Grits and Greens

Gwoemul, or The Host, as it is known in the U.S., is by far the best movie that I have seen in a long time, especially of the horror/sci-fi genre. Made in South Korea by Joon-ho Bong, is the monster movie that I have been waiting to see for a long time.

The story is simple, a doctor pours some chemicals into the river and a giant tadpole is spawned. Of course the tadpole is two stories tall and has a taste for human flesh and destruction. The creature is also quite an achievement in movie monsters--it looks amazing, moves quickly and is quite smart.

The movie itself is also a huge "f#$@ you" to the constant power struggle between the North Koreans and the U.S., much in the same fashion as Japan's Godzilla. But this is no Godzilla--this is a much scarier creature than Godzilla.

According to IMDB, an American version is going to be released in 2008, which is probably going to suck. I don't mean to sound negative, but I'm fine with the original. I like my Hie-bong Bye0n; I don't need a Wilson or Denzel or Will Smith to mess it up. The only way it could work is if it is helmed by James Gunn, Darren Aronofsky, Bryan Singer, Christopher Nolan or possibly M. Night---other than that, it's will probably be a bust.

See The Host now while it still kicks ass. That way, you can be a snob when it comes to a megaplex near you directed by some asshole that didn't quite get it---you can say, "The original was much better." You more than likely will not be lying.