Although a bit predictable, the film The Odds does deliver a lot of suspense, some decent horror and genuine acting. The movie puts you in a room with two people and then lays out a story that could leave viewers a little queasy. If you are a fan of movies like Saw, The Game, Phone Booth or even Disturbia, then check out this film for some sordid moments.
A woman has agreed to play a game at an undisclosed place for a sum of $1 million. The location is told to her as being kept secret due to legal technicalities. Although she has been told the rules, the Game Master goes over them with her just so she understands the consequences involved. Although she has some doubt, she’s visibly anxious to get started with the game.
She will be participating in private room with only the Game Master present while each round of the game is played. Simultaneously in other parts of the world, 19 other competitors will be vying for the same prize. People watching on closed circuit will be wagering on who will be the winner. The first five rounds are set to weed out three contestants per task and they will leave with nothing. If the person makes it past that cut off, they will be compelled to stay through the final round.
So begins a tale so wicked and disgusting that it could make some viewers unsettled. Director and writer Bob Giordano keeps his film very gripping as the Game Master goes through each of the rounds. Giordano uses their past to show clues of their past so the audience will get some idea of why the two are in the room and how each one will benefit if their contender wins. Using some very shocking tasks that repulse, the viewer becomes a voyeur rather than just an entertainment seeker.
The two main cast members are very good and deliver their characters in a believable way that keeps fans of horror glued to the screen. As the woman player, Abbi Butler is convincing showing how her life has led her to the contest. As each round takes place you can feel her doubt rising, but the reward makes her stand strong under even the most gut wrenching cruelties.
As for James J. Fuertes, his performance makes the film work. As the Grand Master his job is to persuade the contestant to stay in the game. Getting to the root of the woman’s personal problems, he sides with her about her future, even to the point of making her think that there’s something physical between them.
The downside to The Odds is the difficulty of keeping the viewers induced to the reality of it all. The question here comes with the belief of whether the reason the woman is taking the chance has plausibility enough to risk her life for the $1 million? It’s a long shot bet for sure.
The Odds has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains violence and crude language. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have many bloody scenes throughout that are inappropriate for youngsters.
FINAL ANLALYSIS: A good plot, but somewhat over the top. (2.5 out of 5 stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Abbi Butler, James J. Fuertes, Katie Gunn, Les Parker, Sean Ramey
Director and writer: Bob Giordano
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains
Genre: Horror
Running Time: 1 hr. 47 Min.
Video Release Date: June 4, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Digital HD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 surround
Video: Widescreen 16×9, Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
Number of Discs:
Distributed by: 4Digital Media
Released on: DVD, VOD and Digital HD
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
