The Host

The Host

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 3/22/13

Reviewed 4/1/13 at Celebration North Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

We felt gratified seeing The Host, considering early reviews were not favorable. Gary definitely thought it was better than anticipated and I actually liked it. Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, also wrote the book on which this film is based. This movie is not in the same league as the Twilights, but it does an adequate job.

Most of the Earth's inhabitants have been taken over by aliens who use human bodies as the Hosts. An advance ameba-like life form takes over their body, so it is hard to differentiate who is who at first glance. The alien inhabited Hosts are hunting down the resisters like human Melanie (Saoirse Ronan), known as the Wanderer to the aliens or shortened by some rogue escapees to Wanda. Human Melanie is experiencing a rarity - alive and aware inside her body, while being inhabited by alien Wanda. It is like "multiple personality disorder" occurring with voices talking and arguing in your head. It sounds confusing, but if you decide to see this it will all come together, pretty much. Human Melanie will risk everything for her brother and the rest of her clan that has been hiding out from the invaders. When she escapes rehabilitation, Wanda/Melanie finds the rest of her very skeptical family living in caves while being led by her Uncle Jeb (William Hurt). The story is actually intriguing and imaginative, but it has some slow moments and the story could have been cut down 15+ minutes. Some stirring ethics and human experience might catch you off guard but gives you something to think about if you want to forget the movie. The flick is good enough, except maybe for the book readers. If you are looking for something as gripping and captivating as Twilight, I can tell you to keep searching...or wait for The Host Part 2.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJj