The Host (an old review)
I was very impressed! I think they really did well with this one, and I even think I liked the film better than the book.
Now, I read Twilight when I was about 13, and I liked it, and then I grew out of it, I enjoyed the first film but then it was totally ruined for me by the utter hell caused by it. I have been molded to hate it by other my age. I admit I grew out of it but I should not hate it. So I was of course worried when I found out they were also making The Host into a film, another of Stephenie Meyer’s books I had read, this one at about 14/15 it took me a bit of time on account of the slow parts around the middle)
I loved this story, it echoed a lot of Star Gate for me, a show I love, with a similar storyline of ‘symbiotes’ sharing bodies with their hosts. SO I was naturally attached to the story. I really loved the concept of having that kind of story told from the POV of the alien, and how they deal with the complexity that is being human. I loved Wanda/Wonder’s character development as she battles with Melanie. They really captured this in the film, with the subtle differences between the two, acted brilliantly by Saoirse Ronan, with subtle accent differences and the way they moved. I will admit the romantic side of it, something I thought would be forced in this, was kept at a base, as it was in the book, not overshadowing the real plot. I did see a few continuity errors with the eyes ect. but I can’t be a total nitpicker about it, I know those contacts are not pleasant, and if it was CGI (I am no sure, I haven’t researched) it is hard to keep up and is expensive, and doesn’t take anything away from the plot after all. I was great to see some familiar faces to me; Diane Kruger, Max Irons, Jake Abel. Overall, though I am guiltily subject to the opinions of other which could change my view. My straight-after-the-film enthusiasm spurrs my review and I am happy. Though, for the book readers, it includes some surprises, they were not unwelcomed for reasons I cannot say for spoiler sake. Overall, I think it was handled well, it got me embarrassingly emotional at times and I think it really is a great film. I do hope this concept is explored further, though I doubt it will be attached to Stephanie Meyer or The Host. It is a concept that has life still in it and definitely holds my interest.
