| Posted by: MarcoPolo at July 15, 2008, 8:25 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Elgyn So would you have liked it more if halfway through the movie some scientist in a white coat walks in and explains everything about the monster??? At least a hint would help. They have a chance for some redemption in a sequel which for mercy-sakes I hope they make with a steady camera. I give my analysis in my last few posts why in this particular film a lack of explanation doesn't work. It starts with this thing being able to endure 20 hours of machine gun fire and missiles without a scratch (any deep-sea creatures like that?)...coupled with the movie trying to take itself seriously in other aspects....I didn't like that clash... | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Elgyn at July 14, 2008, 6:42 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by MarcoPolo Parasites would make more sense...did they say that at some point in the movie? A more "realistic" monster (in terms of fiction) would be one that was given some semblance of origin or some system of rules in which the monster operates. Like how in the X-Files, they always tried to offer something within the extreme realms of plausibility for their monsters. Again, I would only feel a movie needs to do this if it tries to be plausible and I didn't think this movie had harmony in that regard, it tried to mix plausible with implausible. Research deep-sea creatures. Whales and such ALWAYS have parasites clinging to them. It`s a symbiotic relationahip. So would you have liked it more if halfway through the movie some scientist in a white coat walks in and explains everything about the monster??? | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Shockwave at July 14, 2008, 3:41 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by X-Nightcrawler I'm pretty sure they mention that the parasites were feeding off or biting or something the monster. I remember it was pretty clear they weren't its spawn. Yeah, i got the feeling they were feeding off the monster like giant deep-sea ticks or something, and were falling off due to all the gunfire, noise, and the monster thrashing around. They also look nothing like the monster at all. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: X-Nightcrawler at July 14, 2008, 3:39 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by MarcoPolo Parasites would make more sense...did they say that at some point in the movie? I'm pretty sure they mention that the parasites were feeding off or biting or something the monster. I remember it was pretty clear they weren't its spawn. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: fooknasty at July 14, 2008, 2:15 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by MarcoPolo Parasites would make more sense...did they say that at some point in the movie? A more "realistic" monster (in terms of fiction) would be one that was given some semblance of origin or some system of rules in which the monster operates. Like how in the X-Files, they always tried to offer something within the extreme realms of plausibility for their monsters. Again, I would only feel a movie needs to do this if it tries to be plausible and I didn't think this movie had harmony in that regard, it tried to mix plausible with implausible. I really liked the idea that there was no explanation towards the monster. However, I would like to get some kind of origin explanation in a possible sequel. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: MarcoPolo at July 14, 2008, 1:55 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Elgyn What exactly makes a "realistic" monster? Also the smaller things aren`t "spawn" per se, they`re parasites. Just like whales are covered with parasites. Parasites would make more sense...did they say that at some point in the movie? A more "realistic" monster (in terms of fiction) would be one that was given some semblance of origin or some system of rules in which the monster operates. Like how in the X-Files, they always tried to offer something within the extreme realms of plausibility for their monsters. Again, I would only feel a movie needs to do this if it tries to be plausible and I didn't think this movie had harmony in that regard, it tried to mix plausible with implausible. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Elgyn at July 14, 2008, 12:07 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by MarcoPolo Perhaps this may clarify...Cloverfield has a completely unrealistic monster with unrealistic qualities and never try to address it. The movie tries to blend too many occasions of "plausible" and "implausible" and it just didn't work for me. I think it would have been better if they followed one pattern or the other. Same with the spawn...I can't see the spawn of a completely invincible adult being weak enough to be beaten hand-to-hand...although this problem doesn't hurt the movie nearly as much as the monster...cool-looking as it was... What exactly makes a "realistic" monster? Also the smaller things aren`t "spawn" per se, they`re parasites. Just like whales are covered with parasites. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: MarcoPolo at July 12, 2008, 6:00 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Shockwave It could be a mutant cat-fish that drank too much mountain dew. Then I would have given it 10/10 for sure!!! | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Shockwave at July 12, 2008, 1:03 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by MarcoPolo *****possible spoilers***** [*]The total lack of explanation for this monster. Which normally wouldn't bother me if the movie didn't try to be "realistic" which it did. The fact that it WAS being realistic explains the lack of a origin from the monster. I loved it. I hate when a monster origin just gets thrown out just for the sake of doing so. Sometimes not knowing is better. It couldve come from space. It couldve come from the sea. It could be a mutant cat-fish that drank too much mountain dew. