'Host' boasts big fish, scary fun
Joe Nguyen, editor
March 9, 2007

Nothing brings a family together better than a giant mutated fish.

Director Joon-ho Bong (“Memories of Murder”) combines the classic attributes of a B-horror flick with a character-driven plot in “The Host.” Although the movie contains plenty of frights and laughs, the slow pace and momentum drops detract from the film’s overall appeal.

The strength of “The Host” resides in its collection of eclectic individuals. Bong ably creates a connection between the audience and the characters through back stories. Of course without the talent of the actors, it would not have worked.

Kang-ho Son, who plays Park Gang-Du, gives a solid performance as the parental slacker. He is devoted to his daughter, but his lack of paternal skills prevents him from being the father Hyun-seo, played by Ah-sung Ko, needs. The then 13-year-old Ko steals the movie with her acting prowess. She shares many of her scenes with the CGI creature, but is able to make it appear that it really exists.

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures The Park family contemplates their next move. From left, Hie-Bong Byeon, Kang-ho Song, Hae-il Park and Du-na Bae.

Unfortunately the CGI is average at best. The mutated fish is fluid in its movement and looks normal in the distance, but up close it loses most of its realistic values. Compared to the graphics that have become commonplace in today’s movies, it’s rather mediocre.

The most glaring problem is the momentum drops that litter the center of the film. Bong does a fine job building up tension, but then it drops off and settles into an extended lull. These lulls bring the movie to a screeching halt and make the two-hour film feel much longer than it is.

Despite these imperfections, “The Host” is a humorous and entertaining take on classic monster movies. In a time when most American horror films rely on guts and gore, this is a refreshing step back into the fun side of scariness.

Joe gives "The Host":

Joe Nguyen is the editor in chief for AsiaXpress.com. You can contact Joe via e-mail at Joe@asiaxpress.com.