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Show A&EDiversions Page 6 Thursday, April 4, 2013 'Host' goes farther than Twilight Nat'l View e Spencer Palmer illi .s. :.-....0 -.-, i ) ' "The Host" Grade: B Moyle Review Earth is at peace. There are no wars, disease or hunger. But humans aren't in control of Earth. An alien race, who call themselves Souls, have infected most humans and have control over their bodies. The last humans hide out together and avoid the Souls as much as they can because any interaction with a Soul could lead to another occupation. I've never read any books by Stephenie Meyer, nor have I watched any "Twilight" movies, which gave me a less-biased opinion. I'm also a fan of science fiction, and Meyer's novel "The Host" was one I'd thought about reading when it was first released. However, I entered the movie theater with low expectations as I went to see "The Host." I tried my best to go in with an open mind. My expectations came from the trailers, which pitched the movie as a romantic story rather than a captivating exploration of an internal invasion. I was pulled into the movie much faster than I thought. The story began with a quick action scene and a pivotal decision. There were fascinating parallels between Melanie/Wanda, played by Saoirse (pronounced sore-sha) Ronan, and The Seeker, played by Diane Kruger. This is most likely due to the source material, which translates well to the big screen. I was impressed with the ideas presented and the moral questions explored but rarely asked. "The Host" explores the world of utopias and dystopias. What makes a peaceful planet? Is a perfect world truly perfect? There was a plethora of questions about humanity and what it truly means. How do you act like a human if you're not human? When do humans stop being human? The movie also delved into the science fiction situation of the battle of dual wills in one body. It was a unique type of alien invasion with powerful consequences. Every invasion calls for a revolution, and "The Host" put a twist on the typical invasion story. In order to combat the occupant, one of the characters uses memories of emotional experiences to influence the way the occupant feels. This distinctive method adds layers and complexity to the movie. Which is stronger, the invader or the host? What makes true symbiosis? The trailer painted the movie unfairly with a heavy romantic component, but it was probably to draw in the "Twilight" crowd. The story was more intriguing and powerful than the trailer let on. I understand the reasons for the romance. It explored an unusual situation caused by the occupation, but it felt weird and out of place. The lover elements felt forced into the story, although the actors didn't make the romantic parts too awkward. The most silly aspect of the movie was due to the so-called serious relationships. The most ridiculous part of the romance was the love triangle. Strictly speaking, two separate relationships developed, but both relationships used one body. Meyer must have some premeditated tendencies toward love triangles. The ending had unexpected twists that wrapped up the story nicely but left a few questions open to the imagination. I'm tempted to read the book now that I've seen the movie. From what I've gathered, director and writer Andrew Niccol did a great job adapting Meyer's novel to a screenplay and a movie. The core of the novel and all the key relationships and scenes were transformed from words on pages to the silver screen. Niccol was a perfect choice to write and direct the film. He has an impressive science fiction background in "Gattaca," "The Truman Show," and "In Time." Each of those movies asked curious questions and expanded the science fiction world, and "The Host" was no different in that regard. Ronan was phenomenal. She's amazing at playing strange characters with depth. The movie was practically worth a viewing just to see her talent in action. Everything she's done is worth watching, and I'd particularly recommend "Hanna." Kruger's role in "The Host" enveloped much of her abilities. It was entertaining to watch. I like her work, and I especially like her in "National Treasure." Fans of the novel or science fiction should consider a movie ticket to see "The Host." You may be surprised at your enjoyment; I certainly was. - Spencer Palmer is a graduate student working toward an MBA with a recent bachelor's in mechanical engineering. Email him at spencer. palmer@aggiemaiLusu.edu or visit his website, themovieknight.wordpress.com. BY COLIN COVERT Star Tribune Stephenie Meyer achieved youth culture fame overnight with her supernatural "Twilight" novels and films. But immortality? As the makers of Livestrong yellow wristbands or "High School Musical" can attest, that's harder to come by. Meyer's latest, "The Host," blends teen romance and science fiction. In its strange new world, advanced, peaceable extraterrestrials have commandeered the minds of most of Earth's human population. This case of global possession has a benign face. Earth 2.0 is without war, hunger, greed and cancer. Humans retain their physical form, dress impeccably, drive silver luxury sports cars and live in elegant mid-century modernist digs. Unfortunately, the aliens want to ease Homo sapiens aside permanently, convinced that they can do a better job of running our planet. An alien intelligence named Wanderer inhabits Earth girl Melanie Stryder. Even after she's implanted with her new "soul," defiant Melanie (Saoirse Ronan) doesn't knuckle under. Her will and awareness survive, gradually revealing thoughts and memories to Wanderer (Wanda for short). The battle to control Melanie's body is a psychic pillow fight, with Ronan voicing both sides of the running argument in her head. Like mismatched bunkies at sleepaway camp, they squabble, then learn to coexist, ultimately forming an emotional connection. Melanie convinces the resistant Wanderer that they must flee to the desert cabin of uncle Jeb (William Hurt) and aunt Maggie (Frances Fisher). Evading the alien security chief Seeker (Diane Kruger) and her crew, Melanie / Wanda discover remote caves sheltering the handful of remaining humans. Among them are Melanie's boyfriend Jared (Max Irons) and his fellow freedom fighter Ian (Jake Abel), who falls for Wanda. With two identities in a single body, our heroines find themselves in a two-way love triangle, then a three-person love quadrangle. And Bella Swan thought she had a tangled love life! Only one scene admits the absurdity of the situation as Melanie / Wanda steals a pallet full of food from "Store" by wheeling it directly past the placid staff and out the door. It's a nice gag in a film mostly bereft of levity or selfawareness. How could they have ignored the comic gold mine of a crazy-acting teen girl with two brains? I wouldn't put money on this mishmash of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "Love Story" scoring with fantasy fans. They'll probably hang on until fall for the next installment of the dramatically superior "Hunger Games." Getaway Special • Rivertictee Resort 3696 N, 1600 E. Preston, Idaho 208-852-0266 wwwriverdalereesortcom Get away, with 2 passes to the hot springs, sparkling cider, and Alvey's chocolates. Every room has a large jetted jaccuzi and it's a perfect romantic getaway! This deal is available through February 28. Mention this offer when making reservation $59.95 per couple BRIDAL FAIRE Saturday, April 13 lOAM to 5PM Student Center Co-sponsored by: UtahState sman xix 96 AAAAAA 8..T CoumTny GROUND: Nonprofit gives opportunities OFrom page 5 At the: USU www.bridalfaire.org COMMON GROUND has a stock of adaptive bikes. Photo courtesy of Common Ground. 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Jeffrey Davenport, the owner of Pizza Plus, said the restaurant has good food and a great atmosphere. "We've been in the valley 14 years now," he said. "It's a family friendly environment and good value on the food." Lazares said they hold birthday parties at Pizza Plus as well. The cost of Pizza Plus ranges from $3.49 for a small order of breadsticks to $19.99 for a 16-inch specialty pie. - carli@jdsco.com |