Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls: Collector's Edition [BLU-RAY]
C**C
It never takes itself too seriously.
I thought the movie was great, very well written, a lot of laughs and entertainment from start to finish.First off, if you're super religious, this is a movie based around devil worship, it's all very tongue and cheek, it's obviously not trying to convert anyone, but I know that will be an immediate sticking point for some people.All I knew going in was that it was super well reviewed by the few that have seen it and by the end I was not disappointed.It starts a little slow with some Napoleon Dynamite level cringe, but that's just to set up a main character that is comfortable being the butt of the joke. This is extremely important, because that's the foundation that the movie is built upon, a lovable fool that no one takes seriously. This allows for everyone else to play it straight while still getting laughs and making meaningful progress towards the plot.From there it just continually picks up steam, with great practical effects (a dying art), great acting, and an absurd plot, that somehow still feels relatively grounded in reality. It's a lot of fun along the way and it's a journey you won't regret.Unfortunately, I think this movie is destained to be one of those cult classics like Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, that slowly grows a following over the years. The quality far exceeds the budget, which is truly a major accomplishment when movies that cost a hundred million dollars to make often fail to hit the mark these days.
M**Y
Fantastic production, mad puppetry, and an enduring lead!
This movie came out of left-field for me. I generally don't rewatch movies unless there's enough appeal and then something special, too. For context, I've only bought a handful of movies over the last decade. After my 6th viewing of Onyx The Fortuitous, I knew it was worth it for me to order the Blu-Ray, especially to have the special features and commentaries from both producers.The movie, or in the case of Onyx, is an enduring, likeable lead who wants to fit in and be valued. The movie works well on this level because most of the main characters are likeable, even the devious ones. While there are detractors of Onyx and comically funny bullies (think Biff or Flea from Back to the Future), the movie's tone overall isn't mean-spirited. I appreciate that Bowser and team navigated this carefully, focusing less on how to easily pick apart someone like Onyx, if he were a real life person.I was pleasantly surprised by the effort of the entire production of this movie! From the filmmaking, music, editing, and yes - heavy on practical effects! Going into this movie I was expecting something far less but this more than exceeded what I appreciate and value in the art of this type of medium. There is clear love and passion for this project and it pours out in nearly every scene!By the poster/movie cover I knew practical effects were going to be important from the creative team and seeing them on screen, even after my 6th viewing - the puppets still put a child-like smile on my face and make me so happy! This display of love and care going into an indie project like this is truly a gem to behold! I feel like I am watching a movie from the eighties and early nineties again, where I can just sit back and be entertained and amused.I honestly could go on and on about this film. It's my new favorite, and I have not had a new "favorite" in a few years. My wife knows what scenes I'm going to genuinely laugh at now, mainly from Andrew Bowser's fantastic inflection and cadence during line delivery. His expressions, too! What a well crafted character that feels genuine and (not to be "Rote or basic" ~ Jesminder) enduring. While his humor might not work for everyone, I believe anyone going into this type of film, would totally be the audience for it!I appreciate all the talent from Jeffery Combs' fantastic hammy performance, harkening the likes of the Re-Animator, alongside counter-part, Barbara Crampton. Seeing Olivia Taylor Dudley, who I became a fan of since the Magicians, as a producer on this, just makes this movie feel special! This movie is set up for a sequel and I hope this gains enough traction and interest for Bowser and party to bring a new addition to this fun universe again!
C**S
It's been a long time since I've seen a new movie that was this good.
This movie is great. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being Ghostbusters 1984, this is a solid 8. A few small tweaks would have made it a 9. Only had one quick line of wokeness for the entire film which is really good considering the current zeitgeist. They mostly used what appears to be practical effects accented with small CGI effects which provides some nostalgia to the movies made in the early 90's and back that used practical effects well. Story was good, acting was good, effects were good, and nothing was bad. I'm not saying it's completely original and mind blowing, but it was different enough that it's not a direct copy of anything and it was well produced. If you like goofy, horror, comedies, you won't be disappointed.
B**P
Hilarious, heart-felt and unique
This is a really great movie! For fans of classic 80s horror with a modern twist, this movie has a surprisingly heart-felt tone mixed in with all the goofiness and fun you expect from this guy. If you aren't familiar with his youtube videos, do yourself a favor and check them out. Great production quality, some really cool classic 80s style special effects and puppetry, plus a glorious rendition of "I Would Do Anything For Love"?! What's not to like here?? Great story, unique writing, hilarious awkward situations and humor, the acting is awesome too; all the side characters are great and bring their own personality to the scenes. Had to have it on bluray after seeing it in theaters- and I'm so glad a did! A new favorite for sure.
M**E
Very Fun, High-Production Value Indie Comedy-Horror
I knew an actor or two in this and really liked the premise. Nothing cerebral about this, just fun, and you could tell everyone had fun making it. Olivia Taylor Dudley from the Magicians is a green-eyed demon, a dude from 90's sitcom Living Single gets turned into a bat-person-thing, all amusing. The story has a little heart as well. I don't give this film 5 stars for the same reason I'd give Dune or Oppenheimer five stars, but for the same reason I'd give Tim Burton's Ed Wood or Dale & Tucker Fight Evil five stars. IYKYK.
C**.
Loved it. Very much hope to see more from this character.
Loved it. Very much hope to see at least one sequel.If you like light horror comedies (Shakey Shivers, Night of the Living Deb, the 90’s live action Addams Family movies, Hell Baby, Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows, Dude Bro Party Massacre III, A Little Bit Zombie, Freaks of Nature) or just quirky comedy in general, then definitely take a look at this one.
C**N
From Kick-starter to Feature
It's a wild ride with Onyx the weird Arbies guy.
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