How this gem slipped through the cracks at a local theater I’ll never know because Odd Thomas is a mystery thriller that entertains, big time. If you like movies with a lot of excitement this film has it all, a good story by writer Dean Koontz, fine acting that includes Anton Yelchin and director of The Mummy Stephen Sommers. Grab a copy, plop down in front of your man cave big screen, open your favorite refreshment and press play! Oh, and don’t be afraid to let your cave women join you for this one, especially for the supernatural twister of a thrill-ride. The film is now available on Blu-ray and DVD or in a combo pack for home viewing.
The movie opens in the small town of Pico Mundo in the southwest U.S. where we are introduced to Odd Thomas (Anton Yelchin) a short order cook. But Oddie isn’t an ordinary guy, he’s a clairvoyant, he can see trouble coming whenever the Bodachs come around. What are the Bocachs you ask? They’re creepy ghostlike apparitions that sniff out impending death. When it finds someone worthy, there’s not much stopping them. What it does for Oddie however, it lets him know that danger is near and he sets out to help avoid collateral damage.
While Oddie only gets called that by Stormy (Addison Timlin) his current and childhood sweetheart, it’s more fun to tell the story using the nickname. The two are inseparable and spend every moment they can together after she gets off work at the mall ice cream shop. Both are loved by the community, although most think he fits his name, Odd. On one particular day Oddie sees the Botachs multiplying and then gets a vision of the future where a group wearing bowling shirts gets gunned down.
Puzzled and determined to get to the bottom of it, he sets out on his greatest and most dangerous suspense thriller ever. Director Stephen Sommers does a magnificent job of setting up the story, working his actors into the plot and delivering a bang up action mystery thriller. His film gets mesmerizing so make sure you watch it with nothing interfering with your showing. The filmmaking quality and storytelling reminds me very much of the movie Warm Bodies. Get your snacks ready, turn off the home and cell phones and dim the lights for one of Sommers best rides yet. He’ll lead you into plenty of surprises, some weird twists and an ending you will NOT believe.
The acting by Anton Yelchin (Charlie Bartlett, Checkov in Star Trek I & II, Charlie Brewster in Fright Night…well you get the idea) is outstanding in this film. He handles Oddie with a strong will, bringing his character into the fray whenever he sees danger. When the urgency involves Stormy, he puts his character into overdrive. His antagonist, a man Stormy nicknames Fungus Bob, is a brutal psycho who’s on a mission. Oddie tries to convince Chief Porter (Willem Dafoe) that he’s going on a killing rampage, but not being able to tell him why Oddie knows, it’s futile.
In support Addison Timlin gives a sweet yet persuasive performance as the adorable Stormy. Timlin makes her character supportive of Oddie even though she cannot see the Bodachs and yet lets him know she trusts his plan to find the killers before the dastardly event happens. She’s also very crafty herself and finds ways to help Oddie. When her life is threatened, she looks to save others while Oddie deals with the problem.
I like the way Dafoe handles his Chief Porter on the screen. He’s calm, cool and understanding, even while Oddie may be breaking the law. While he accepts that Oddie has clairvoyance, he still is doubtful that it’s what helps him bring down or prevent local disasters. He sticks with Oddie even when the town is doubtful of his ability. When Chief Porter finds out from Oddie that there is more than one antagonist to deal with, he jumps into action without question.
The fight choreography and the special effects are extremely good. I liked the ghost like Bodachs who appear from out of nowhere and turn into these howling creatures. At first I felt they looked like saran wrap, but when they multiplied you can see the weird faces that look very violent and scary, especially when they are sniffing people to see if they are ready to die. Make-up plays a big part in developing Fungus Bob and showing his ugly ferocious face. The gateway to hell is very cool as it develops into a mass of black vines then opens to a portal.
The video quality of the Blu-ray is exceptionally good through the lenses of Sommer’s team. They soften the town much like it was shot in the old west with brilliant colors and when the evil Bodachs appear they turn into devilish monsters. Clear and clean, even the night shots are nicely visible.
The sound quality using the Dolby Digital HD 5.1 allows for even the quietest conversation to be heard. During many scenes my side speakers came alive and made the film even more intense.
Odd Thomas has not been rated by the MPAA but contains violence and frightening images. One long running scene is extremely violent and may be a little too vicious at times. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as these scenes are inappropriate for adolescents.
Specifications and additional film information:
Cast: Anton Yelchin, Willem Dafoe, Addison Timlin
Director: Stephen Sommers
Based on the best-selling novel by Dean Koontz
MPAA Rating: Unrated, Contains violence, scary immages
Genre: Mystery Action Thriller, Supernatural Horror
Running Time: 1 hr 36 min
Video Release Date: March 25, 2014
Original Film Release Date: February 28, 2014
Language: English
Format: Blu-ray, DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 1080p HD Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Subtitles: English SDH
Number of Discs: 2 Discs, Blu-ray and DVD
Distributed by: RJL Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
