced well, the action scenes were amazing. The monster had enough coverage and every loss of a character made you feel for the others left behind. It was the quiet scenes like in the subway that provided the most emotional moments and the silence in some parts provided such a tense atmosphere in the cinema. The story was spot on, it didn't need to have an explanation of what the monster was or where it came from as the characters couldn't of possibly found out that information and I'm sure if a monster was chasing you the main thing you would be trying to do would be staying alive not . investigating! The ending was excellent and the skip to the old video was such a good idea. go see it! Expand
  56. ChrisH
    Feb 3, 2008
    9
    Honestly this was a great movie so as any critic I will list the good and the bad. The good: great effects, intense, exiting, exilerating and pretty much just great. The bad: short, had a bad ending. So there you go a lot of good and little bad 9 out of 10.
  57. KateP.
    Feb 5, 2008
    0
    Can someone wake me when the movie begins... Such poor acting... A cure for people with insomnia
  58. NigelO.
    Feb 6, 2008
    9
    The beauty of this film is that part of you thinks you are actually there,and allows you to think what it would be like for you.Great sound and special effects.and a cool ending.
  59. BongoMcFluff
    Feb 7, 2008
    3
    When the screen went black and the credits started rolling, the people in the cinema were silent for about 3 seconds and then all started laughing which for me says it all. It was the most ridiculously pointless, awful film I have ever seen with an even worse ending than I Am Legend. I only sat through the pointless and confusing introduction without walking out because I wanted to see the monster. The rest of the story is absolutely ridiculous. There are so many unbelievable ridiculous things like a person surviving being impaled through the chest on a piece of rebar and then a helicopter crash without even a broken bone or life threatening bleeding. The main attraction to seeing the film was at least for me curiosity as to what the monster looks like so take my advice and just find a picture on the internet and save your money for something worth watching. Also if you see it at the cinema, the shaky camera will make you feel sick but the film will bore you to death before that ever happens. Expand
  60. ChrisC.
    Feb 8, 2008
    10
    Wow! amazing. those people who complain about motion sickness - shutup!
  61. GaryP.
    Mar 1, 2008
    5
    Cloverfield was a big dissapointment for me. The story begins with a farewell party which is extremely dull and gives no insight into the plot. You actually wonder if you came to the correct film. Although it gets much better when the actual action seems to start, it is a poorly executed film in my opinion with too much expensive CGI and absolutely no plot. The idea is good, and the camera work would be realistic to that situation but it is extremely hard to follow the action at times, which defeats the point of watching it. It is basically people running around Manhattan manically trying not to get viscerated by the monster whilst giving you a visual assault on the eyes. It is one of those films that you desperately want to find something to get into story wise because it has some obvious quality, but when it ends you realise that there is no story and know less than you did when the film started. There is no beginning or ending and nothing to follow story wise through the film. A good film must convey it's message to the audience. Cloverfield did nothing. I really wanted to the monster to win because it would have seen some action, such is the lack of plot. Visuals: 9 Entertainment: 6 Plot: 2 Value for Money: 3 I would not recommend seeing this. It is destined for the £2.99 bargain bin at Morrisons. Expand
  62. AdamS.
    Mar 25, 2008
    0
    I would just like to ask those who liked this piece of disrespectful and intellectually shallow movie that's milking the events of 9/11 for what they're worth. What's in your heads, people? Get a grip of yourselves already and realise what you've just done by paying to see this insult to decency! Man! You Americans have already fantasized about every catastrophic or cataclysmic scenario thinkable, yet you want more and you even like it. Maybe that is why you go out and kill people around the world. You just have to live your sick fantasies through your military and then watch it like some sick reality show, which at least to you, seems to be just a show with realistic special effects, don't you! Expand
  63. AmyA.
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    I loved this movie, more than any other movie. I cannot understand why so many people seemed to have a distaste for this movie. I will agree that a few things (ie. the phones still working, and Hud still holding the camera, and the camera still being intact) didn't make sence, but putting that aside, the movie was incredable. Not to mention the viral marketing was pure genius. I give it a 10/10 because it just blew my mind. I never would have imagined a monster movie leaving me with my jaw dropped the way it was, but Cloverfield produced it. Expand
  64. Ezekial
    Apr 6, 2008
    6
    Blair Witch Project meets Godzilla? It was entertaining but at the end you are left confused and somewhat angry. The movie leaves out way to many pieces of information for my liking. Decent overall though worth a rent.
