'Snowpiercer' Trailer. Snowy, yes, but piercing? Not So Much

When I first heard of Bong Joon-ho's 'Snowpiercer' I was thinking this would be a showstopper. The kind of flick you stand in line for, get your popcorn, sit back and relish. The setting was so new and sharply cut it was practically a game changer. I could hardly wait.

But, this first trailer is something of a head-scratcher. I don't get the energy. Is this a class drama set on a train, the existence of which is explained by the never-ending snowstorm (although, how that would necessitate a non-stop 24/7 train isn't clear), or is the movie a sci-fi thriller that happens to take place on a train, the existence of which lends nothing special to the plot?

Right now, based on this trailer, I don't know which is the case. However, neither possibility holds much appeal. Two things need to happen in future trailers/clips for me to get back on board...so to speak. The class tension has to have a compelling sci-fi or fantasy hook, and the fact that everything happens on this train has to make sense, be exciting and interesting, rather than simply a device that makes this movie a one-location (read: inexpensive) exercise.

As things stand, I feel like I'm being taken for a ride. Hoping for more.






















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The Host Rolls Out

Director Bong Joon-ho has created quite a stir with 'The Host'. Movie has broken box office records in Korea. Released on 71 screens in the US in March 'The Host' has already taken over $1 million.

Adam Kempenaar and Sam Van Hallgren over at Filmspotting have posted their take on 'The Host' -- this is probably the most objective appraisal I've come across -- you can listen to the podcast here. They're calling this picture an 'absurdist-tragedy', and a 'monster movie with the cast of Little Miss Sunshine'. Their description of how the main characters (a dysfunctional family) try to 'out-grieve' each other upon learning the monster has (apparently) killed a family member is worth a listen.

If you haven't seen a trailer yet (or haven't seen a clean copy), try hitting the official site, which opens with a pristine copy. The look of the site gives you some idea of how important a movie this has become to Hollywood. A lot of money was spent to make it top-drawer.

When I first saw a clip from this movie it struck me as being very Spielberg-esque, except more fluid, both in camera-style and in ability to handle actors. I found a recent interview with Joon-ho at MovieWeb where he discusses the background on 'The Host', and mentions future projects. Look for good things from this director.

A Hollywood remake is in the works by Universal, but Joon-ho will not direct so I'm not holding out much hope that it will have the heart of the original. Joon-ho, on the other hand, has a pragmatic view (interview at SciFiWire) -- if the remake is good...great, if it's crap then his version will be the definitive one.

This is one of the best looking movies I've ever seen. The script and camera are witty but not self-conscious. Brings life to a tired genre. So far this year, 'The Host' is the only DVD I'm looking forward to buying.

Reinventing The Horror Movie

Rick Kleffel tells us how the structure of "The Host", the new Korean horror sensation by director Bong Joon-ho, reverses the normal rules of suspense, setup, and payoff with 'amazing success', blending comedy and shocks in what he calls 'The Royal Tenenbaums vs. Godzilla'.

Clips From The Host

Bloody-Disgusting has 5 clips from "The Host", the Korean horror flick that's breaking box office records, and will be seen in this country soon.

Plans for a Hollywood remake are in the works -- although, I can't imagine Hollywood can match the quality of this film.

Director Bong Joon-ho crafts sequences that remind me of a young Spielberg -- except with more confidence and subtlety. These clips are some of the best I've seen.