I bought this film because I was curious to see if it had any connection to “Cloverfield” (2008). After seeing this film, I’m still unsure if it is connected or not (or if was simply named what it was by J.J. Abrams to cause some ambiguity among viewers regarding its connection to the 2008 film). I personally believe that the two films are connected, both in name and in the fact that there has been an alien attack. (If the two are, in fact, connected, I find it very interesting that the two films begin almost tonally opposite. The 2008 film begins lightheartedly while many people prepare--with a huge party--for the departure of a close friend. This film begins completely different as we see Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s “Michelle” leaving her fiancé and heading out on her own, only to be stopped short by a car accident). I find it oddly coincidental that two films produced by J.J. Abrams, with similar names and similar stories wouldn’t be connected. With that, I find it incredibly interesting that the majority of the film had nothing to do with the plot of “Cloverfield” (2008) (at least on the surface) and had almost nothing to do with what happened at the end of the film. However, I thought the story in this film was fantastic. This film ran more along the lines of a mystery/thriller rather than a science-fiction/horror film like I expected it to be. While the story was superb, the acting severely outshined the plotline. I was very interested to know what happened to Howard’s (John Goodman) daughter and/or the young girl in the picture; this was in part because of the riveting story, but more so due to the impeccable acting. This film brought me to the realization that John Goodman may be a slightly underrated actor. Prior to seeing this film I never considered him among the Hollywood acting elite, however, this film made me reconsider my feelings toward his acting ability. From the moment he entered the frame for the first time until his very last moment on screen he was compelling, oddly creepy and perfectly emotional. His ability to act in this film, along with Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr.’s acting performances made the film even better than I think Abrams and director Dan Trachtenberg could have imagined. Again, I do believe that this film is connected to the 2008 film, “Cloverfield,” however, there is definitely some discussion to be had regarding this topic. I’m curious what others think about a potential connection between the films. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179933/?ref_=nv_sr_1
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