No Toast for "The Host"

The Twilight films are pure shit. I am sorry, but they are terrible by any rational sense judgement. The characters are dry and lifeless, the story lacks intrigue or passion, and Bella is without a doubt one of the worst fictional role models for women to have ever been conceived. I try not to be critical of anyone who finds enjoyment from the books and films because everyone, myself included, find enjoyment in our fair share of awful films, novels, and music. However, anyone out there who feels the Twilight franchise is an unfairly maligned genuine quality series of films and novels...well, please do not ever operate a vehicle or run for public office. Please.

Regardless of how I may feel about the Twilight phenomenon, the fact remains that it has been a lucrative franchise for all involved and naturally the search for it's replacement, now that both the film and novels appear to have definitively concluded, has begun. Much like how a slew of fantasy based films tried and failed to capture the success of the Harry Potter film series, the search for a new Twilight equivalent was inevitable and why not start off with the OTHER book  from Twilight writer Stephanie Meyers. 

So here's the third and latest trailer for the upcoming adaption of The Host...

Well...I do not hate it with every fiber of my being...but that is the best thing I can say about it.

A few weeks ago I mentioned on twitter that the casting of Saoirse Ronan as the female lead was a sign of hope for the film, not unlike the casting of the incredibly talented Jennifer Lawrence in the lead for The Hunger Games. I had absolutely no interest in The Hunger Games (which by the way...is NOT a rip-off of Battle Royale and anyone who thinks otherwise in an imbecile) but Jennifer Lawrence had proven herself to be an immense talent and I could not resist watching another one of her performances. Fortunately...I was pleasantly surprised. The Hunger Games is not a perfect film, but it was highly enjoyable and a large reason for that was Jennifer Lawrence's performance and the fact that Katniss Everdeen is an interesting/likeable character did not hurt.

Saoirse Ronan has also proven she is an extremely talented actress. With role in films such as Atonement, The Lovely Bones, and The Way Back, I have been very impressed with her work even when I was not equally impressed with the films themselves. In fact, I maintain that Ronan was more deserving of an Academy Award for her performance in The Lovely Bones than actual winner Sandra Bullock collected in the same year for her overrated performance in the overrated film The Blind Side.

Unfortunately, while I do feel Saoirse Ronan appears to be giving it her all in The Host...the rest of the film just appears...dull. It starts off with a mildly interesting concept that initially feels as though it will the raise the stakes and present audiences with a compelling story of rebellon, choice, and war.

Until it looks to be another juvenile love story focused on the relationship and dedication between two characters. I will admit to knowing nothing about the novels on which this film is based, but from the looks of things...gee, another female-geared film where the female lead spends most of it slavishly devoted to her man, this time while completely helpless due to outside circumstances rather than her passive behavior? Pass.