10 Cloverfield Lane – Movie Review
10 Cloverfield Lane – PG-13
Release Date: Fri 11 Mar 2016
“Monsters come in many forms” is the tagline of 10 Cloverfield Lane, an anthology-style sequel to Cloverfield. After surviving a car crash, an injured Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is held by two men in an underground bunker. Howard (John Goodman) claims that there has been some kind of fallout and that the air outside is toxic. Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.) is also injured but claims Howard did not hurt him.
10 Cloverfield Lane is a mystery and character study as we watch Michelle try and determine the truth and gain freedom from Howard. Howard swings easily between a generous host and a dangerous paranoid monster – portrayed perfectly by John Goodman in the film’s meatiest role. Winstead is an easy protagonist for us to root for and does the best she can with the information she has.
Viewers going expecting a full-blown disaster movie with monsters and destruction need not apply for 10 Cloverfield Lane. Almost it’s entire running time is excellent suspense between three characters in a small underground bunker. Those that let the movie stand on its own will be pleasantly surprised. This isn’t a run-of-the-mill sci-fi/thriller sequel where we learn the monster’s backstory while piling up a body count. 10 Cloverfield Lane is a smart, well-paced mystery/thriller with excellent performances and a tertiary connection to its namesake.
Matthew, Aaron, Cal, and I saw it in the theater and had a discussion in the car:
