NYFF. The Host.

"Reverse Shot offers its writers a comfy venue for dissent, but be warned: if you're trolling for a takedown of The Host, you won't find it here," writes Adam Nayman. "Sometimes it's good to be part of the mob, and so I'm pleased - rather than pained - to say that I like Korean director Bong Joon-ho's marvelous monster movie about as much as everyone else. Which is to say: a whole lot and without reservation."

Grady Hendrix: "[Y]es, it's everything you've heard. It's really that good. Not the movie I expected, but much better than I would have ever thought possible."

"[B]eyond the film's less than subtle jab at the (pointedly American) arrogance and abuse of authority that lead to the environmental disaster, the film is also a wry commentary on the culture of conformity and unquestioning deference to authority," notes acquarello.

Slant's Nick Schager finds it "delivers high-octane thrills while cannily exploiting contemporary political fears, with some inspired visual humor amplifying its overriding mood of popcorn-movie excitement."

"It's either the funniest scariest movie I've ever seen, or vice versa," smiles Jason Bogdaneris in the L Magazine.

More from Alison Willmore at the IFC Blog and Jenny Jediny at Not Coming to a Theater Near You.

Posted by dwhudson at October 15, 2006 9:38 AM