  65. Matts
    Apr 8, 2008
    0
    sucked. jittery camera gave many people motion sickness. real life isn't that jittery even when you are running. lame!
  66. ChristineM.
    May 24, 2008
    5
    The camera work was very jumpy but that was to be expected. I was very dissapointed that in the end they offered NO explanation as to what happened even after it was obvious they found the video after the fact. It left to uch open to debate as far as what actually happened. I feel like watching this was a waste of my time.
  67. CrisL.
    May 25, 2008
    4
    Visual affects brilliant although the story was very ordinary ,Left in suspense through the film and it just cut off with no ending. The first person's view I did not like.I walked away feeling "what a wast of my time".
  68. JasonE.
    May 3, 2008
    10
    This movie deserves far more praise than it gets. My only hope is that it goes the way of Wizard of Oz, It's A Wonderful Life, and Blade Runner before it - polarizing critics and audiences when it comes out, but considered a classic down the road. I, for one, think that it's the most creative, realistic, original, exciting, and personal stories told on screen. Absolutely brilliant in every way. Expand
  69. RobertI.
    May 4, 2008
    7
    Blair witch meets godzilla. Totally bogus premise, you won't believe a minute of it, but, having said that, it's so entertaining that you don't want to leave your seat for a minute. Who's going to get creamed? Eaten alive? What's at the end of the subway tunnel? Who's shooting all those cannonballs of fire? Will Manhattan be nuked? Kids in peril are as old as pauline, but, man, what a trip! Expand
  70. zachr
    Jun 1, 2008
    0
    Terrible, predictable no suspense at all.
  71. kitty
    Jul 6, 2008
    8
    I liked this movie, it wasn't my favorite movie ever, but I was still entertained, and I still had moments of panic.
  72. PatrickM.
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    People expected too much from this movie and got disappointed. They wanted a typical Hollywood movie with a typical Hollywood ending and they didn't get one so they weren't satisfied. This was different and not in a bad way.
  73. TimH
    Jun 30, 2009
    7
    I understand that this movie isn't for everyone. Taking that into consideration, the grading criteria is as follows: If: you are looking for an artsy think flick where you come away knowing more about the human condition, then avoid this. If, however: you are looking for a terrifying POV horror film ripoff where half a dozen trust fund kiddies die before your eyes, check this on your Netflix list. Expand
  74. JamesP.
    Jan 17, 2008
    8
    An in-your-face thriller that takes no prisoners and spares no sentiment. Its use of hand helds, dialogue to camera and even the general storyline may not be original but it is effective. There won't be many better thrillers this year.
  75. MH.
    Jan 18, 2008
    9
    Great movie camera movements a little crappy at the start but a great idea with amazing special effects more like a ride at the amusement park or a video game some critics only like artsy stuff but if you like action jj abrums kicks ass.
  76. Noah
    Jan 18, 2008
    5
    Great monster, but the shaky camera ruined it. I understand that they were trying to make it look like it was shot on someone's home camera, but they couldn't ever keep the camera still for more than 2 seconds. I got motion sickness and had to spend about half of the movie listening with my eyes closed so that I wouldn't puke.
  77. ShelbyJ.
    Jan 18, 2008
    10
    It was really good and intense. it was scary in the sense that it was somewhat realistic. mainly because it was filmed in the first person by a main character and the fact that the actors werent well known. and because it was set in manhattan, a place that most people know of, rather than some random small town in texas that noone has heard of. compared to most horror and/or action films today, it was very well done. Expand
  78. LuiS.
    Jan 18, 2008
    10
    It was a great ride and a terrifying reminding of that day in September.
  79. GaryH.
    Jan 19, 2008
    9
    Not many movies make me jump out of my seat but this one had me going. Love how it's a documentary of a group of friends during the monsters attack. At first I was a little disappointed at the ending, but then the thought of a sequal made everything fine.
  80. ChrisW.
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    After reading some of these reviews, I have to wonder if they are actually seeing this movie in an actual movie theatre or on their Sony DVD player in their car? This movie was perfectly scarry. If you have ever seen any of the original B-scarry movies in the fifties... this is an instant throwback to it. This is a must see movie for the sound alone. I was trembling the entire way through it. Loved it! Expand
  81. MikeS.
    Jan 19, 2008
    5
    If you have to watch this abysmal film...sit in the very back...the constant shaking camera will make you puke...the monster is awesome...I wish it was filmed in an alternative style more complacent with my stomach cause I might have enjoyed it otherwise.
