The Host

Dir. Bong Joon-ho (2007).
Not just another fright flick, this monster saga is a fine piece of filmmaking which scores as a legitimate sci-fi/horror classic. After toxic waste is dumped into a Korean river, a huge tadpole-like thing comes galloping out, wreaking havoc on the populace with its nasty eating habits, taking a particular toll on a dysfunctional family who live near the water. There are moments of sensible social commentary, but the picture is above all a great accomplishment for The Orphanage, the San Francisco effects house which executed the creature’s movements.

Sat., Feb. 27, 6:30 & 9:30 p.m., 2010