That Way Secret Cloverfield? Seen It, Loved It

I've seen the supersecret, J.J. Abrams-produced Cloverfield—and you haven't. Ha!

One of the great privileges (and responsibilities) of my job is that I get to sneak some of the most guarded and secretive films weeks before they come out. What can I say, I'm a lucky guy. Usually films are screened for all critics, but not this one. Producer Abrams has guarded this thing like he's a father seeing his virgin daughter off on prom night.

When a film doesn't get screened much, it's usually a bad sign. But this is different. Once you see it, you'll understand all the secrecy. Trust me, you don't want to know too much going into it. The movie is kind of like Blair Witch Project meets I Am Legend. Both were huge box office and critical successes, and I think the same will happen with Cloverfield.

The film was made for only $25 million, but it looks like it cost 10 times that much. How they managed to make New York City look so real I will never understand. It's terrifying and incredibly creative. What also makes the movie special is the fresh group of newcomers who make up the youthful ensemble. They all have the potential to become big stars, should they play their cards right.

I don't get to see many movies twice, but I will sit through this one again at Wednesday's big premiere on the Paramount lot. It's totally worth it. This is an event movie, and if you're curious about it or have seen the posters and asked yourself, "What the heck is that about?" just go and check it out.