"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.

"After Earth" 2013 Movie Review

The human race has been forced to evacuate Earth because the changes in the planet's climate. Humans have move to a new planet named Nova Prime. There is one problem with Nova Prime. The S’krell, alien invaders, also want to inhabit Nova Prime, and they have no intention of share this planet with humans. The S’Krell uses the Ursas, large beasts, to try to annihilate the human race. The Ursas cannot see, but they can smell fear. It is this fear that makes humans an easy target. General Cypher Raige (Will Smith) has learned how to defeat the Ursas. He has learned how to “ghost”. "Ghosting" is when one does not give in to his fear. He realizes that the danger is real, but that fearing that danger is a choice. So, is "After Earth" worth watching? 

"After Earth" is directed by M. Night Shyamalan. M. Night Shyamalan tries again given us a film that does not live up to its full potential. The promise is there, but it just isn't utilized. I feel that the film might have been better if other members of the crew had survived. I would also have liked to see more of the dangers that existed on Earth.

 Jaden’s acting is not extraordinary, but it does have promise. And, I look forward to seeing him in other work.

Will Smith disappoints fans in this film. He does not give the performance that his fans have come to expect. “After Earth” is not one of Will Smith’s best performances, but it is not a total disaster. His character just lacked the warmth needed to make "After Earth" more interesting.

The picture was visually beautiful. I felt like was in the lush green forest of the film. My hats off to set designer Rosemary Brandenburg and the other special effects artist for this.

“After Earth” is rated PG-13. This is an accurate rating. The images in the movie can prove to be very frightening for a young audience. The movie runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes. On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest), I would give this movie a 3. Although it isn’t a sci-fi thriller, it is a great movie. And, I look forward to purchasing it once it is released.