Ever since I first read Dean Koontz's wonderful novel Odd Thomas, I have been waiting for a film version. There was something special about that book, and the rest of the series too, that screamed great movie at me. The central character, Odd, is just so likeable and his adventures so intriguing and exciting, that it had blockbuster written all over it.
So when I heard there was a movie in production, by the man responsible for the 'The Mummy', I have to admit I was fairly excited. Though I don't think that 'The Mummy' was an amazing film it certainly showed off Stephen Sommers ability to blend action/adventure with horror.
The film was plagued with financial problems during and after production and somehow only managed to secure a straight to DVD release here in the UK. This I feel is a great shame, as I think it really had the potential to be a massive hit here.
The film stars Anton Yelchin ( Chekov from the Star Trek reboots) as the titular hero. He is everything that Odd needs to be, he is unassuming, friendly and charismatic. The plot revolves around Odd, yes that is his real name, a short order fry cook with the ability to see the dead, and avenge them by finding their killers. Odd also has premonitions of the future though the images he sees are often vague. He also sees creatures called Bodachs. These otherworldly beings are harbingers of death.
His home town of Pico Mundo, is suddenly overrun with these creatures only Odd can see, and he knows that this means the town is heading for a disaster of unimaginable scale. With the help of the local police chief and his girlfriend, Stormy, Odd sets out to discover what is about to happen, and if he can stop it.
The film has a great atmosphere and is paced really well. Are there differences to the book, of course, the ghost of Elvis doesn't hang around Odd in the film, some characters have had their roles drastically cut, and Odd has gained a few new powers such as psychometry ( the ability to touch people or objects and get a sense of their past). These changes are not detrimental to the story though. I loved ghost Elvis in the book, but see how in the film it could have come across as too ridiculous.
I have read people talking about how cheesy some of the dialogue between Odd and Stormy is, but as far as I could tell it was exactly how they spoke in the books, a lot of the dialogue is lifted straight off the pages of the novel. I think the tender, innocent romance between Stormy and Odd is what outs this film, and it's source novel, a step above other stories in this genre. You can really feel the emotion between the two of them, and this makes some parts of the film heart rending to watch.
Talking of Stormy, the casting of Addison Timlin in this role was a stroke of genius. She, looks, sounds and acts exactly as I had imagined Stormy when reading the novel. She brings a great heart to the film.
People will of course always hate on screen adaptations of books they love, the filmmaker can never please everyone, but I think in defense of this film it is worth noting that it is the only adaptation of his work that Dean Koontz has liked.
My fear is that the small release caused by the financial problems the film underwent, will be a barrier to getting a sequel. There are six more books in the series, and all of them deserve the same treatment this one got. Fingers crossed and in Odd we trust!
