The Host

(2013) The Host SCIENCE-FICTION THRILLER

Underrated and original, co-written and directed by Andrew Niccol the dude who made 1997 "Gattaca" and co-wrote "The Truman Show" which they're way too many viewers who are still hung up on their "Twilight" movies. And the fact they know that it's based on a Stephanie Meyer's book turns viewers off which viewers are looking for reasons to hate this movie rather than enjoying it for what it is. It just seems viewers in general are unable to look pass this movie as another alien invasion movie. You know, upon attempting to even watch the first "Twilight" movie, I was unable to watch anymore after the first 10 minutes into it, and so far had never looked back. But upon seeing this movie, I was able to watch it all the way through, as the movie dealt with revelations and a somewhat complicated scenario that it would demand viewers full attention to it's dialogue. By looking at some of the criticisms, some had said that their wasn't enough romance or that it's too cheesy, but to tell you the truth, I hardly saw any romance at all, because it addresses a couple of what if's! Such as what if the alien is attracted to a different human being that's not the same as the one you're originally accustomed with, for the only criticism that I agree with from the overall consensus is that it's somewhat influenced by the original 1956 version of "The Invasion Of The Body Snatchers"- the aftermath that is- not the 1978 version starring Donald Sutherland. The reason is that much of the aliens had already inhabited much of the planet earth already, and at first viewers assumed that the aliens intentions are violent which that may not be the case at all. If viewers remember their science-fiction classics there's also inspired remnants of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" but on a different level. Starring Saoirse Ronan who in my opinion, is a much better actress than the 'one- note' and amateurish Kirsten Stewart on the Twilight movies, she plays Melanie Stryder who's attempting to run away from these alien- like captors, which you can tell by looking at their eyes. She jumps out of a second or third story window, and the aliens revive her, but this time with one of them injecting a liquid into her so that she can cooperate with them. Although, her alien self gave herself a new name called Wanda, short for "wanderings" her original self, Melanie still has a presence inside of her and is still alive. The reason is that was so, that her new alien self would retrieve information on clues and hints of other leads regarding other human beings whereabouts, operating like an underground movement. For the objective is evident, but the reasons are still not clear until near the end since the alien self, Wanda did submit a reason. One of them is so that they can take over the earth as they had successfully inhabited other planets. At first, we assume that once aliens had inhabited someone's body like in "The Invasion of The Body Snatchers" or even "The Thing", that their original self can't be revived again, but in this original film it's direction is completely the opposite which the reason we watch these kind of movies is so that we are able to see things that may not be possible in real life. What is wrong with this concept, it is because theirs nothing wrong with it, and may be the first intelligent movie author Stephanie Meyer had ever done since she took up writing.

Outside of The Twilight Saga, The Host is Stephanie Meyer's biggest novel and since the success of her supernatural series, her sci-fi novel has been adapted. There is a stronger cast and director for The Host, than the Twilight Saga, but how does it fare on its own terms? In the near future, Earth has been conquered by a parasitic alien race known as The Souls, who implant themselves into human bodies. Melanie Stryder (Saoirse Ronan) is a member of the human resistance who gets captured when she tries to protect her younger brother, Jamie (Chandler Canterbury). Melanie gets implanted with a Soul, called Wanderer, with the aliens planning to use Melanie's memories in order to find the human resistance. As Wanderer explores Melanie's memories, she finds out about Melanie's lover, Jared (Max Irons) and the pair plan an escape to the desert to find the resistance camp. Within the camp, Wanderer falls for another human, Ian (Jake Abel), causing problems for all of them.

Let's get the comparisons with Twilight out the way; yes there is a is love triangle (or should that be a love square?), The Host has a much better lead actress with Ronan then Kirsten Stewart and has a stronger supporting cast, with the likes of William Hurt and Diane Kruger. Andrew Niccol also gives the film more creditability behind the camera, acting as both the writer and director. The Host has interesting ideas that had many potential avenues to explore: but unfortunately it focuses more on the love story instead of all of the other aspects that could have lead to a much more meaningful film.

Ronan does rise above the material and gives very strong performance, as you would expect from her. This is even more remarkable that she has to argue and talk with herself, like Homer Simpson arguing with his own brain. Whilst there was the potential for themes of locked in syndrome as Melanie is trapped inside her own head, fighting to control her own body or going through a more literal, internal conflict. But it turns really silly when she argues with herself over two men, as opposed of having a much more difficult time of having a stronger conflict within her character. Ronan gets battered and beaten throughout the film as she gets hit, verbally abused and discriminated against and yet, still persevere through everything she's up against.