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: MarcoPolo at July 12, 2008, 9:40 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by X-Nightcrawler How would it be more realistic if these characters found out explanations? It works because the movie tried to be realistic. It's realistic these characters never found out what the hell had attacked them. It'd be manufactured if they somehow manage to go "Oh! So it's THIS that got the monster pissed off!" Same for the second. Why are you surprised that the tiny monsters are easily killed and the big one isn't? The small ones are parasites, the big one's a monster. It's easier to kill an ant climbing on your back than it is to kill you. How is that not sensible? Perhaps this may clarify...Cloverfield has a completely unrealistic monster with unrealistic qualities and never try to address it. The movie tries to blend too many occasions of "plausible" and "implausible" and it just didn't work for me. I think it would have been better if they followed one pattern or the other. Same with the spawn...I can't see the spawn of a completely inv... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: dellamorte dellamore at July 12, 2008, 9:31 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by MadsenOMC A dumber, more annoying and less funny Jason Lee. I thought i was the only one who thought that , and i figured i would point it out . I fully expected to find out that Lee dubbed the voice for this character , but we do see him eventually so i know it's not him now . I just wish the monster could have stomped him a bit sooner too save us the agony of another one of his oh god lines . And why was he still taping when he tried to cross that chasm between the two buildings ? That was hilarious . No it wasn't enough to show the dangerous nature of the crossing , he had to tape them actually crossing it , at least he had enough sense not to do that same trick twice . On the way back i think he shut the cam off , then turned it on again on the other side . And i love how when any time the little critters attacked , he still tried to tape what was happening , he had to be one of the dumbest videographers in history . I think the film is great , but i desperately hope they drop... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: X-Nightcrawler at July 11, 2008, 7:52 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by gorila Actually, I think that she didnt explode, Marlena doesnt exploded into pieces (if thats what you mean),what exploded were her guts/stomach, just as the guy (or corpse) that is pushed in the gurney just before Marlena was taken to the tent. If you see closely you will se that the guy in the gurney had a massive hole where his stomach was. . . . same difference. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: gorila at July 11, 2008, 7:31 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by X-Nightcrawler She exploded. Actually, I think that she didnt explode, Marlena doesnt exploded into pieces (if thats what you mean),what exploded were her guts/stomach, just as the guy (or corpse) that is pushed in the gurney just before Marlena was taken to the tent. If you see closely you will se that the guy in the gurney had a massive hole where his stomach was. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: X-Nightcrawler at July 11, 2008, 4:51 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by muttly69 I want to know what happend behind the curtin to that chick. She exploded. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: muttly69 at July 11, 2008, 4:47 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | I want to know what happend behind the curtin to that chick. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: X-Nightcrawler at July 11, 2008, 4:29 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | Quote: Originally Posted by MarcoPolo *****possible spoilers***** I'm gonna have to fall in the minority on this one too. The trailer enticed me to watch. But....stuff I didn't like. The total lack of explanation for this monster. Which normally wouldn't bother me if the movie didn't try to be "realistic" which it did.
The little spider spawn can be subdued with a hit from a fire extinguisher...but the big monster...nope, not even 20 hours of machine gun fire and missiles give it a scratch. Not with you on the logic of these two. How would it be more realistic if these characters found out explanations? It works because the movie tried to be realistic. It's realistic these characters never found out what the hell had attacked them. It'd be manufactured if they somehow manage to go "Oh! So it's THIS that got the monster pissed off!" Same for the second. Why are you surprised that the tiny monsters are easily killed and the big one isn't? The small ones are parasites, the big one's a mo... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: MarcoPolo at July 11, 2008, 3:59 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by gorila The explanation will come in the future. It had enough intrigue to get me to watch a sequel if the sequel was a normal-camera movie and they got into some non-romance story or some kind of explanation of this creature. Don't get me wrong. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: gorila at July 10, 2008, 11:48 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | Quote: Originally Posted by MarcoPolo *****possible spoilers***** I'm gonna have to fall in the minority on this one too. The trailer enticed me to watch. But....stuff I didn't like. Shaky camera. What is the appeal of this? I sure don't know. It doesn't feel authentic to me. It feels like a movie trying to feel authentic but is just an exaggerated shaky camera. If they guy has the gumption enough to keep filming terrifying stuff under pressure, can he not actually film things worth looking at instead of tank tires?