  82. FrankB.
    Jan 19, 2008
    8
    The concept was genius, but the production was unpolished at the editorial level. I went to see a monster flick and ended up walking out feeling seasick rather than feeling any sense of excitement at experiencing something amazing. I'll bet there are little kids puking outside theaters all across this country after seeing this movie. I had to close my eyes and just listen to large stretches. In retrospect, the latter was completely unneccessary, and could have been avoided with better editing (to cut down excessively long, and pointless as far as suspense and plot-line go, roller-coaster rides following the characters running up stairs, etc.). The movie also would have worked better with just one or two more elements of the "back story" (was the creature alien or deap sea?). Expand
  83. PeteVSpete
    Jan 19, 2008
    9
    This movie made me feel something I have not felt in a long time. When all is said and done, and the credits roll, and the house lights come up, I honestly felt as if I had been in a car crash. That tingle, the fire rushing through your veins, I just survived a rabid giraffe attack feeling...Without giving anything away, I really believe the monster takes a back seat in this movie, and the spirit of human nature shines. My only complaint is this, don't sit too close to the screen. And by all means, for the sake of ambience and sound, see this film in the theater, don't wait for the DVD, Expand
  84. RobR.
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    I don;y rate movies 10, if its really good it gets an 8 or a 9. This movie was amazing, no spoilers from me(its not godzilla). Yes it shows the monster.Yes people die. But the rest is for you to see and experience yourself. The single best movie i've ever seen. (Also Stay after the credits for a little bonus, its hard to make out but might change the way you look at the movie when its over).
  85. LolaG
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    Awesome movie on many levels.
  86. DarenM.
    Jan 19, 2008
    6
    Simply put, Blair Witch videography meets War of the Worlds alien attack action. If you can handle the nausiating camera angles and swings and the rediculously stubborn characters which will cause you to curse at them for their stupidity, then this is a flick worth seeing simply for it's special effects and occasional creepy shock value. With little gore (PG13) but acceptable suspense, surprises and alien attacks, it does satisfy a bored movie goer. I would rate this "wait for the DVD" and then watch it at home in the dark with the audio turned way up. "We've got a bite!" Expand
  87. PaulK
    Jan 19, 2008
    7
    My biggest complaint was the use of the handheld camera, which is central to the premise of the movie, but it gave me a massive headache about 2/3 of the way into the film. I was fearful of the portrayal of the monster(s), but it wasn't cheesy or too in your face like war of the worlds, and signs, etc. The writers borrowed too much thematically from Aliens, and the ending was completely predictable given the premise, but if you're curious about this, it's worth seeing in the theater. Expand
  88. AlanH
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    Fantastic Movie! I know we all have an opinion though I find it hard to understand what is not to like about this movie if you have any interest in this genre.
  89. KentK.
    Jan 21, 2008
    1
    1 point for the Trailer. 0 points for the movie. All I can say is please STOP making movies with SHAKY CamCorder filming !!! Come ON, now - if you wanted us to GET the fact that it was being filmed on a CamCorder, then just give us a FEW scenes where that is shown to us - then SMOOTH IT OUT for cryin' out loud !! This movie was sheer torture to watch. I hope they release a different version of the film that actually smooths out the crappy camerawork so that a person can actually WATCH the stupid thing without having to look AWAY constantly just to make the world STOP SPINNING. Blair Witch SUCKED for the same reason, and, quite frankly, the last two Bourne Identity movies had too much jerky camera work for my liking. Hollywood....STOP it already, will ya ?! Expand
  90. ScottH
    Jan 20, 2008
    2
    The idea of the movie was decent but the camera work was so bad it pretty much made it impossible to watch. The special effects were ok, but limited. The action was there throughout the movie, but it was really lame. I didn
  91. RichardJ.
    Jan 20, 2008
    0
    Just watched the film in Malaysia and must say it was the biggest piece of crap I have ever seen. At the end of the movie people just sat there and after a couple of minutes got up and walked out without any of the normal chatter you get when someone has enjoyed the experience. It was like a dentists waiting room. Biggest waste of time and money I feel cheated.
  92. JasmineP.
    Jan 22, 2008
    2
    When I watched the movie the other day, I couldn't believe that the whole movie was through a camera. The movie was a mix between the Blair Witch Project and Godzilla. This is one movie that I actually called, emailed, and spoke to co-workers and family/friends and told them to not even waste their money on. The ending of the movie was pointless. Pointless to the point on why the Camera was needed. Sometimes when I leave a theater, I hear people talking or something, NO. everyone left in COMPLETE SILENCE!!! And lookin @ the Box Office reviews, I cant believe, that this movie grossed $41M . I know there are A LOT of disappointed moviegoers... Expand
  93. StevenB.
    Jan 22, 2008
    10
    The only reason you shouldn't like this movie is if you weren't warned before going to see it that the camera is really shaky. Other than that, I believe that Cloverfield is definitely the best monster that has been created in a long time.
