I enjoyed Cloverfield. Surprised to see it get so many duff reviews on here, as most other people I've spoken to really liked it. I felt it lost its way in the last 20 minutes and the ending was definitely poor, but I thought the atmosphere of panic was conveyed especially well and at times it was an assault on the senses which didn't really feel like a film at all.
Apparently so. From this month's Empire magazine:
At the credits ending of Cloverfield, *spoilers* the audio from the video cam says, "Help us!".
But when played backwards, it says, "It's still alive!" This happens after the end credits
of Cloverfield. Assuming the speaker was Rob, he suggests Cloverfield (the monster)
is still alive. This also suggests a sequel for Cloverfield 2! *Spoilers*
The Japanese oil company TAGRUATO drops a satellite (Chimpanz III) into the ocean as part
of viral marketing (shown at the end of the movie when Rob and Beth were on the ferris wheel).
TAGRUATO works with SLUSHO (a slush company), as the main ingredient for SLUSHO is found
at the satellite dropzone (deep ocean). While searching for satellite and ingredients, they
woke Cloverfield (the monster).
People who were at the party in the beginning of the movie, were seen wearing SLUSHO shirts.
Rob apparently was going to be the Vice President of TAGRUATO in Japan.
The main ingredient of Slusho apparently turns a tiny fish into a HUGE whale in Ganu's (he found the nectar) dream, which explains the size of Cloverfield. *Update* The main ingredient is a deep sea nectar.
*Update* Because the ingredient was discovered on the deep ocean floor, under amazing
pressure and in the most extreme cold, Ganu knew he had to serve the ingredient in a
near frozen state to preserve its freshness. Thus the idea of Slush (Slusho)!
For animals/fishes/insects to survive in the deepest ocean (very high boiling temperature),
they naturally have very high heat resistance. This explains how Cloverfield is able to
withstand numerous bombs and attacks from the army.
Cloverfield refers to the field formerly known as Central Park. Clovers are
usually prone to grow at places after bombing. Thus the term "Clover" and "field" referring to park.
*Update* Slusho is a very addictive drink, with signs of steroid drug like effects. Makes
people stronger, constantly happy, have happy dreams and finally... "SLUSHO
makes my stomach explode with happy!!" (Remember Marlena's stomach?)
Someone also put together all the teaser / backstory stuff in this thread:
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1060277/board/thread/95403747 (you need to register with imdb to see it mind, doesn't take long at all)