When a completed film is ready for release, you can bet all parties involved are gagging to get it into theatres to reap the much needed gratification and financial rewards. For Stephen Sommers’ latest, Odd Thomas, that long and winding road has been dotted with lawyers and litigation. The release of the picture, which was shot two years ago, has been held up due to producers engaging in a legal battle. With over $35 million earmarked for production and marketing it’s no wonder. However, the war is over and now the producers have opted to whet appetites at Cannes with the first trailer. You can scope it out below.
From this first glimpse at the film, comparisons to Don Coscarelli’s John Dies At The End are not without point. A lad who can see dead things that the rest of the world cannot, who embarks on a quest, and brings a delectable lady along for the ride. Anton Yelchin as the titular Odd looks like he’s having an absolute blast. After being criminally underused since his last big role in 2011’s Fright Night remake, it’s about time he was back in the genre saddle.
Based on the Dean Koontz novel of the same name, Odd Thomas tells the story of a short order cook who possesses the ability to chat with the dead. As is often the case with folks harbouring such unique abilities, he keeps his sixth sense between his girlfriend, Stormy Llewellyn, and the local police. Odd encounters what he calls “bodachs” – dark, shifty, slimy ghouls who signify that something bad is afoot which sets him off on a dark journey.
The film also stars Willem Dafoe, Nico Tortorella, Patton Oswalt and Addison Timlin.
No release date has been set for Odd Thomas but a 2013 opening is likely. Will you be there?
