Review: Cloverfield
This was one of the more amazing theater experiences I've had. At the end of the film, the entire audience gave out an collective groan, followed by a pause, and then a shared laugh as people starting to talk about how terrible the film was. The movie played like a high school rendition of Godzilla (imagine Jason Schwartzman's character in "Rushmore" enacting Godzilla and you have the best idea) narrated by Bill Paxton's character in Aliens.
Although I have to admit, the previews alone took me out of this movie. Some Karate Kid meets Fast & The Furious movie got the ball rolling in the wrong direction. Of course, things didn't get better once the movie started. The main characters all acted like they were tweens. Two people totally had sex and its a huge scandal. Mind you, the main character is the VP of an unnamed company and everyone is supposed to be a few year (at least) removed from college. The reactions of the characters to any traumatic event are either unrealistic or simply not there at all. Honestly, a monster is stomping through New York and the main characters all seem pretty cool, calm, and collected throughout.
This movie is absolutely ridiculous. If you are expecting a stupid monster movie with two scares, some bland acting, nonsensical characters, and a ridiculous plotline, this movie is for you. But I still wouldn't recommend it.

Things You Should Know Before Viewing: If you still are going to see it, here's what I think you need to be ready for before viewing. First and foremost, it's a dumb b-movie. It doesn't elevate the genre above horror movie cliches. Check any common sense at the door and expect only Slasher flick intelligence from your characters. Expect the opening party scene to be too slow, too long, and too boring. Forget anything you've seen in "The Descent", "Godzilla", or most any other monster film and you'll be frightened. Imagine the characters are actually high school kids. Then I think you might be able to at least accept the film but I'm still not sure you'll enjoy it unless you have zero expectations.