Cloverfield and 10 Cloverfield Ln are two baffling pieces of a fascinating universe, but what makes them phenomenal theatrical experiences are their intense focus on human behavior in the presence of monsters.

The Cloverfield Paradox is oblivious to this ground rule in Cloverfield storytelling. It's a survival flick of the most generic sorts, and while it may garner mainstream appeal, it acts more like fan fiction rather than a prominent entry to the Cloverfield lineup.

The disappointment begins with the scope of the story, which is split between a protagonist, Ava, attempting to unlock unlimited energy with her team in an international space station, and her husband on a near apocalyptic Earth chaperoning a child he finds in the aftermath of catastrophe.

The balance is uneven as poor writing cripples revelations throughout the plot. Suspense is traded for action and none of it is as engrossing or enticing as what Cloverfield and 10 Cloverfield Ln have offered.

The Cloverfield Paradox overreaches in its ambitions to be a Cloverfield film, where the paradox is how producers considered this to be exceptional storytelling.  In relation to the identity of Cloverfield filmmaking, this one is more lost than the featured rogue space station.

Acting and Casting - 1 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 0 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference - 1