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.

Zodiac

David Fincher's new movie, "Zodiac", is based on the killer who went by the same name who is credited with several murders in the San Francisco area in the late 60s. Fincher did the visually stylish and improbable thriller "Se7en" and the dizzyingly stylish and over-the-top "Fight Club". By all indications, "Zodiac" is shot with less verve but comes across with more impact because of its subject, and I get the feeling this will establish Fincher as a go-to helmer for mainstream pictures.

Adam Kempenaar and Sam Van Hallgren discuss "Zodiac" over at Filmspotting, and you can tell this movie impressed them -- they speak of it in almost hushed tones.

Also, the guys briefly discuss "Black Snake Moan", which opens this weekend -- they're calling it one of the most exciting movies of the year -- from what I've seen I have to agree. And, a look back at the Oscars.

Filmspotting

Adam Kempanaar and Sam Van Hallgren review this year's Sundance Film Festival. Their top pick -- "Son of Rambow" which, from their rundown, sounds very appealing. Featuring two interviews: Craig Brewer, director of "Black Snake Moan", and Garth Jennings and Nick Goldsmith, director/producer of "Son of Rambow".

Daily Sundance Rundown

There's a lot of coverage of Sundance out there but these guys probably connect the best. Daily podcasts from Park City

Filmspotting Top Ten

Adam Kempenaar and Sam Van Hallgren rundown the best and worst of 2006. These guys specialize in lists and handle the format with plenty of energy -- the show is over an hour long but always moves forward. On this show they have some cool guests including Ira Glass (host of This American Life on NPR), Scott Tobias (contributor at A.V. Club), and Rian Johnson (writer-director of "Brick"). An easy-going fun gabfest.

Filmspotting #139

Adam Kempenaar and Sam Van Hallgren review "The Nativity Story", "McCabe and Mrs. Miller", and rundown their "Top 5 Good Films From Bad Directors".

The boys perhaps overthink their reviews, but their lists are entertaining and reflect a depth of knowledge. The Top 5 starts at the 53 minute mark.

Podcast