Saturday, April 6, 2013

The Host: "Agonizing"


Been a while since I blogged. Too long actually. I figured I'd do so since one of the film industry's brilliant minds has passed away, Roger Ebert. He's actually someone whose reviews I would often read to see if a film is worth watching. So this movie review is dedicated in his memory. Sadly, this movie is not worth anyone's remembrance.

Let me first share how reluctant I was in watching this film. But the thing about me is I always give movies the benefit of the doubt. I can only say it's good or bad only and only if I watched it myself. Soooo...

20 minutes into the film I wanted to walk out of the theater already. Yes it was that bad (in my opinion). Let me point out my complaints:

1. The novel to movie adaptation

The moment Melanie talked to herself, I was like "Wait, is this serious?" I haven't read the book, but the more I was watching the film, I was trying to see it as a novel. (to the point that I even googled it on my phone during the film) The taking-to-oneself MAY have worked for the novel but it does not work in the big screen. This is one book that should have never been made into a film in the first place.

2. Unrealistic

No, I'm not talking about the alien. I'm talking about those simple human actions and decisions that are so obviously scripted and would never happen in real life. Example, we have the alien-Melanie almost killed by some human guy and the next thing we know, she falls in love with him in the span of, I don't know, one or two days? Same goes for the human, as a matter of fact, he (human) even took the side of the alien against his own brother. Now some of you might be saying "It's fiction! Not a documentary". Well, if that's the way you think then maybe we can all just start making movies then.

3. Neither exciting or romantic

It was stale and boring. Maybe they wanted less action to focus on romance but the love story wasn't anything to be complimented either. I found it rather awkward.


It pains me writing this review so I'll stop here. What really irks me the most in this film is how unrealistic it is. Not to mention cliche. A "making-out-in-the-rain" flashback???? Really? It was silly. I felt like it was a comedy film but even as a comedy I probably wouldn't have laughed. I apologize to all the fans out there but I just didn't like it.

The moment alien-Melanie was given a new body, I walked out of the theater already. Figured it really didn't have anything else to give.

I actually like "The Host" (Gwoemul), a 2006 South Korean film, much better. 

Rating: .5/5

Movie Catch Up!

I've been gone for a long time and I've watched numerous movies already that I wasn't able to give a review to. So I hope this makes up for it.


1. Life of Pi

Aesthetically wonderful, not to mention the plot that goes with it. It may be a bit boring once in a while but it would all make sense by the end. It can be a bit confusing if you don't listen well.


2. Les Miserables


First movie to ever make me cry in the cinemas. Outstanding performance by the actors. Hands down, a great film.


3. Warm Bodies


Romantic and cute. Has the tendency to be cliche but it all works by the end. I expected so much more from it though but it was good nonetheless.


4. Upside Down


Very anti climatic ending. It was a bit draggy. The climax was good and made you expect something but it would leave you hanging and probably even pissed. But nice concept.


5. A Good Day To Die Hard


I expected a lot from this film since I'm a huge fan of the series. Sadly it sucked. Too unbelievable. Too much action that left the story in mid-air.


6. Jack The Giant Slayer


Never really expected from a fairy tale adaptation. It was tolerable nonetheless.


7. Stoker


Love the film. Great story line. Great characterization and a great performance from all the actors.


8. Oz: the Great & Powerful


Started off good, let me down halfway through, nice ending. Great visuals and SFX though.


9. The Croods


Entertaining and hilarious. It was lengthy though, could have done better if some unnecessary scenes were cut out.


10. Apartment 1303


Crappy movie. Wooden acting, bad story.


11. G.I. Joe: Retaliation


Didn't live up to the hype. Too much fight and action scenes that it clouded the story. I saw great potential in it though. Some scenes were overly-exaggerated just like the destruction of London. 



This is basically what I missed to write a review to. I'll be doing my best to continue this blog from now on.