I am a huge fan of Cloverfield. I love the concept and its execution was everything I could have ever hoped for.
So you can tell how excited I was to see what they have conjured up eight years since the first one.
Well, the trailers were going the same way as its predecessor. It has got people excited despite showing very little, and surely it is showing the perfect way of how to market a movie. It probably won't change a thing, but I hope the blockbusters take notice.
Without giving much away, I can definitely say you can have the same enjoyment even if you have yet to see Cloverfield. It looks to be more like to be an anthology of films with a similar tone. If that's the case, then keep 'em coming Mr. Abrams.
While Cloverfield was known for its clever techniques with the found-footage genre, 10 Cloverfield Lane has immersed itself into a classic thriller with your traditional camera style.
It has a small setting with only a few characters to keep up with. That gives you time to embrace the story development and get ever slightly tenser the longer the film goes on. The mystery nature of it will keep you hooked and excited to see how all of this will end.
The final act will definitely divide people. For me, it did feel separate from everything else you've just seen. The style of camerawork changes for example. But thankfully I was not disappointed by it. It was just fine in my eyes. It did not bring me out of the film, and it still made me want to know more what is going on. What I think may be the film's saving grace if you were not satisfied with the ending, is that it leaves open holes for you to discuss what you may think is going on that the film did not cover.
The performances were great throughout. John Goodman is the biggest stand-out in the main supportive role. He gives us a stunning performance and certainly terrified me throughout. I am so glad that he was cast. We always seem to love his performances. But it is always a very minor role. Especially with his involvement in recent films like Trumbo, Argo, Inside Llewyn Davis and Flight.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is a wonderful lead also. Felt really likable, was rooting for her throughout and has a really impressive powerful female presence.
The biggest positive from the technical is the score by Bear McCreary. It is terrific. It has that old school score that you would hear from a Spielberg popcorn classic. It is definitely one that I will be listening to for some time. It ended up being an integral part of the film as it was effective and kept you on the edge of your seat.
The script was pretty solid overall, but nothing exceptional. The camerawork for the most part is done really well by teasing us at the right times with clever positioning.
I won't rate it as high as Cloverfield. But I still highly recommend this as it is a terrific watch. J.J Abrams along with first-time director Dan Trachtenberg have done a fantastic job. You feel unsettled throughout as this big mystery keeps you hooked whilst also enjoying these characters trying to find out for themselves. Goodman is the big attraction and should get the most love from the viewing public.
The film takes brave paths. A lot of it works really well. Most of its potential problems are all in the final act. It can be a bit of a let down as the rest of the film makes really good use of its tense moments.
All that is left to say is don't go in expecting a straight sequel. If you like the concept of the first Cloverfield, then I feel you'll enjoy this as much as I did.
These films really show how to market a film. In an age where the trailer seemingly show far too much, especially for films that are going to get big box office numbers anyway. It's a long-shot, but I really hope other films marketing campaigns take note of how to properly get bums on seats whilst also giving people the best possible viewing experience possible.
Rating: 8/10
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