DVD Review: "Odd Thomas"

I waited with anxious anticipation for my request of “Odd Thomas” to arrive. Hollywood has a

long history of changing crucial elements of a favorite series. I must say I was pleasantly

surprised by director Stephen Sommers  take on the Dean Koontz series. With some

relatively minor exceptions, it was the closest book to movie interpretation that I’ve seen.

For those of you unfamiliar with the books, Odd is a small town fry cook who has

paranormal abilities. He can see dead people. Odd can also see bodachs who are

wraith like demons who are attracted to pain and destruction. When he sees his town of

Pico Mundo overrun with bodachs, he realizes it heralds a near apocalyptic event.

Enlisting the help of his girlfriend, Stormy, and the local police chief, Odd races against

time to save the day.

“Odd Thomas” stars Anton Yelchin. He does an excellent job portraying Odd’s

quirkiness and naivety. There is a strong supporting cast featuring Addison Timlin as

Stormy and Willem Dafoe as Chief Wyatt Porter. The movie is able to capture

the essence of Koontz’s creation.

I loved the blend of supernatural, humor with scenes of intense action. It is filled with

twists and turns. I  impatiently waited for its release since I first read it was in

production. I was hoping that “Odd Thomas” was the first in a movie franchise.

My hopes were dashed when Anton Yelchin died in a freak accident at his home.