Tag Archives: Melanie Stryder

Movie Review: The Host

The Universe & U

This is how I see it. We spend years preoccupied with a series, constantly wishing they would select it for the big screen. Detailing lists; compiling scenes and particular components we absolutely want and don’t want. We debate casting decisions; obsess over initial snapshots and overdue theatrical trailers. We buy advance tickets; scout theatres. We do everything a dedicated fan would do.

The night of the premiere, we wait anxiously in our seats, giggling with anticipation, smiling throughout the preamble. Eventually, biting our lips when a favorite scene is done to our satisfaction; constantly dissecting every alteration, every similarity. Ultimately, we frown as the final credits roll, as we inherently remind ourselves the film is never as good as the novel.

I can tell you, I’ve been through this process many times, and frankly, it sucks. So much excitement and expectation is built up, the film never has a chance to prove itself. The Host was my surrender. I was going to go in, enjoy, and shut the hell up. Despite everything, I was not going to nitpick. Nope. Instead, I would observe as a true nonpartisan and cite no overly critical criticisms whatsoever.

Nah. Just kidding. Where would the fun in that be? [Warning, there be spoilers ahead!]

More of My Review After the Cut!

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10 Things That Need to Be In ‘The Host:’ Part 2

“I held you in my hand, Wanderer. And you were so beautiful.”

Image Source: Google Images

Dear people (who are making this film),

Hi. How are you? Nice to see you again, as always. You might remember, last week we began our detailed discussion, itemizing our requirements for the film adaptation of The Host. Our lengthy list got underway with the first five things that need to be in the film. Tell me, have you taken what I’ve said into consideration?

I know. Reshoots are expensive nowadays. But it doesn’t change the fact, we want to see this film succeed. We don’t want a repeat of what happened the last time they decided Stephenie Meyer’s novel should be reworked for the big screen, do we? No, we don’t. Fans want a film they can be proud of; a film worthy to be associated with the novel – an exemplary adaptation of a story we love. Really, is that so much to ask? I can see you’re shaking your heads no. Good, we’re on the right track. What’s that? You actually want more of my help? All right. No need to shout. All you had to do was say so.

6. The Caves: The great thing about this certain film adaptation, is that there is a good amount of wiggle room in particular areas. Some things I won’t miss (Yes, I can’t believe I’m saying this, either – considering my need for complete accuracy with that other S. Meyer series). If you follow the basics, pretty much everything else regarding The Caves can be up for interpretation, except selected plot points, of course. By no means do I expect you to include Walter (the oldest Cave member and one of Wanda’s most avid supporters). Would it be nice if you did? Sure. I won’t complain. Frankly, there is a lot more dialogue than action in the novel. I’m not telling you to add more or anything. Seriously. I’m not. Don’t do it. It’s just that I will require those particular points of conflict to be especially good. For example, Kyle’s ambush (That’s Ian’s brother. I shouldn’t have to tell you this). Wanda’s just had a very long night, caring for Walter and whatnot. Cough. Taking some personal time in the bathing room, she is suddenly attacked by Kyle. After receiving some heavy blows, Wanda attempts to flee. However, the floor begins to cave in and Kyle is knocked out. Oh no! With some opposition from Melanie, Wanda does what any Soul would do – pulling Kyle back from certain death. Her grip slips, but Ian appears and saves them both. This scene has to be fantastically nerve-racking. Very action-y. It’s one of the most notable scenes in the entire book. Do you understand? Great.

More After the Cut!

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10 Things That Need to Be In ‘The Host:’ Part 1

Rules & Restrictions

Source: Google Images

As you know, here at Kim the FanGirl, we take our novel to film adaptations seriously. We like to give writers, directors, and producers some much-needed help translating our favorite stories from page to screen (because, you know, they need all the help they can get). Although The Host has already finished filming, I thought they might need some further . . . guidance, if you will. And who could be better than me to assist in such a quandary? I’m an expert in the field, you see – previously the frontrunner to make certain all went accordingly for another beloved series; guiding the powers-at-be into making the right choices for Breaking Dawn (Parts 1 & 2). It was my obligation as a fan to aid them in their time of need, to reach out and hold their hand, to instruct them on how to make a film we want to see. I guess it’s not enough to simply suggest they FOLLOW THE BOOK. Needless to say, that is why I felt the same needed to be done for another treasured narrative: Stephenie Meyer’s sci-fi hit, The Host.

At the helm of this big screen adaptation – debuting March 29, 2013 – writer/director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, The Truman Show) and S. Meyer herself. I know. That’s enough to make you squee with delight, but wait, there’s more. Summit is nowhere near this film adaptation, having, I assume, a restraining order insisting they leave this one alone. All in all, a good start. Right? Yeah, not so fast. I’ve made it very clear on several occasions, my – how shall we say – lack of faith in the casting. Choosing an exceptionally younger cast than the characters in the novel has kept me from truly embracing the reworking, I admit. Of course, Saoirse Ronan is a brilliant actress. The first thirty minutes of Atonement are my favorite! I just don’t want the same mistakes to be made like the ones that brought down that other series. Cough. This is a chance for redemption. Isn’t it somewhat sad they didn’t feel the need for accuracy right at the beginning? All right, I may still be a tad bitter that they didn’t cast Jensen Ackles, but that fact is neither here nor there.

More After the Cut!

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Trailer Talk: The Host

Invasion

Attention all fans of Stephenie Meyer’s sci-fi drama, The Host. It’s time. The first official trailer for the big screen adaptation is here and waiting especially for you. I know, I know. Just calm down for a minute, then you can proceed to squee. The film, which is still in production, and is expected to be released May 29, 2013 – Yes! We have another entire year to wait – stars Saoirse Ronan as Wanderer, the alien creature occupying host, Melanie Stryder. Written and directed by Andrew Niccol, The Host follows Wanda as she searches for her humanity, sorting through Melanie’s memories, trying to unite the still present Melanie with her family. The trailer features the delicate voice of Ronan setting the initial stage for the adaptation: “The earth is at peace . . . the world has never been more perfect, but it is no longer your world.” A plethora of faces show the ominous truth; their eyes give them away. They are not human. “You will be one of us.” This simple teaser is enough to give anybody chills, with the combination of haunting, rough melodies, and the look of Ronan’s icy stare. It’s easy to see the promise for a successful reworking of Meyer’s novel. Go ahead, Host fans. Tell me what you think.

The film also features: Diane Kruger as The Seeker, William Hurt as Uncle Jeb, Jake Abel as Ian O’Shea, and Max Irons as Jared Howe.

Teaser Trailer:

More After the Cut!

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