The total lack of explanation for this monster. Which normally wouldn't bother me if the movie didn't try to be "realistic" which it did.
The little spider spawn can be subdued with a hit from a fire extinguisher...but the big monster...nope, not even 20 hours of machine gun fire and missiles give it a scratch.
That 0 other people sought refuge in the subway system.
Dialogue like when the guy is frantically pushing all the elevator buttons and they don't work, and it's s... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: MarcoPolo at July 10, 2008, 11:32 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | *****possible spoilers***** I'm gonna have to fall in the minority on this one too. The trailer enticed me to watch. But....stuff I didn't like. Shaky camera. What is the appeal of this? I sure don't know. It doesn't feel authentic to me. It feels like a movie trying to feel authentic but is just an exaggerated shaky camera. If they guy has the gumption enough to keep filming terrifying stuff under pressure, can he not actually film things worth looking at instead of tank tires?
The total lack of explanation for this monster. Which normally wouldn't bother me if the movie didn't try to be "realistic" which it did.
The little spider spawn can be subdued with a hit from a fire extinguisher...but the big monster...nope, not even 20 hours of machine gun fire and missiles give it a scratch.
That 0 other people sought refuge in the subway system.
Dialogue like when the guy is frantically pushing all the elevator buttons and they don't work, and it's supposed to be intense, and then the on... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: gorila at July 10, 2008, 10:13 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | Yesterday I saw this movie for the second time. And I made a few notes: I really liked how the relationship between characters was handled, using the testimonial video, we get to understand the characters. Regarding Hud, he is Robs Main Man, cut him some slack, if it wasn't for him he wouldn't have gotten to talk back with Beth, and look for her, and run for their lives (well at least for their last 30 minutes of their lives). The most unreal thing about this movie was Marlena's wound, with that size and depth of wound, she should be crying (or even fainting of pain and shock). She pads here wound with a cloth. That would sting like hell, she doesn't make a noise. Distance and Time.
When they leave robs building and they are trying to decide where to go, when can see in the background the lights of Brooklyn Bridge, then they start walking towards it, the camera fixed mainly on the bridge, everytime cut the bridges appears closer an closer until Hud is beneath it. Distance and Time are cautiously fixed th... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: MadsenOMC at July 10, 2008, 9:13 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Thank you. It may have been better to see it in theaters, or I may have barfed my brains out. Hard to say. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Shockwave at July 10, 2008, 9:01 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by MadsenOMC A dumber, more annoying and less funny Jason Lee. Is that possible? Great review Madsen, im glad u liked it. I wish u could have seen it in the theatre. Ive got a pretty swet set-up, but i gotta say that seeing this with friends on the big screen was one of the best movie going experiences ive ever had. It felt like i was on a roller coaster. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: MadsenOMC at July 10, 2008, 8:41 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by dellamorte dellamore Did anyone else think that HUD sounded like Jason Lee ? A dumber, more annoying and less funny Jason Lee. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: dellamorte dellamore at July 10, 2008, 6:46 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Did anyone else think that HUD sounded like Jason Lee ? | | Static Link |
| Posted by: gorila at July 9, 2008, 5:12 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Awesome movie. Different movie. At present times when we are exposed to some absolut trash, a film like this comes and slaps us in the face. I really liked the double timeline on the recording tape, this is what sets up the story of Rob, so as you follow Rob looking for Beth, you see more and more of their past relationship and you understand better why he is going to get her. I WOULD cross town in a similar situation for the girl I love. There is a strong love story behind all of this, cmon!!! how can people say its STUPID to go looking for Beth? The ones who followed, ok, I give you that, but Rob tells them to go and get "rescued", and that he is going anyway. I did care about most of the characters, not all of them but most of them. I think the subway scene when Robs mom calls him is pretty good, he just lost his brother, and he has to tell that to his mother, not easy to act, but I think they pulled it off nicely. Who saw the TED conference with JJ Abrams? ** I lend my DVD to a friend of mine, ... