The Host (2013)

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This film is an adaptation from the novel, of the same name, written by Stephenie Meyer. An alien species, known as "souls", have taken over planet earth. Melanie Stryder has been taken and injected with one of the 'souls' known as Wanderer. Wanderer wakes up in a new body with its host (Melanie) who refuses to let go of her body. Melanie will risk everything to protect her family and friends.

This film was written and directed by Andrew Niccol. This film is loyal to the novel, however the interpretation is off. The story is great, but it does take a while to get to the actual story. The opening sequences were meant to explain Melanie's character more than Wanderer. Unfortunately, the opening sequences focus to much on the sexuality. It gives the feel that this film attempted too hard to be like the popular Twilight saga. It's unfortunate  because this film's story hints at a lot of philosophical undertones. Once you get past the opening sequence, the story becomes very good. In the second half of the film the story is very heartfelt-very cheesy though. The special effects were not the best seen in modern films, but it wasn't bad. There are a few small details overlooked, but most of it was to give the film a more science fiction feel. This film does have some action, but not a lot. This film was defiantly made to be a chick flick. The secondary characters are not fully explained as the main character. It makes them less dimensional.

The cast worked good together. Saoirse Ronan played the role of Melanie Stryder, Wanderer (Wanda). She was great in her dual roles. She made both characters believable. Diane Kruger played the role of the Seeker. She was great in her role. She created the only hated soul in the film. Jake Abel played the role of Ian O'Shea. Max Irons played the role of Jared Howe. They were great in their roles. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to distinguish between the two male characters. Chandler Canterbury played the role of Jaime Stryder. He was good in his small role.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! This film has a bad opening, but it does improve.

Answer to last blog: Actress Lea Salonga, Mulan, starred in the Hayao Miyazaki film My Neighbor Tortoro.

Question: What other film did writer/director Andrew Niccol also write and direct?

The Artist
I Am Number Four
In Time
Fast Five