Whilst Ronan does a good job, the two men she is meant to be conflicted about are blank stales. Neither actor has much of a personality or character and they are very indistinguishable from each other. Ronan has no choice but to carry the film, considering that there was nothing going for the main love interests. At least Hurt and Kruger looked like they were having fun with their roles and were highly professional with their performances.

The idea of some sort of insider for an oppressive regime having an awakening, usually because a love interest and ends up turning against their own side has been used before. We have seen it in novels like Nineteen-Eighty Four, Fahrenheit 451 and We and films such as Metropolis and THX-1138. The Host does twist this age old idea in sci-fi, even if the execution was lacking.

The Host had a really strong premise with opportunities to explore multiple themes. They could have been themes about identity, the battle within the mind, split personalities, trust and how humans would survive after this invasion. But like Twilight, the film only touches on these concepts and puts all of its focus in the wrong places.

Much like Twilight, The Host has been criticised for its dialogue and being unintentionally funny. It is true that the film has some bad dialogue, but with some of the moments that were comical that had be intentional, with some of its moments of cultural clash and the bickering between Wanderer and Melanie. There are also some dark moments and there were really refreshing when they do come around.

Niccol is known for being an excellent writer director, making Gattaca and Lord of War and was nominated for an Academy Awards for his screenplay for The Truman Show. The Host is his first adaptation and it felt very rigidly close to the source material. What it results to is a bland experience that has episodic nature, having mini-plots with some developments, instead of a larger overarching story. Looks wise, the film is pretty flat and dull, using nothing but silver chrome for the alien technology, concrete and glass for the buildings and the humans are based in an empty desert environment. The cinematography and the special effects were solid but, Niccol was coasting and he is much more capable then this.

Currently on Rotten Tomatoes, The Host has an 12% rating and seemingly on course to be considered one of the worst films of 2013. Whilst it is hard to argue that The Host is a good movie, it is certainly not terrible: its crime is merely being mediocre, dull and forgettable.

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This is a smart movie and I really loved every second of it, I should admit that first 15 minutes of the movie is slow and you should wait...you will see how it gets you!! Trust me and watch this movie with all your sole, you have to listen and understand what is happening. This movie has beautiful scenes and amazing music, OMG the music just melts in you and you lives in there. Finally Saoirse Ronan just killed it, specially the way she tells the story, you are connected to the movie soon and enjoy watching it, I remember her play in "the lovely bones" she is more mature now and always she's been consistent and so talented actress. This is one of my favorite movies ever. 8/10

This movie you will either enjoy or hate to be honest. If you want something that is action-packed and filled with cool sci-fi moments do not see this movie. Yes the movie is sci-fi but it's more about romance. It also is a tad slower.

However, the cast was fantastic and the script was beautiful. There were cheesy moments but it was still really sweet and well done. Basically what I am saying, is if you like romance with a twist go and see it! If you are expecting something like Gattaca, you will be disappointed.

I really loved the movie and felt it held up to the book. I usually hate movie versions of books but this was really good! If you like the book chances are you are going to like the movie. There are tweaks of course, but I thought they were mainly well done and helped get the same message across.

I was invited to "The Host" premiere last night and was very impressed by the film. I'm not a Twilight fan and have not read the book; If anything I was very suspect of this film and for whatever reason even felt negatively towards it (in an eye-rolling manner).

That said, I found myself walking out of the theater quite surprised. And yes, I still have my manhood and haven't transformed into "A Hoster" or a "Hostling" or whatever they may call the new breed. Honestly, I thought it had a wonderfully intriguing plot, good acting, and I was completely engaged. Yes, there was a bit of "romantic cheesiness" but it seemed to handle itself well and even poked fun of itself at times for this fact. I think if it wasn't for the excellent work of Niccol and Saoirse it might have easily slipped into laughable cheese, but amicably doesn't. Plenty of sophisticated action as well as thought-provoking concepts of love, loyalty, perseverance. A well rounded film overall. I especially enjoyed William Hurt but all the acting was on par.

Perhaps the Twilights were focused on teenagers but as a 30something guy I really liked it. I would definitely recommend giving this movie a chance to all. I'm just in the market now for a shiny silver Lotus.