Movie Review: The Host (2013)

Length: 2 hr & 5 mins
Released: 2013
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action/Adventure, Romance, & Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Rented

SUMMARY:
What if everything you love was taken from you in the blink of an eye? When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie Stryder will risk everything to protect the people she cares most about - Jared, Ian, her brother Jamie and her Uncle Jeb, proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world.

TRAILER: 

REVIEW:

I've put this off for a while since I read the book. The whole book club group all watched this, but since I couldn't go to the meeting, I did not watch it. Why? Well, I was not a fan of the book and *sighs* I just didn't want to give it a chance. However, I finally rid of my pride and prejudice and gave it a shot. I am going to do this review a wee bit different then normal (because I am feeling sassy and going against the grain):

Was this movie of the year? Hell no. 

Would I watch this again? Prolly no. 

Did I enjoy the movie? Actually...yes. 

Why? I held no expectations for this movie (I was convinced that I would hate it - so the expectations were SUPER low) and it surprised me! 

Was it better then the book? A wee bit. It flowed a lot better and I actually connected with the characters.

How was the acting? Meh. The main girl did awesome; I loved how they made the voice inside the head work without seeming cheesy and awkward. However, most of the time Melanie's voice remained a "northern accent", but once in a while she would slip into "southern", why? Did she forget? Ugh, it annoyed me. The rest of the crew did okay. I was not a fan of the guy playing Jared though (ugh...he's like a guy version of Kristen Stewart).

Love triangle? Actually...this was a creepy love square. Wanda likes Jared AND Ian; but Melanie is in love with Jared. However, Jared is in love with Melanie and kinda fancies Wanda (simply for the body). GAH. It made more sense in the movie then the book, but I still thinks its weird. 

Beginning? Actually...it skipped a lot of parts that I thought needed to really be in the story...it seemed rushed to hurry up and get to the love triangle.

Middle? I was actually really involved and on the edge of my seat.

End? Not bad...again they skipped a couple parts that helped the story along. I liked what they did with the VERY end; clever. However...the actress they got was odd looking...ugly? No...just...odd...mmmm. 

Book or Movie? Neither...oh...wait...I have to pick? Sighs, prolly the movie. 

Conclusion? This was an interesting movie. I am glad I did manage to get myself to check it out. It was a touch better then the book, but still - no to watching it again. If it was on, I would not throw a fit, but I would never put it on myself. I recommend this to those that like Stephanie Meyer or who wants to try something new. Out of five stars, I stamp this with...mmmm...2 stars. It is more like 2.4, but I rounded (not quite a 3)

Favorite Character(s): Ian, Uncle Jeb, and Wanda 

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Jared (smh) and Wanda's aunt (I can't remember her name)

Book Review: The Host by Stephanie Meyers

Author: Stephenie Meyers
Title: The Host (Host #1)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, and YA
Pages: 620
First Published: May 2008
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

"Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human."

This was another book from my book club I would have never picked up if it wasn't for the gang. Yes, I've read the Twilight series, but it's different. I'm not really a huge fan of the writer AND I'm not really a "aliens" type gal. There are a couple exceptions, but generally I don't do aliens.

Anyways....

The concept of this book is good and different and original. Rarely do you find a book that centralizes around the invasion of aliens that have succeeded and this is the aftermath. An interesting take, also, on HOW the aliens invade. Not only do they invade the planet, but they take over the bodies. Neat. Interesting. I like it. I also LOVE the fact that there are a few occasions when the original soul of the body is tough and refuses to be taken over so easily. Melanie is one of those souls. WHICH makes it hard on the Wanderer/Wanda who is a "veteran" of taking over bodies (this is not the aliens first time taking over a planet and its people. The first couple chapters seems surprisingly okay. However....things fall apart rather quickly.

Jared.

>.> 

A love triangle.

>.> 

FIRST OF ALL, this love triangle is not a love triangle. Ian loves Wanda/Wanderer, while Jared is in love with Melanie and her body. It's odd and weird and I hated Jared. Yes, I get WHY he hated the new and improved Melanie, because it his not his girlie anymore. The Alien is inside of her. I TOTALLY GET IT! However, it's really annoying when he gets all protective over and and says he still loves her, but then punches her. WHAT?! What makes it worse is that Melanie and Wanderer are okay with this. Melanie is an idiot and is still drooling over herself of this man who has punched her like...well...four times. Yes, Ian did get a slug in at the very beginning (when he first laid eyes on her). However, he apologized when he realized Wanderer/Wanda is not a bad alien and that Melanie is still there. When he confesses love, he meant it and never hurt her again. Sorry, Jared, but I would kick you to the curb. 

Bella Swan complex again. Sorry everyone! 

I'll admit it. I did do A LOT OF SKIMMING! I'm sorry, but I couldn't help it. This book should not have been 600 or so page. NO WAY JOSE! There were so many events and parts that should have been cut out. They were unnecessary and dragged the story down. I think the editor just put his stamp of approval on it JUST because it is Stephanie Meyer. *smacks head on table* This was a tough read to get through, but once I got to the ending....it was kinda...a tiny bit worth it. It was a good ending even though I totally called it a mile away. Simple and easy solution. Too easy if you ask me. 

In the end, this was a tiny bit better then what I thought it would be. However, it was still hard to get through especially when Jared and the crazy, odd love triangle came about. It then dried up and I had to skim a lot to just get through. Honestly, I think I would have liked this better if some editing was done. NOT ALL STORIES CAN LAST 600 PAGES! MEH! Well, I shall stamp this with 2 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Ian (I would pick him in a heartbeat), Wanderer (Don't know why, but I liked her WAY better then Melanie), Uncle Jeb, and Doc

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Jared, Melanie, and Kyle (deserved the opposite decision).