The Host - DVD

[Fairweather Pure]

This was released in 2006. It is a Korean monster flick that I've wanted since it was released, but wasn't about to pay $20+ for. Luckily, I found it on sale last week for $9.99.

This is a good old fashion monster movie. You start off with chemicals being introduced into the Han River, then segway into the introduction of a misfit Korean family who will serve as our protagonists. The youngest of the family is nabbed, and the family has to band together and hunt the creature to save the girl. There is a decent mix of social commentary about governments during crisis, conclusion jumping, and other matters of state. Suffice it to say, the government pretty much fucks up at every turn.

Surprisingly, our creature pops up out of the river and goes on a fucking rampage within the first 10 minutes of the film. From there, you'll see the creature often in the film, in daylight, night time, and in the water. Many of these are long shots that zoom in on the beast as he does his monsterly things. It's pretty cool to see the creature all the time. Most movies wait for the "reveal" until the last 30 minutes or so, teasing the audience with glimpses here and there. I like that approach as well, but it refreshing to have a change once in a while. Also, it's about as unique a creature as you can get. It's like a mutant tadpole or something. It's definately one of a kind! Weta and The Orphange did a great job on the effects.

Another strange thing about The Host is it's weird use of humor. At times, the family members all seem like the 3 stooges. It's almost "whacky" in certian scenes. I think something my be a little lost in the East to West translation, but it's worth pointing out that the movie definately attempts to inject some humor at strange times.

Still, this is definately not an American film. It's approach is different and it's ending is pretty much unlike anything we would see in an American film.

This movie salvaged my "monster cred" with my wife after I convinced her to watch Diary of the Dead the previous night (bad). She was reluctant to see The Host after that mess of a movie, but when it was over she admitted to really liking it.

8/10

Watch it with subtitles because the voice over is laughable.