Review of The Host (2006) by Michael C — 27 Jul 2010
Though somewhat heavy-handed in its attempt to be an environmental awareness parable, this Korean film is nevertheless highly effective as a superior monster movie. The CG is slightly rough in some scenes, but with the miniscule budget the film had it is an exemplary job, and I loved that the creature looked highly original.
Instead of a dragon, or squid, or something derivative, it looks like a cross between an eel, a shrimp, and a komodo dragon, and even that description doesn't accurately peg it. The director, Joon-Ho Bong, does a great job with the direction; there aren't too many films of this ilk with photography this striking, and it would be nice to see more directors taking a serious approach to filmmaking with material such as this as it almost always elevates the potency of the film.
Some of the performances are a little weak (the American scientist at the beginning of the film was particularly rough) but the key players are able to push the movie forward and make you invested in their perils.
A fun, well-executed monster movie/thriller that is blessed with some originality in its bones.
This review of The Host (2006) was written by Michael C on 27 Jul 2010.
The Host has generally received positive reviews.
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