Our Score:

With his gripping mythology, character-driven tales, and fake website tie-ins, J.J. Abrams successfully transcribes what has worked well for the small screen (Alias, Lost) to the big screen in this monster movie with undeniable shades of 9/11. Full of Abrams’ trademark hidden secrets and clues, Cloverfield rewards (but does not demand) a second viewing. A caveat though: the entire film is shot through a handheld camcorder (à la The Blair Witch Project), so don’t bring a date if either of you can’t handle continual shaking. I saw people frequently leaving their seats to rest their eyes and/or puke their guts out (according to my weak-stomached girlfriend).