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: MadsenOMC at July 9, 2008, 11:17 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Do I still need to post a spoiler warning? I finally saw it. It was sort of nice to see it after all the hype has passed. Plus, with a new 42-inch HDTV and Blu-ray DVD player, I love watching movies at home now more than ever. I was expecting to hate it. I am always skeptical of genre movies that receive so much adulation, much of it prior to its theatrical release. I enjoyed it though. It made for great home viewing on a quiet summer night. I know the set up has bugged some people, but I didn't mind it. To me it felt like a real party attended by 20-somethings. The interactions rang true and it's a solid beginning. The reveal of the monster is handled extremely well. They show just enough at just the right moments. The initial attack, Brooklyn Bridge, subway, helicopter and finale are all really great. The visual effects, especially considering the sheer amount of them, are very convincing. It is often intense and suspenseful. I would have loved it to be R, but I understand why it isn't. The running time is... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Van Buuren at April 30, 2008, 12:39 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | I just got done watching this... again and I like it more every time I watch it. Besides enjoying looking at Jessica Lucas (who plays Lilly) every time she comes on screen. I really get captured in the movie and feel for the characters. In fact some of my favorite moments are in the first 20 mins cause you get to know who these people are and at least for me are interested in them, which I think then makes you care about what happens as the movie continues. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: dellamorte dellamore at April 28, 2008, 11:55 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | I watched most of it , the visual effects feature , and it blew me away . The parts i would have sworn were on location combined with digital effects in post production were actually filmed in front of a greenscreen . It's crazy what these people pulled off . This is more impressive than a Sin City or 300 , where you knew it was all greenscreen and they went for a comic book / surreal look , in Clove they flawlessly recreated actual locations to appear as if they actually filmed in these locales , i never saw anything like it . You'll never once think for a second think that they didn't film in Nyc . This film opens up more possibilities for manhattan based films , and it definitely saves time and money . I know , i'm becoming redundant now , but i'm seriously in awe of what they accomplished . No doubt they raised the bar for visual fx . | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Elgyn at April 28, 2008, 8:41 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by dellamorte dellamore Watched it again finally , and it's even better than the first time . Call me impressed beyond words with regards to the visual effects , they are just about flawless and seamless in a way that i haven't seen in awhile . This is definitely a high water mark for greenscreen compositing , i could have sworn , upon first viewing , that they actually filmed most of the scenes on location because they so expertly recreated the Nyc locales . I agree 100%. Did you watch the special feature about the visual effects? I couldn`t BELIEVE how much of the movie was greenscreen, it didn`t seem like it at all! I watched the special feature with my son to show him it was all make believe, and I was blown away! Probably the most interesting 'making-of' featurette I`ve ever seen. (Another good one is the 'making-of' featurette on "Monster House", really amazing stuff). | | Static Link |
| Posted by: dellamorte dellamore at April 27, 2008, 10:34 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Watched it again finally , and it's even better than the first time . Call me impressed beyond words with regards to the visual effects , they are just about flawless and seamless in a way that i haven't seen in awhile . This is definitely a high water mark for greenscreen compositing , i could have sworn , upon first viewing , that they actually filmed most of the scenes on location because they so expertly recreated the Nyc locales . I admit , the greenscreen effects in certain scenes do stand out just a bit , but overall , the expert integration of live action , studio sets and digital animation is masterful . I also love how they made it seem as if the camera was shaking almost the entire time , but even that seems to be a post production addition . Double negative and Tippet Studios are to be commended for their brilliant realization of this digital world , Manhattan has never been brought to life artificially in such masterful and convincing fashion . You'll actually believe Nyc is being destroyed by a... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: mutesaint at April 24, 2008, 4:33 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by X-Nightcrawler How the hell did those quotes get mixed up?? I don't know. I didn't mess with it at all......weird. (after observation) wough. Everyones is messed up. That is weird. Guess I fucked everyone up. Oh well. I fixed mine. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Kikabi at April 24, 2008, 4:17 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Thanks for posting all those MySpace urls, X-Nightcrawler - very kind of you. I'll going to kick back and enjoy these! | | Static Link |
