If success in Hollywood is dependent on the ability to manage hype, then the J.J. Abrams-produced Cloverfield, a Godzilla-level monster movie shot with Blair Witch sensibilities, is a legend in its own time. Beginning with the trailer, which debuted in front of last summer’s Transformers, moviegoers have been wondering what the project was and when they could see it. And while it’s not the genre-defining, life-changing film experience that some are claiming, Cloverfield is certainly deserving of at least some of its hype.

The film begins at a going away party for Rob, who’s leaving for a job in Japan. His buddy Hud is assigned the task of documenting the night and getting video testimonials and goodbyes to Rob. When an earthquake-like tremor rocks the party and the head of the Statue of Liberty comes flying in the general direction of their apartment, though, Hud becomes they eye through which we see a big ol’ monster siege on Manhattan and the group’s (Rob, his brother and future sister-in-law, and Hud) attempt to travel into the path of destruction to save a friend.

Of course, numerous logic centers need to be turned off to properly enjoy the film. The concept that the movie is entirely comprised of footage found at the site “formerly” known as Central Park is only believable if you think a consumer-level camcorder could live through the trauma you see it go through and keep its battery, not to mention the fact that any sensible person would drop the camera and run like hell if they saw the monster that you get occasional glimpses of throughout the movie. But by employing unknown actors and keeping the focus on the human reaction more than the monster’s rampage, the film makes you care about the characters, namely Hud, whose quick wit in the midst of overwhelming circumstances make him one of the more memorable characters in the genre in years. And even if you’re not the type who finds any of Cloverfield’s devices remotely believable, it remains an engaging and entertaining movie.

Rating: * * * ½ of 5

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