Hilarious AND Good for the Soul
Celia | Los Angeles, CA USA | 08/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this film in an advanced screening and was extremely impressed. It has a unique tone, successfully blending its wacky humor and nerdy references with some surprisingly stimulating religious commentary. From the opening scene, we're seduced by Tim Curry's velvety-voiced Lucifer who tells the story of perpetual slacker, Lou, and his mysterious destiny. As the narrative unfolds, what is so fresh and original about this film is the on slot of quirky gags and eccentric supporting characters, all products of the extreme reverence and appreciation for movie geekdom that this film exudes. The film also successfully rides the difficult line of poking fun at religious traditions while never feeling mean-spirited. Instead it teeters between cynical and genuinely sweet in its existential wanderings, while still managing to throw in some soccer-playing ninjas and robots, a hilarious peek into the complex chain of Beelzebub's inner spy network, and a random imaginary mech. What?! Yeah...you need to check this movie out."
Delightful animated feature with great voice acting
J. Renaud | New York, NY | 08/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I picked this DVD up at Comic-Con, because I saw that Chris Sarandon was in it, and I've always been a fan of his. I had no idea what awaited me when I popped it into the DVD player, but I loved it! "The Chosen One" is a quirky, delightful animated feature with a relaxed, offbeat sense of humor that compliments its sincerity.
The plot- involving the adventures of a dweeby everyguy named Lou who discovers his superpowers, and encounters temptation in the form of Lucifer (Tim Curry)- is familiar, but it's not bland or formulaic. The everyguy hero is a doofus, but he's smart; his sidekicks are endearing, and the story- which includes a diverse band of hired killers, a cult called "The Church of Frank," and a divine hill in Kansas- takes a number of unexpected twists and turns. The voice acting is especially fine. Tim Curry makes a terrific Lucifer, both dapper and ominous, and Chris Sarandon is hilarious- and nearly unrecognizable- in the role of Zebulon Kirk, Lou's ancient roommate. As for the animation, I loved the character designs- I found them adorable- and the whole look of the movie was refreshingly non-CGI'ed. "The Chosen One" manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it!"
Tim Curry Plays The Devil in His Underpants - What More Can
R. Pritchett | Los Angeles, CA | 07/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Chosen One is ridiculous amounts of fun to watch. Right off the bat you get Tim Curry as a golden-haired, snappily-dressed Lucifer, introducing the characters and story, centering around Lou (perfectly played by Chad Fifer), who is having the roughest day imaginable - fired, dumped by his girlfriend (Laura Prepon of That 70s Show fame), kicked out of the apartment he shares with his old man room-mate (Chris Sarandon of Princess Bride and Nightmare Before Christmas wonderful-ness)...and lots more stuff you can only achieve with animation unless you have millions of dollars to spend on effects and bears. Chris Lackey - director and lead animator does an awesome and hilarious job with what he has been quoted as calling his 'crappy animation'.
My family watched it together and everyone from the 7 year old, through the cynical teenagers, to my 84 year old Catholic grandmother, completely loved it. The satire on organized religion (Lou is declared The Chosen One by The Church of Frank, who send him to Kansas to meet God - and all the major religions are dispatched to stop him - Lance Henriksen of Aliens is a particular favorite as a Cardinal) is gentle but thought-provoking.
Highly recommended!"