Two Greats in 2008 (So far)

The beginning of the year usually brings a mix of movies, many of them being the leftovers that are not intended to impact mass audiences. Occasionally, during this time though we will come across some "underdogs" in the January-March dates, that are surprisingly great films.

As of now, this year, I am putting my money on two films that I found to be exceptionally cool, (and both were exceptionally innovative).

"TRANSPORTED" WORTHY MOVIE #1: Cloverfield (Click Here for Trailer)

Why it's good...

This movie has been the product of some incredible marketing. Buzz was created over this film since last fall. The producers did not reveal it's title or topic until months after the initial teaser trailer. (Initially, the film was referred to by it's release date 1-18-08. How cool is that!!)


So was the film worth the buzz?
I was a little leery about this, but after watching it, Lindsey and I both found this movie to be 100% worth it. The film takes the basic premise of a "monster attacks city" plot, and makes it completely fresh, and surprisingly raw and realistic. This film is a total experience. Shot completely from the "eyeview" of the characters using a handheld camera, we are able to follow several individuals through this terrifying attack. The handheld aspect of the film (combined with excellent effects) created a new experience where you felt as if you were running alongside with the characters. The film is also a byproduct reflecting the real reactions that we have observed in the past years during 9-11 and Katrina (looters, people shooting the chaos with camera phones...very creepy and in a way revealing of how our society deals with chaos in this age)


BOTTOM LINE:
Lindsey and I left the movie that night saying that this was one incredibly "realistic" monster movie. But, I tell you no more than that, cause I don't want to ruin the experience for you. Watching this movie is a definite enjoyable experience that can be equally fun watching it on a small screen (thanks to the handheld camera techniques).

Here's a cool interview of producer (and one of my personal "always transports me with his stories" heroes) J.J. Abrams from Time magazine exploring some of the interesting themes in this movie.

THE "2nd Transported Worthy Movie" will come soon in a post in a few days!