| Posted by: X-Nightcrawler at April 24, 2008, 2:49 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by IanLovesMovies That's interesting. I just assumed that was the monster shooting into the ocean because of the fact that it didn’t look like it was supposed to be from the ocean. More like an alien creature or something. I watched the alternate endings and they definitely used the right one! The other ones were cheesy. Thanks for educating me. Yeah, it's pretty cool. It's pretty confirmed that was a satellite. The fake website of that Japanese company has an article regarding a satellite having problems and crashing, I think. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Worthystevens at April 24, 2008, 2:46 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by TheHutch23 I know that if the shit hit the fan and I got a message like that from the girl I loved I'd be there in a second. Its the only real choice. Not just the girl, but hell, I'd go back for any of my friends. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: IanLovesMovies at April 24, 2008, 2:44 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by gyro_44 Actually they say that's a falling satellite, which is awakening the monster... which does live underwater. According to the filmmakers anyway. That's interesting. I just assumed that was the monster shooting into the ocean because of the fact that it didn’t look like it was supposed to be from the ocean. More like an alien creature or something. I watched the alternate endings and they definitely used the right one! The other ones were cheesy. Thanks for educating me. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: X-Nightcrawler at April 24, 2008, 2:43 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by Kikabi Whoops - I remembered she knew Lily but I didn't remember how close they were. I just got my DVD copy and really looking forward to rewatching it and having my poor memory refreshed! The characters have MySpace pages?!? LOL! I hope those are in the DVD features or else I'll be back begging for the links. btw, on another thread, one shmoe noted that he didn't consider this to be a horror movie. I thought that was pretty odd. But does anyone agree with him? Probably because it's too good to be part of a fundamentally schlocky genre? God knows, genres are st00pd. Anyway, here you go: Rob's MySpace (this is one of the best, read his blogs). Beth's (who doesn't love Beth?) Hud's (the man is a complete nerd, and loves Buffy! So does Rob, they're awesome) Marlena's (she's hilarious, do yourself a favor and read the comments she drops on others' profiles) Jason's (Jason rules; though apparently he's an ass, please look at the quarrel between him and Hud about stolen candy) Lily's (... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Kikabi at April 24, 2008, 2:22 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Whoops - I remembered she knew Lily but I didn't remember how close they were. I just got my DVD copy and really looking forward to rewatching it and having my poor memory refreshed! The characters have MySpace pages?!? LOL! I hope those are in the DVD features or else I'll be back begging for the links. btw, on another thread, one shmoe noted that he didn't consider this to be a horror movie. I thought that was pretty odd. But does anyone agree with him? | | Static Link |
| Posted by: X-Nightcrawler at April 24, 2008, 12:43 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | I agree, that's interesting. But remember she was also very close friends with Lily. If you see the characters' MySpace pages, more light is shed on their relationships (Marlena's comments on other characters' profiles are hilarious; my favorite is in Rob's blog about leaving to Japan; "Gay."). The marketing of this movie is too damn complex, I couldn't believe it. | | Static Link |
| Posted by: Kikabi at April 24, 2008, 12:32 pm | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | | Quote: Originally Posted by X-Nightcrawler Most questionable thing would be to wonder if Marlena, Lily and Hud would go with Rob. At least in Lily's case, since she just lost Jason, it's extremely obvious that she'd want to stick with Rob, since it was just as big a loss for him. Hud would follow his best friend, that much you can tell. And Marlena? Who knows, she even says that she shouldn't have gone with them. She was probably just scared. Marlena is the most interesting case, and one of the things I love about the movie. Rob and his group are basically strangers to her, but they've taken her in. They're personally interested in her and her welfare, and protect her as much as they protect themselves. When she's faced with a choice to join with another group of strangers, which includes a soldiers, a symbol of protection here, she chooses instictively to stay with Rob and his group because they've become personal to her. The other group of strangers are more unknown and impersonal. At the time, it makes be... | | Read Entire Entry |
| Posted by: Shockwave at April 24, 2008, 10:48 am | | Topic: Cloverfield Forum: JoBlo | [quote=mutesaint;2733730] Quote: Originally Posted by TheHutch23
I know that if the shit hit the fan and I got a message like that from the girl I loved I'd be there in a second. Its the only real choice. I agree. Be it my mother, brother, or girl friend, i wouldnt be able to live with myself if i just ran away with a loved one in need, pleading for help on a cell phone. | | Static Link |
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