The Cloverfield Paradox

It's no mistake now that the team behind the Cloverfield series is simply purchasing films that are already shot or written and re-working them to fit within their "world". This entry into the series is no different, but at least we have a direct connection and explanation for things, which make this film the main one that will connect every single 'Cloverfield' entry from here on out.

In an attempt to produce endless energy, a group of people board a space shuttle known as The Shepard. Over 600 days in space with failure after failure, they finally manage to create something. But that something is not what they expected and now they have to fight to survive and deal with the horrors they've unleashed.

There is a moment in the film that is pure exposition, delivered by Donal Logue that really felt forced in there to be an explanation for the monster in the original film. It was such an awkward jumble of words that it stands out like a sore thumb. I felt like they could have delivered this information a bit differently, by someone on the ship maybe. There are other moments of missed opportunities as well, specifically when you are dealing with time paradoxes and alternate realties.

The film tries to deliver a sense of dread, but it doesn't really get there. There are moments where the weirdness explodes and we are dealing with severed limbs still working or body horror involving eyes and skin. I get the sense that they wanted these weird occurrences to really amp of the mystery. Sometimes it works, other times it does not. As a whole though, the film does deliver an edge of your seat sic/fi space survival flick.

Paramount clearly thought they had a stinker on their hands, which is why they dumped the film to Netflix. Saying this film sucks is a disservice to the material. It's ambitious enough to try and create a connecting tissue to the other films and anything else that Bad Robot wants to come up with. I applaud that, as well as their explanation for why things happened, to me is good enough. This film will be the most divisive one yet, that is clear.

If someone had told you this was the greatest block buster of the year, or a contender to beat out Star Wars or Alien for greatest sci-fi of all time, you'd be mightily disappointed.

And coming from J.J. Abrams and stupidly having had the "Cloverfield" thing jammed into it pointlessly, anyone would reasonably be very disappointed, or if you are someone who has to over think movies you would be too.

But if you approach this like an episode of Doctor Who, or Torchwood, or some other BBC type sci-fi series, (which is what it looks like given the actors), it is fine, and if you tell someone to approach it that way they might enjoy it even you didn't.

Well, about 30 minutes in and you realize why Paramount decided to release via Netflix. I don't think anyone who loved cloverfield will be particularly taken by this film. And to those people who felt cloverfield lane was a bait and switch, they will really feel betrayed by this film. The acting in this film is respectable. The effects, set and the like are fine. But the dull plot is not overcome by having a single character to care about.

If you're after a film with only big scary monsters, set in space, this is not that film.

This is a film that requires you to think and to get out of your comfort zone.

Simply put, this is a film that is based on the premise of a paradox - leading to a conclusion that seems, to many, logically unacceptable and/or self contradictory.

If you can accept this premise, become absorbed in it, and leave your mind open to something that is not logical or linear, you will enjoy this film.

When I originally watched it, my expectation was more of "Cloverfield" (2008) and "10 Cloverfield Lane" 2016. Whilst it may be set in this universe, it is anything but part of a trilogy, but it is. Is that illogical? Yes - but it's Paradox.

For some, you need to watch it more than once. When I rediscovered this film, I loved it.

The cast is fabulous and the acting is very good. The story is intriguing and the more it unfolds, the more intriguing it becomes.

This is definitely worth a watch, or three.

I do not review many movies because many good people have said all the things I want to say either better or more succinctly than I can, but this is one of those exceptions where I feel a brief review is necessary.

The movie has a stellar cast who all do a fantastic job with a good movie score and a big movie feel to the effects and the sets which they interact with. The plot is thin and if you don't pay a lot of attention you;ll soon be missing important plot points.

That is where this movie begins to fall apart. Good beginning which leads to an odd mid section where everyone is scrambling to understand what is happening and where plots points are redefined and twist around like a demented snake looking for an easy snack. (Yeah I know its a terrible metaphor but it works) then the movie accelerates to a swift and unexpected but fun ending.

Brief synopsis. Earth has rolling energy blackouts, nations are saber rattling and threatening to go to war, Earths only hope is a space reactor that if made to work could solve all the energy issues overnight... But hark! There is a risk that few are aware of or want to acknowledge that could spell the Armageddon that everyone fears...

Well acted, great sets, good music and a thin plot that has some interesting moments. Well worth your time. I rate it an 8 for a good idea and enjoyable experience.

Watch it you will be surprised.