Review: The Host

Having never read the Stephanie Meyers novel, The Host, I went into the theater with only the previews to pique my interest. I knew Meyers had done the whole Twilight thing, and was hoping that this film would be far better; and I was not disappointed!

Directed by Andrew Niccol (In Time, Lord of War, Gattaca. Plus Niccol was Screenwriter of The Truman Show), this film delivered on its promise of a better film for a wider audience demographic. It was well-paced, beautifully photographed, and drew me into the story faster than I anticipated. With his skills behind the camera, I am surprised Niccol doesn't have a wider body of work under his name. He is very gifted, and I look forward to any projects he has coming up.

The acting from top to bottom was competent at the least, and excellent at the most. Led by Saoirse (pr. Sore-sh-uh) Ronan (Hanna, The Lovely Bones), and backed by such notables as William Hurt (Gorky Park, Children of a Lesser God, Broadcast News), Diane Kruger (Troy, National Treasure, Unknown), Jake Abel (I Am Number Four, The Lovely Bones) and Frances Fischer (Titanic, Unforgiven--though, in this film (The Host) her talents are pretty much wasted), the cast comes across convincingly in their respective roles, and as a whole, lends authenticity to the plot and emotion of the film.

For me, the highlight of The Host was the music. Composed by Antonio Pinto (Love in the Time of Cholera, City of God), the soundtrack was perfect for the various moods and emotions that this movie presented. It easily alternated between rousing, tender and scared; and all the themes that Pinto wrote wove together as easily as anything created by my favorite film composer, Basil Poledouris. I hope a soundtrack of the composed music is released because it would quickly be placed amongst my personal favorites.

Running a close second in regards to my favorite aspects of The Host  is the central message of Love, Hope, Kindness and Respect; all presented without sex, raunch or denigration. It was truly refreshing to see these virtues extolled on the big screen in such a positive, uplifting manner.

Is The Host a film for everyone? No...but then no film is. However, the message is good, the presentation is outstanding, and you will get out of this film exactly what you expect to. In other words, if you think it will be lousy, I'm sure you will find a way to make it so. However, if you go into the theater expecting great filmmaking, a great story, and to walk away having had an enjoyable time, then that is exactly what you will find.

This film is definitely one that I will add to my personal DVD collection when it is released.