The Host is a Korean monster movie that will rank alongside some of the classic monster movies in years to come. Like all good monster movies, theres always the basic underlying message at the beginning: that it is humanity that creates monsters and therefore only has itself to blame for what happens next. What you define as a monster, whether global warming or the military machine, or perhaps the bogeyman or bogeymen, I'll leave up to you. To the movie. Years ago, at a US Army Base in South Korea, an American officer orders that gallons of toxic chemicals be tossed away, and the poison finds its way into the Han River which flows through the centre of Seoul. Of course we all know from "The Simpsons" that three-eyed fish are the usual result of these actions, but this being a monster movie we expect something a little bigger, more grotesque and evil-tempered. This leads to the present day, where as families are enjoying an afternoon by the river, a terrible creature emerges from the water and attacks. Swept away by the monster, but not killed, is little Hyun-seo, the daughter of convenience store operator Park Gang-du (the very talented Song). Park decides it's time for a good old-fashioned rescue op to get his daughter back, and it's action and laughs a plenty.

The Host is a damn fine movie. Great acting, fantastic CGI that doesn't appear rushed or restricted by out of date software, and of course a great storyline with hidden meanings for everyone who's awake, all equal a great winter's night in front of the big screen.

Bride of Frankenstein has quite a reputation. Many critics and film fans rate it as the best horror film of all time. It is widely regarded as the finest work of director Whale (who was portrayed brilliantly by Ian McKellen in Gods and Monsters). There have been many essays written about its underlying, and sometimes subversive, themes (search for the film at www.brightlightsfilm.com for one of many papers highlighting its homosexual subtexts).

But, most importantly, its a great piece of fun cinema.

The story: in a prologue, Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, reveals that Dr. Frankenstein and his monster weren't killed in the original novel. In fact, the doctor wants to move on from his previous experiments and try to lead a normal life with his new wife. When said wife is kidnapped by another evil scientist, Frankenstein is forced to produce a female mate for his original creation, thereby being dragged back into the laboratory.

Whether you enjoy looking for hidden meanings, or just like to be freaked out, you should take pleasure in the ride offered by Bride of Frankenstein.