"Cloverfield" Making Money and Making Viewers Sick

Watching a single camera jerky shot on a big screen can be a nauseating experience:

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Scary movies are supposed to leave patrons feeling a bit scared and jittery, but the newest horror flick is leaving Oklahoma City-area moviegoers with a different feeling -- nausea.

Quail Springs and Crossroads mall movie theaters have posted this warning regarding the film, "Cloverfield:"

Due to the filming method used for "Cloverfield," guests viewing this film may experience side effects associated with motion sickness, similar to riding a rollercoaster.

According to wikipedia.com, the film "follows five young New Yorkers who throw their friend a going-away party the night a giant creature attacks the city." It was shot to give viewers the feeling that they're watching a home movie.

"I mean, I'm so hot right now, I'm about to pass out," said Torri Crane.

Sherry Hastings said, "And I just think it's from being nauseous, topsy-turvy and moving."

Some moviegoers across Oklahoma City have gone so far to complain to theater managers, forcing some to refund tickets or offer other compensation.

"I heard a few people kind of whining about it," said moviegoer Thomas Dozier. "They were talking about, like, 'I have got to get out of here.' Everyone around me was freaking out."

That is not stopping people from watching "Cloverfield," though. Over the weekend, it broke a January box-office record, making $41 million.

But for those with a sensitive stomach, precautions might be warranted.

"Take Dramamine, and you'll be fine," said Hastings.

My kids saw it last weekend and didn't have any problems (they also loved the movie). They did say that a number of people walked out early in the showing because the jerky movements were getting to them.