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Cloverfield
Cloverfield“My name is Robert Hawkins. It’s 6.42am
  on Saturday May 23. Approximately
  seven hours ago something attacked
  the city. I don’t know what it is. If you
  found this tape… I mean, if you’re
  watching this right now then you
  probably know more about it than I do...”

 ON A CAMERA RETRIEVED at Incident Site US-447 — the area formerly known as Central Park — the incident in Manhattan is recorded by Rob Hawkins (pleasing newcomer Michael Stahl-David) and his friends from his going-away party, who have stumbled right into the middle of a nightmare.

This is no ordinary party video — it is the firsthand account of the friends and their terrifying ordeal that begins with a sudden jolt and reports of an earthquake, just as the gathering gets into full swing.

From J J Abrams — the extraordinary talent that brought us Lost — and director Matt Reeves, comes Cloverfield, one of the most frightening, groundbreaking and critically-acclaimed thrillers to hit the big screen in 2008.

Shot entirely through the group's camcorder — very clever, very natural and totally happening — Cloverfield starts with a relaxed piece of footage shot at 6.42am on 27 April at "Beth's Dad's Place", where Rob and Beth (Odette Yustman) have just spent the night, and ends at 6.42am on 23 May, portraying a believable account of ordinary, young Americans who find themselves fighting for their lives under horrifying and unthinkable circumstances.

On the eve of his departure for Japan, Rob sees his going-away party as an opportunity to confess unresolved feelings and tie up loose ends. However, his agenda takes an unexpected turn when Manhattan is shaken by a sudden, tremendous jolt. First thoughts are of an earthquake and the partygoers rush to the roof to see what is happening. There is an explosion and fireballs, followed by power failure. Confusion gives way to panic and the friends stumble out through the darkness into the streets in search of safety. But there is none there — they seem to be under attack. Panic sweeps the streets as, without warning, the decapitated head of the Statue of Liberty crashes down onto the road.

Buildings are collapsing, leaving horrendous dust clouds in their wake; cars are burning and the emergency services are working overtime. You cannot help but draw comparisons to the terrorism of 9/11. The military has been immobilised as thousands try to flee the city. The Police are moving shocked people on. But Beth is missing and Rob will not be deterred from finding her. He and a few friends defy the military and take to the subway. But something is coming after them…

CloverfieldThe shaky camera action adds to the tension and gives a very real feeling of being there as the friends uncover the truth — which is more frightening than they had at first feared. The youngsters attempt to stay one step ahead of the coming terror as the unknown force rampages its way through New York City with no apparent way of stopping the carnage. And if there is a message in all this, it is: "Forget the world; hang on to the one you love the most."

Written by Drew Goddard, Cloverfield is an exhilarating movie experience that will have you clinging to the edge of your seat as you get drawn further into this spine-tingling action thriller. The two-disc Special Edition is jam-packed with over two hours of bonus materials — including Alternative Endings, The Making of Cloverfield, Cloverfield Visual Effects and Commentary from Director Matt Reeves. The film also features Lizzy Caplan as Marlena; Jessica Lucas as Lily; T J Miller as the mischievous, camera-toting Hud; Mike Vogel as Rob's brother Jason Hawkins and Anjul Nigam as Bodega Cashier.

• Cloverfield is a must-have for all thrill-seeking movie fans this summer. On sale from 9 June (2008), this 'most-anticipated blockbuster of 2008' is available as a single disc DVD or as a two-disc Special Edition courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment.

"10/10. Not to be missed" — Daily Star

"Shot entirely through the group's camcorder — very clever, very natural and totally happening — Cloverfield… a believable account of ordinary, young Americans who find themselves fighting for their lives under horrifying and unthinkable circumstances" — Maggie Woods, MotorBar