Director: Stephen Sommers
Writer: Stephen Sommers (Screenplay) Dean R Koontz (Novel ‘Odd Thomas’)
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Addison Timlin, Willem Dafoe, Leonor Varela, Matthew Page, Nico Tortorella, Kyle McKeever, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Patton Oswalt, Shuler Hensley
Plot: In a California desert town, a short-order cook with clairvoyant abilities encounters a mysterious man with a link to dark, threatening forces.
Verdict: The Pilot for a great show?
Story: We start by meeting our hero Odd and yes that is his name. We see how he solves mysteries from the dead people visiting him. We see how he solves cases without worrying about consequences. He is in good with the police so what he does can come off on his good side. We see how he lives a normal life when he is working as a cook and with his girlfriend who he is meant to be together forever with, he tries to live a normal life. When Bodachs (Demons who sense impending chaos) show up he knows something bad is about to happen in his small town. He uncovers what he thinks might be about to happen, but can he stop it and save the town in time?
When it comes to teen/young adult detective stories they all usually come off very generic, where the solve something the cop can’t with a gift that gives them an extra hand and this follows that very nicely. We need a slightly odd character and just to name him that makes it have an inside laugh. I do feel the trailer kind of misleads the idea behind the film because we think he will be facing demons but it is all about a human villain which makes it better because we don’t need to see him face off against demons. The story also offers plenty of twists that will keep you shocked by what happens. I feel this was one film that really slipped past which really should have been given a better chance, the story is good and it has franchise qualities. (8/10)
Actor Review
Anton Yelchin: Odd Thomas our hero who sees dead people and tries to help them pass on by helping solve their murders. When something bigger that he has never faced before comes to town he must use all his abilities to save his town. Anton gives a great performance in the lead role playing the slightly odd character perfectly. (9/10)
Willem Dafoe: Chief Wyatt Porter friend of Odd’s who appreciates the help when it helps solve murders and will listen to ideas that he comes up as he has a good track record for being right. Willem gives a good performance in what is a supporting role. (7/10)
Addison Timlin: Stormy Llewellyn girlfriend of Odd who supports him in every case he goes on even if it puts her own life in danger. She is Odd’s reason to carry on a normal life all while saving the lost souls and offers him someone to love who is a naturally good. Addison gives a great performance with great chemistry with Anton. (8/10)
Support Cast: Friends, cops and suspects fill up the supporting cast each one offers something to what will happening and we get to see how Odd interacts with all of them.
Director Review: Stephen Sommers – As I am a fan of Stephen’s work I think he does a great job with this making it entertaining, shocking and enjoyable. (8/10)
Fantasy: With the ideas that Odd can see dead people and demons we get solid fantasy elements used throughout. (9/10)
Mystery: Keeps you wondering who is involved all the way through. (10/10)
Thriller: You want to know what will happen next once the mystery starts to unfold. (9/10)
Chemistry: The chemistry between Odd and Stormy actually makes you think that they have been together for years, brilliant from both the stars to create this. (9/10)
Settings: The small town setting works as it shows the community feeling between the characters. (9/10)
Special Effects: The Bodachs creation is very good as they flow through the real world without notice but the final action scene slips into poor CGI effects. (7/10)
Suggestion: I think this could be a real hidden gem of a film, I think most people will enjoy this and it is well worth a watch. (Hidden Gem)
Best Part: Bodachs flowing through the crowds.
Worst Part: The fact no one saw it.
What Could Have Been Better? – Marketing campaign.
Oh My God Moment: The End
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: Could have a few (3/10)
Chances of Sequel: It could, but due to it failing to make an impact at cinemas it would be unlikely.
Post Credits Scene: No
Similar Too: The Frighteners mixed with Sixth Sense
Oscar Chances: No
Budget: $27 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
Tagline: Seeing the dead is the least of his problems
Overall: Under Appreciated Mystery Thriller
Rating 
