Reviews

I usually dread watching movies based on books that I love, because I already know that they are never as good as the books upon which they're based. This film adaptation of "Odd Thomas", based on the book of the same name by Dean Koontz, is no different. It's not as good as the book... but then, the book was phenomenal.

That said, however, I thought it was excellent. The special effects seemed rather low-budget, but they did the trick. The bodachs were even scarier than the way they were described in the book. Anton Yelchin did a fantastic job playing the enigmatic and charismatic Odd Thomas, while Addison Timlin as Odd's soul-mate Stormy Llewellyn was adorable and very lovable. The dialogue was superb for the most part, particularly between Anton and Addison, though it did seem a little stilted in some places.

The pacing in the film was fantastic and relentless. I can recall only one instance where it could have been considered "dragging", and the moment was fleeting.

There were a few characters in the book that weren't even mentioned in the movie, which was disappointing but understandable. Books are generally much more involved and intricate than movies are allowed to be, particularly if the director wants to keep the movie at an acceptable length.

One of the things I really loved about "Odd Thomas" as a book was the light-hearted tone in spite of the lurking sense of danger, and the movie stayed true to this. I smiled listening to the dialogue between both Odd and Stormy, and Odd and Chief Wyatt Porter (played by Willem Dafoe), and Odd and pretty much everyone. I also really appreciated the depth that Anton Yelchin brought to the character of Odd Thomas; he was absolutely excellent.

All in all, I would highly recommend this movie to absolutely anyone, whether they read the books or not. It's a story about love, loyalty, trust... and of course ghosts and the evil of which mankind is capable. The only thing that stops me from giving this movie a 10/10 is the fact that so many characters were left out, but altogether, it was a solid effort, and I sincerely hope that the troubles preventing its release in the US at this time are resolved, and the rest of the series is also adapted.

The first time I saw the movie was when I was about seventeen or so, and I never forgot it. The incredibly human characters (such as the doctor who loved riddles), the fantastic script-writing, the amazing acting, and of course the heartwarming story. This movie proves once and for all how strong we are, as humans, that in the face of adversity we can make the best of things. There is so much love in the characters; Dora's love for her husband Guido is boundless, as well as Guido's love for his son. Sure, it's a slightly unrealistic movie, but hey, aren't they all a little unrealistic? I've also seen people review this movie and say that it made light of the Holocaust, which was of course a dark point in history. I don't think so; I think that it's only delicately handled, and because of that, the movie is one that a person can watch in one sitting without being thoroughly disgusted by mankind. I would say that those who think this movie is too "light" are cynical and bitter. The whole point to the movie is to show what love is capable of, and to provide encouragement and perhaps guidance. This movie changed my life from the first time I watched it. I came away with this feeling that no matter what I have to face in life, that I can overcome it. This is a movie that I would recommend to anyone over the age of eleven. The acting is superb (though Roberto Benigni is a little over-the-top, LOL), the story heartwarming and easy to understand. It's excellent!