The Host

The Host, what I always wrong with this film is the name. The name "The Host" always makes me think of that film having the name written by Stephenie Meyer (novel). So, before I watch this film and before I read the plot, I thought this film is a remake of that film or something like that. But I was completely wrong. It's not a remake and the plot is a total different one.

The film started with a boring beginning. I was feeling very bored and sleepy when the film started. Even some minutes passed, it's not getting to the main point. So, I even thought of stop watching. But when I was about to stop, the main part came up and caught my attention. It was kind of interesting, so, I kept watching instead.

Throughout the film, I was feeling something's off. But I didn't know what it was. After the film finished and I ate my dinner. When I was washing my hands after my dinner, something hit me. What wrong with this film was the performances of actors and actresses. The acting of actors and actresses in this film is kind of not that good compared to the other films. Furthermore, the film gives me some feeling of it's made with a very low budget. So, yeah, the film is quite low in quality compared to the other famous films.

In conclusion, The Host is currently a normal film. The plot is kind of mysterious, and also, it's a bit disgusting at the same time. I'm glad that I didn't watch this film when I was eating. If I was, well, I might throw up if I see that particular scene. Anyway, it would be better if they could improve the acting and make it less boring somehow. Right now, it's kind of watchable, but for one time watch only.

This movie feels very long-winded and drawn out. There are so many different threads that don't really tie up together very well. I think it was trying to be unpredictable, but that didn't work. It is very 'Hitchcock-esq', with references to Psycho and other Hitchcock movies. It also feels film noir.

The cast are very strong and do their very best with the story/plot. It just doesn't gel together well.

We begin with a man in debt, working for a bank, he likes to gamble, a lady deposits 50,000 pounds, he gambles, he loses.....it goes on and he eventually ends up at this fancy guest house with an attractive host, who isn't as she appears. He disappears. His brother then hits the trail to search for her. The cops are in there too, and a burger bar man. Shall I continue? No, let's not.

Greetings again from the darkness. The success of Ryan Murphy's "American Horror Story" has inspired many writers and filmmakers to dive headfirst into the genre. The results have been mixed - some really creative works, and some ho-hum copycats. What has been interesting to watch is the genre-bending (or stretching) when what traditionally would have been a suspenseful drama or thriller, has elements of horror added to spice things up. That's my best lead-in for director Andy Newbery's film based on a story by Laurence Lamers, and adapted for the screen by Lamers, Finola Geraghty, Brenda Bishop, and Zachary Weckstein.

Sixty years ago this would have fit right in as an episode on "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", even down to the bookend therapy sessions led by the fine British actor Derek Jacobi as Dr. Hobson. He tells his patient (whose face we don't see) that his is "an unusual and disturbing case." We then 'see' the story unfold ... or maybe unravel is a better description. Robert Atkinson (played by Mike Beckingham, younger brother of Simon Pegg) is a bank employee enjoying a lunch break tryst with a beautiful woman. Sarah (Margo Stilley, 9 SONGS) just so happens to be married to Robert's boss, and she clearly has only one use for Robert since he has no money and his life is a mess.

It's not long before we discover Robert has many vices: gambling, smoking, drinking, and of course, romping with married women. In a moment that can be attributed to a desperate attempt to legitimize his existence, Robert nabs a 50,000 pound cash deposit from a new bank customer and promptly heads over to his favorite gambling hall. Things don't go well, and dumb-as-a-rock Robert is soon cutting a deal with Chinese cartel leader Lau (played by the always reliable Togo Igawa).

Robert's deal sends him to Amsterdam, a city where many things can go wrong - and often do. Local resident Vera Tribbe (Maryam Houssouni) offers Robert a room in her mansion, and, as we expected, things don't go well for him. Both the cartel and Robert's brother Steve (musician Dougie Poynter) are on the trail to find out what happened to Robert. DEA Agent Herbert Summers (played by Nigel Barber and his silky voice) is also involved, and what we find is a whole bunch of 'nothing good' thanks to the creepy rich Tribbe family,

Familiar faces pop up throughout the film, yet it's difficult to buy into the sense of dread when most of the characters are making the kind of dumb decisions that Geico riffed in their commercial about 'the running car' and hiding behind the chainsaws. The lessons are pretty simple. Don't steal money. Don't sleep with your boss' spouse. Don't agree to run an errand for the Chinese cartel ... or any other cartel flavor. Only if you can overlook the cluelessness of the characters will you find some entertainment value here.

This movie had a lot of potential. The trailer was great and the movie had a decent storyline. It's too bad that the acting ruined it. Especially the actress who played Verra, she was just bad. Whoever casted her ruined the movie. Should of picked a stronger actress, possibly could of saved the film.

The Host is the name of a couple of different films, so when I got the chance to watch this one, I wasn't sure if it was a remake of some kind or an entirely original flick. Turns out it's neither. The Host, directed by Andy Newberry, borrows from some of the most iconic films in the mystery/thriller category and creates an intriguing modern tale of misadventure and murder.

I admit, I was sceptical when I saw Dougie from McFly in the trailer, but it turns out he's one of the best parts of The Host. Dougie plays Steve Atkinson, the younger brother of Robert - also Atkinson. Robert is a serial f*#k up, who just can't seem to catch a break. And following a string of consecutive missteps, Robert finds himself forced to run an errand to Amsterdam for a Chinese Mafia boss. And it quickly becomes apparent that this might not go so smoothly for him.

On arrival to his international destination, Robert finds his hotel is double booked. Of course it is. He's then ushered into another movie as the hotel owner suggests he can stay at another place he knows. Turns out it's the Town House home of "creepy-hot" Vera Tribbe (Maryam Hassouni).

Despite being a member of one of the most powerful families in Amsterdam, Vera lives with her "sick" Father as a recluse. To all intents and purposes, Vera inhabits and maintains the huge place all by herself. The sequences shot of her townhouse are some of the most cinematic and attractive moments of The Host. And as the film shifts gears it's easy to forget its opening premise. As it morphs into an eerie thriller, The Host flirts with greatness, and I found myself willing it deliver. Unfortunately it resisted my pleas. Before I get into the verdict, I want to make it clear, I enjoyed this film. But it frustrated me. It doesn't fully commit to any of the moments that it dips into. If it did, it could have made this film a breakout success.

The Host - Verdict So how do we rate it? Given the frustrations, The Host is actually an entertaining film if you can forgive its obvious flaws. Not everything you watch needs to be Sixth Sense or The Shining. Some films are just neatly self-contained stories that don't need a sequel and don't need to leave a big impact. The Host is that.

I didn't like Robert, the film's protagonist, not at all. But I found myself invested in the other characters, even the Chinese gangsters. And I wanted to know how its oddball twists would be concluded. The Host is a perfect film for an evening in, and we have a lot of those right now. It's meandering and mysterious and surprisingly watchable. I just wish it hit went for it in the parts that mattered. The Host doesn't give you the most, but it's glad you came and wants to freak you out!

Rating 6.5 out of 10