IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT KIM GENTES MOVIE REVIEWS
The appearance of a movie in this review journal does not mean that the movie is endorsed by Kim. He writes reviews of movies that he saw that he recommends people avoid as well as movies that he considers worth seeing. Aside from just critical approval regarding the film, some movies may not be suitable for you or your family. You must make that kind of determination on your own, and stay true to your own convictions on what is appropriate to see. Some movies are well made, but have offensive or difficult subject matter that is questionable to many viewers. Again, the reviews listed here should not be your only filter for whether or not a film is appropriate for you and and your family.
Additionally, Kim has his own view on what movies are and why he thinks they are a worthwhile aspect of current culture to be investigated. You certainly don't have to agree with Kim on his viewpoints of movies, and he would be surprised if you did.
Kim's thoughts on movies -
Movies are the modern art "experience" of our culture. They are transmitted in many forms, on screens in theatres, DVDs, television and even computers. They are the merge of classical theatrical acting and modern day technical set and experience creation (effects). The reason I enjoy and watch lots of movies is that they not only entertain, they communicate the nuances of our society. Of course, some have nothing to do with culture, its just greedy corporations trying to produce profits. I am a guy, and as such am not the ideal audience for romantic comedies or 'chick fliks'. However I am also a husband, and domestic bliss (as well as common sense) compels me to at least review them...occasionally. For the most part, you will find I like (and therefor review a lot of ) action, drama, science fiction, suspense and similarly themed movies.
Friday, February 1, 2008 at 12:38PM 
Far and away, the best movie of 2007.
| Overall Grade: | A+ |
| Story: | A |
| Acting: | A+ |
| Direction: | A+ |
| Visuals: | A+ |
Cloverfield is the story of an attack on New York City. I won't spoil the movie for you, and if you haven't seen or read other reviews, then GET THE MOVIE. Don't try to find out what happens in this movie before you see it. You will enjoy the movie way more if you discover the story the way it was intended. The gimmick here is the "Blair Witch" style handicam filming that is the movie goers eyes through which the events unfold. Directed by Matt Reeves, (and produced by JJ Abrams) the story flows through the camera, instead of forcing the camera to see what will neatly present his storyboard. It's brilliant. You come in, remain and leave the story like the characters- uninformed, fearful, occasionally heroic and ultimately human. The same super-realism photo-imagery that was used in Collateral (Tom Cruise/Jamie Foxx) impacts you here, but with a sledgehammer to the head.
The characters are unquestionably just like us- self-centered and unprepared for much more than living their American lives. Part of the grip of this film is its tanacity to reality, while being a wildly science-fiction yarn. There is one small hickup in the storyline, in which a military trooper sends civilians back into harms way. Without that I would have given this film perfect marks on all fronts. But this plot twist does propel the story to its effective conclusion and forces the camera back to document this happening.
If you haven't seen this in the theatres, get going before its done its run. Again, this is easily the best film of 2007. If you don't get the word on Cloverfield quick enough to see it on the big screen, you will want to rent this in HD and see it on the biggest screen you have access to. Swimming in the visual experience is part of the plummet/rise rollercoaster you take with the characters, and you really don't want to miss that effect.
No child under 15 should see this movie, in my opinion. Far too much realism and imagery, along with language to keep the kids sleeping soundly after watching this one.
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/RZfiSH
Review by Kim Gentes
1st person, Apocalyptic, JJ Abrams, alien, cloverfield, first person, invasion, new york, sci-fi in A-Movie, Movie Review