Friday

Film Freak Out Friday #2 - The Host

A few weeks ago, I saw The Host an adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel. Here's my review:

Melanie Stryder lives in a world where human bodies have been taken over by aliens and only a few real people remain. 'Souls' have invaded the Earth, implanted into the body of a Human while the original owner is erased. While searching for her family, Melanie herself is invaded by a soul, but is able to resist the full taking over her body.  Instead of helping the Seekers who try to capture Rebel Groups, Wanda, Melanie's host, sets off on the search for Melanie's family-and discovers how beautiful humanity and human love can really be.


To begin, I have not read The Host so, I went into this film having read the Synopsis, watched and read interviews and the trailer. The first thing you notice about The Host is this new idea of a futuristic world. Earth has been taken over by an Alien race called 'Souls' who take time to care for the planet the way the Humans before them did not. There was an introduction of Melanie speaking that explained everything in a few sentences so for people who had not read the book, the plot/premise was clear and understandable. I can't help commenting on the special effects and scenery. In the desert, especially the compound they live in, the scenes were so beautiful. The special-effects brought the souls to life and the simplicity of them was perfect. The way the Soul was put in and taken out of the body was fantastic, it made them seem alive.
 
Melanie the main character has her body occupied by a 'Soul' who calls herself 'Wanderer'(Wanda). Saorise Ronan, who played both of them, was able to portray them both and create different personalities for both of them. I really loved the way you were able to tell through their different characteristics. While Melanie was feisty throughout, constantly on the run as one of the only humans that remains. Her personality was controlled by her love and passion for her brother and Jared, her love interest. When Wanda takes over her body, which is within the first minutes of the film, Melanie's side is told through exciting flashbacks that really bring in the backstory. There was build-up and tension, excitement and passion. Everything was really packed into this adaptation.
 
You are thrown straight into the action at the beginning of the film and the excitement doesn't leave you for a second. There are action-scenes as the Seeker tries to find Melanie/Wanderer, who she is sure will lead her to the Rebels-the only humans that remain and keep her from what she wants.
he Seeker brought a great dynamic to the film. While she begins as a fiery leader, slowly she breaks-down and her own story develops. As much as it centre's around Melanie/Wanda, there were also other parts of the story that all connected.
 
There was passion, humour and romance all in the form of a very complicated love-triangle. It was unexpecting and thrilling-but since Melanie was there at all times, there were also many laugh-out-loud moments. The love-triangle(or square) was completely unique and made this film stand firm on it's own. The love-interests Jared and Ian both had different perspectives on the 'Soul' being in their hide-out Rebel Compound. I loved every part of them being in the adaptation, from slaps across the face.  It was full of suspense and twists in the plot. There was also a fantastic ending to close the whole part.
 
An action-packed film with excitement and suspense, set in an interesting and dynamic future. For Twilight fans there is a tragic love-triangle that is as thrilling as it is tragic. Loved it.
*****

10 comments:

  1. I have heard some mixed reviews on the host, so I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing, great review.

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    1. No problem! I'd give it a go, it's great!

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  2. I haven't read the book either but I went to see the film. I liked the overall idea of it but I felt that sometimes it was a bit cheesy. I cringed a lot >.< The action scenes were brilliant though and I liked the ending. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, Sophie! :)

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    1. I went to see the film because of the trailer and I have a friend who loves the book. Thanks, I loved the ending too. I didn't find it cheesy, more on the funny side. :)

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  3. I loved the movie but the book is SO much better. You really should read it soon, Sophie, because it's totally worth it. Even though it's really long, I'm sure you'll get through it really quick because it's so good! Lovely review! :)

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    1. You're right, I have to read the book! I loved the movie and I have a friend who adores The Host so, I'm sure she will force me soon - thanks! :)

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  4. Hi Sophie, I saw your comment on Zoe's blog and let me tell you City of Bones will not disappoint, I read it recently and loved it. There is a review up on my blog if you want to check it out. Hope you enjoy it.

    http://asupersunnyspot.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/review-city-of-bones-by-cassandra-clare.html?m=1

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    1. Hi, I have City of my Bones on my shelf and am so excited to start it! It looks fantastic, and I'm already in love with Simon just from watching the trailer!

      I'll check out the link! Thank you!

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  5. I'm glad you liked it, Sophie! I've been thinking about seeing it, but I'll probably just wait until it's on DVD. I really liked the books and it's great to hear the film is enjoyable. :)

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    1. Thanks! When you love a book, it's always great to hear the film is good. Hope you enjoy the DVD when it comes out! :)

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read - and comment on - this blog post! I read and reply to every comment, so feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer!

See you soon!

Sophie Louise