"The Host" Movie Review

"The Host" is now on pay preview and DVD. Should you watch it? Read on and find out.

"The Host" (2013) Movie Review

The human race has been invaded. Alien parasites have taken the human bodies and minds of their hosts. Only small pouches of human resistance remain. Among those captured and turned is Melanie Stryder (Saoirse Ronan). Melanie’s body has been taken by a “soul” called “Wanderer”. The “Wanderer” attempts to use Melanie’s memories to help the alien forces to discover the location of the resistance. However, things don’t go as planned. Melanie’s will is too strong. The “Wanderer” finds herself battling Melanie’s will and her own conflicting emotions.

“The Host” is a romantic, science fiction movie based on a book by Stephenie Meyers and directed by Andrew Niccol. So, is “The Host” worth watching?

The plot of “The Host” has a lot of potential. However, most of it is never realized. The first half of the film is extremely awkward. The viewer must struggle to understand the plot while watching Melanie (Saoirse Ronan) spends almost the whole film talking to an alien called “Wanda” who lives inside her head. Thankfully, by the second half of the movie, the scenes become a little less awkward and the action does pick up. At this point, the romantic forms, and it gives “The Host” a much needed boost.

Actor Max Irons did a great job as Jared Howe, Melanie’s boyfriend. Irons’ character is torn between his hatred of the alien invaders and his feeling for alien possessed Melanie. He successful displays the wide range of emotions needed for his role. Jake Abel is also convincing as Ian O’Shea who finds himself attracted to alien personality “Wanda”. Saoirse Ronan is given the difficult, if not impossible, job of presenting Melanie’s character. Is she successful? Sadly, no.

Kudos to the sound department. “The Host” soundtrack was upbeat and exiting. It was one of the best things about this film. Thumbs up to set designer Sam Page, Gail Briant, set decorator, David Keith Broome, lead greensman, and all the other support staff for creating such a beautiful setting for the film.

“The Host” is rated PG-13. This rating is fair. However, there is little violence in the film and definitely no sexual content. The movie runs for 125 minutes. The plot is okay, but expected. On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest), “The Host” is a 2.5. The movie lacks the action and excitement that the previews promise. So, should you see it? Yes, on pay preview or DVD.