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I'm usually not one who goes to the theaters to see new movies. Why? Because quite frankly, not many recent films have appealed to me. However, like many, I was suckered in to the internet hype regarding this top secret JJ Abrams project known as "Cloverfield." I was a bit clueless at first, but once I read more about this movie, I knew I had to see it.

Now I have never been a fan of the whole Godzilla/King Kong type movies, just because they bore me and have been around forever. And let's face it, the idea of something monsterous destroying a major place such as New York City is nothing new. However, the mystery revolving around this unknown beast in Cloverfield made the film that much more exciting. Being a fan of "The Blair Witch Project," I was extremely happy to see the movie being filmed from the perspective of a personal hand held camera. Before the movie begins, we are greeted by text claiming that the following footage was obtained from the area formerly known as Central Park. The whole presentation of the movie just makes it seem so real.

I'm not going to sit here and reveal the whole movie part by part, but let's just say that this unknown cast of actors do a superb job portraying a group of normal people who's lives are about to change in a split instant. A large portion of the beginning of the film takes place at a going away party for the main character, Robert. Robert's friend, Hud (the camera-man) is walking around the party filming guests saying their goodbyes to Robert. For the most part, everyone is joking around, having a good time. However, a sudden blast throughout New York City rattles everyone at the party, and from here the chaos begins.

Immediately while watching disaster unfold, my mind took me back to the September 11th terrorist attacks. The way the city erupts in mayhem reminded me clearly of that day, however I'm not complaining, because it made the movie that much more intense. As are party-goers are going insane, they rush outside and Hud manages to get footage of what is going down, including a crazy action shot of the head of the Statue of Liberty flying right down the street.

From here on out, the movie is non-stop action, and it all revolves around this beast attacking the greatest city in the world. The viewer doesn't know what it is, where it came from, or what it's purpose is. All we know is that it's here, and it's raising hell, and movie-goers will be pleasantly satisifed with the few clear views they get of this creature. Look out Godzilla, I think you might be beaten here.

I have read that this movie was generally cheap to make in comparison with other modern day films. Please, don't let that stop you from seeing this. The special effects are incredible; tons of explosions, buildings crumbling, incredible CGI smoke, and everything else you would expect to see when a gigantic creature is beating the hell out of New York City.

For the most part, the characterization in Cloverfield is good. As a viewer, your will probably become attached to Robert and other characters, especially Hud. As crazy as it sounds, he does a good job of providing some minor humor during this awful time. That being said, you are more than likely to feel the pain and sadness of these characters during certain times of the movie.

For the first time in a long while, I was actually satisfied coming out of the movie theater. In fact, I was more than satisifed, and I think my friends got sick of hearing me talk about it all night. That is the kind of impact this film had on me. It was honestly one of the most intense, action-packed movies I have ever laid my eyes on. The hype surrounding this film was incredible, and Cloverfield definitely lived up to it. I was tempted to go back and watch it for a second time, but I figure I'll wait until it hits Blu-Ray, and enjoy in on my Playstation 3.