It’s hard to change the format of a monster movie and J.J. Abrams makes no measure to do so. The audience is given an entirely new perspective on the destruction of one of the world’s biggest cities at the mercy of a giant beast.

Picture “The Blair Witch Project,” only better. Within the first 15 minutes of “Cloverfield,” the audience is introduced to the main characters and learns the main romantic subplots. There’s love, there’s friendship, there’s mayhem.

Shot in the first-person point of view, “Cloverfield” leaves the viewer at the mercy of an “amateur” cameraman. The story starts at the going-away party for Rob Hawkins, who is taking a job in Japan. The camera is passed around so his friends can say their goodbyes. Hud, Rob’s friend, becomes the official documentarian for the evening and takes his job very seriously, no matter what happens.

An explosion ends the party early. Our main characters take off running through Manhattan with the rest of the party-goers and the island’s inhabitants. What follows are suspenseful twists, tons of explosions and lots of darkness as the protagonists run through the city.

Trying to focus on any one thing proves to be difficult when watching this flick, but that’s the idea. Abrams shows the audience exactly as much as he feels we need to see.

The camera work is constructed in such a way that it makes the audience feel as if they’re in the movie. It creates a frightening atmosphere full of tension, adrenaline and confusion. While occasionally, the imagery can cause some disorientation, the camera work creates a strong bond between Hud and everyone else behind the camera.

Hud acts as the collective voice for the audience by asking questions that seem to be on the viewers mind, “Why is this happening?” “Why are we going into the tunnel?” and of course, “Where did it come from?” He also provides the necessary bits of comedy that help ease his friends and the audience, even involuntarily shaking after the frequent attacks.

“Cloverfield” clocks in at a mere 84 minutes but seems much longer due to the amount of action crammed into it. Every corner turned, building entered, and alley explored will leave the audience gripping their arm rests.

Reporter: Ryan Boyd & Katelyn Fischetti - 01/23/07