(Photo owned by Open Road Films)
By Shellie Adams
Disclaimer: I hate alien movies. I really have never enjoyed watching movies about aliens or those that have to do with aliens because they are usually war movies, or just plain weird. When "The Host," a book written by "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer, was published, I was skeptical because it was an alien book. But I finally gave in and read it this year knowing the movie was coming out, and I have to say I was completely mesmerized. The best part about the movie adaptation was that all the reasons why I loved the book were in the movie.
"The Host" is basically your typical alien invasion except that it is told from the perspective of Wanda, a peaceful alien, who inhabits the body of a member of the resistance, Melanie. When Wanda takes over Melanie's body, Melanie does not disappear but remains alive in Wanda's mind as she convinces Wanda to join the resistance.
Of course, there is a love triangle. Well, actually a love box. And of course, there is fighting because it wouldn't be an alien movie without the fighting. However, it is also a story about the purity of love and the value of the human race. When you match this unique storyline with the amazing acting, the raw emotions that are found in almost every scene and the fantastic book-to-film adaptation, you have the equation for a successful and epic movie.
If you are skeptical of alien movies or skeptical of Stephenie Meyer, take my word for it: this is nothing close to Twilight. The cinematography is superb, the actors are amazing, and the whole film is truly captivating. If you're looking for a movie to see, I highly recommend "The Host," no matter what genre you are looking for.