  94. ChrisK.
    Jan 23, 2008
    6
    Being a fan of this sort of thing I went to the opening midnight showing- it was so packed full I was stuck in the second row and after about 20 minutes was getting a headache from the hand held camera work. I stood in the back so I was glad it wasn't too long. This movie is Blair witch meets Godzilla narrated by a nerdy guy helping his friend try to save his girlfriend. If I actually believed this guy loved her then it might have worked. Special effects were OK but not enough monster. Personally I felt this film could've been a lot better if it used traditional filmmaking techniques - you barely see the creature(s?) and there is no soundtrack so much of the drama is missing. Has all the elements for a sequel which could be much better and answer a few questions. I'm glad to see monsters making a comeback instead of psychos like SAW. If I want psychos I can just turn on the news if I want giant creatures causing destruction I go to the movies so for that reason I gave it a 6. Expand
  95. JoeL.
    Jan 27, 2008
    1
    Bambi meets Godzilla was more exciting than this overated flick, and that short animation was about 45 seconds. This movie is all hype to separate you and you money. Its a 75 minute movie that spends the first 22 minutes trying to introduce the audience to characters we don't really like. I started to get annoyed at the really poor dialog after the first 10 minutes. The acting is not very convincing, and there is really no "feeling" for what happens to the main characters. I did not find the movie exciting, thrilling, or suspenseful. The hand held cam thing gets annoying after 30 minutes too. The good thing is that its only 75 minutes, about 45 minutes too long! This flick just had a made for TV feel about it. Blah! Expand
  96. DJIm
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    Great movie. I don't get why people are giving it low scores. It's a monster movie. And its effective and original. I'm sure all the imitators that come later will be far inferior.
  97. John
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    I thought this was one of the best monster movies I've seen in a long time. I don't know what some of these other people are complaining about.
  98. FrankFrank
    Jan 29, 2008
    10
    Brilliant movie. It absolutely felt like I was there, and despite being a monster movie, seemed completely plausible. Will see at least 2 more times.
  99. MysenS.
    Feb 12, 2008
    7
    At first glance of Cloverfield, I thought it would be an excellent, almost original film to see. The commercials and trailers really captured my attention about how good Cloverfield would be... but in my opinion that was as good as it would get. When I stepped out of the theater there was only one thing on my mind: How bad the ending was. Believe me, the entire film is spectacular and eye-popping visuals and amazingly blended in with the shaky camera, but if you really loved the characters or were at least concerned about the main ones at the beginning of the movie, then prepare to be extremely disappointed. But if you try to accept the early hint that "This videotape known as Cloverfield was recovered at what was once Central Park" that should tell you right away that whatever happened to the filmmakers met a grizzly end. But the thing I hated was just he fact the entire movie was like this, there's 3 points, A, B, and C. A is the start, B is in the middle of the city, and C is escaping the city. We start at A obviously, and when we're going to C, we actually go back to B and almost A, THEN C again. That's pretty much the entire movie. So unless you like endings where the heroes meet an awful demise, or you can't take the shaky camera implemented from the "Blair Witch Project", then save $7.00 off by not going to see Cloverfield. But I would definately recommend renting it if you wanted to see it. It's just not worth the $7 it's been hailed for. You'll scream for your money back as soon as the credits roll. Expand
  100. ShaunQ.
    Feb 12, 2008
    10
    This is the best film I've seen for a long long time. If you suffer immensely from motion sickness then be warned but the camera shaking isn't that bad. You get to see plenty of the monster and for all the people that say this film is rubish then you are just scared of something different. Great film worth watching!
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 37
  2. Negative: 4 out of 37
  1. 75
    Cloverfield's gritty, in-your-face style is uncompromising. If you're looking for a nice, clean movie filmed with a steadycam, you'll have to look elsewhere.
  2. Think "Godzilla Unplugged" -- with chillingly effective results.
  3. Cloverfield, a surreptitiously subversive, stylistically clever little gem of an entertainment disguised, under its deadpan-neutral title, as a dumb Gen-YouTube monster movie, makes the convincingly chilling argument that the world will end -- or, at least, Manhattan will crumble -- with a bang and a whimper.