10 Cloverfield Lane - Box Office Review

This film had almost zero publicity leading up to the release date. It was a surprise to most people and we couldn't really have an expectation because we didn't know anything about this film. Is this film connected to the "Cloverfield" movie released back in 2008? Is this film a study on John Goodman's love of puzzles and listening to oldies on vintage jukeboxes? We had no clue. So let's take a look at this film and what I thought the pro's and con's were in this box office review of "10 Cloverfield Lane"...

The overall mood is suspenseful, tense and filled with surprises. The film is answering questions and adding new questions with the answers. This form of story telling I particularly enjoy when done well. The audience doesn't get answers right away which works to keep you on the edge of your seat and when you think you can sit back and enjoy a sigh of relief, twist! Something new occurs within the plot and you're right back on the edge of your seat. This movie keeps you guessing almost the entire time and it's so much fun trying to solve the puzzle of these characters and their story.

The film has three complete characters and two characters who aren't physically present but the idea of these characters help drive the motivation of two main characters played by John Goodman and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. If it sounds bizarre that's because it was and it totally made these two characters something to watch. John Goodman's performance is absolutely terrifying. We aren't told whether his character is legitimately insane or if he's extremely overprotective until the end of the film. Even then, there's still a discussion that can be had on if he was crazy in the way he handled the events that may or may not lead them into the bunker we see in the previews. 

My only issue with this film is the ending. The entire film we are answering and asking questions and then suddenly for about 10 minutes at the end, the questions are mostly answered. I say, cut those 10 minutes and end the film in the truck on the road and we have even more to discuss. I wasn't disappointed but I did see another way to keep everyone thinking. Those 10 minutes pound the audience over the head with answers and it shut my brain off. Visually, it was entertaining. However, I could've done without the film spelling everything out. It felt like the movie altered from a psychological thriller to a science fiction thriller in just the blink of an eye. 

"10 Cloverfield Lane" is in theaters now. This film is a must see on the big screen. It's going to be in my top 10 favorite films of the year. Everything about this film was entertaining and it kept my brain working up to the end. If this review felt vague that's because I want you to read this, get curious and get to the theater. Go see this movie!!

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