There are those horror movies out there from 2020 that are just floating through people’s watch lists and being talked about in small doses. And some of them get watched and some don’t. These movies get a consolation shoulder shrug and a 2.5 out of 5. Or some people trash it, deeming it as unwatchable rubbish.
That is NOT Extra Ordinary.
Extra Ordinary truly is extraordinary (not like that’ll be the first time that’s used ha!)
Literally a virgin explodes.
And it really comes out of nowhere. It happens early in the film when the pace, storyline, and nature of the movie hasn’t been fully realized. And from this point forward, there are just outrageous events that continue to surprise and draw the viewer in deeper and deeper into the movie.
During Episode 7 (Reel “Unknown”), The Bloody Reel crew reviewed Extra Ordinary more in depth than I will here, so I would suggest going to listen to that episode for all three of our opinions and critique of this movie. We pretty much gushed all over this movie…just like the ectoplasm gushed out of Martin Martin in Extra Ordinary. You’ve got to see it to really grasp the gravity of the experience there!
Extra Ordinary is a 2020 Irish Horror Comedy hidden gem.
Rose Dooley (Maeve Higgins) is a driving instructor but also has the supernatural ability to see and speak with ghosts. Also, to send them on to the afterlife. She tries to hide, and not use, her abilities in fear of accidentally murdering someone…again…Until she is called upon to use her abilities to prevent horrific outcomes from coming true.
Martin Martin (Barry Ward) is a widowed father who is haunted by his deceased spouse. He seeks Rose’s assistance to rid his life of the nagging, controlling, jealous poltergeist that is his wife. But ends up needing her for a much more pressing matter that has to do with his supposed virgin daughter. At one point in the movie the actor playing Martin Martin, Barry Ward, takes on the task of performing two characters, switching between the two of them seamlessly. This is one of the funnier aspects of Extra Ordinary.
Meanwhile, Christian Winter (performed by Will Forte so excellently), is a struggling musician, whom has made pacts with the devil for his fame. Or rather, the fame of ONE of his songs, which we are graced with in the introduction of this character with great humor. Flailing to produce more musical hits, he plots to sacrifice a virgin before the Blood Moon to regain that limelight and fame. Will Forte played this character so perfectly and with his usual outrageous hilarious comedic style.
Of course, these very colorful characters collide throughout Extra Ordinary, making for an excellent plot and story/character arc. The acting is superb through the entire movie, as is the humor. I laughed from the opening scene to the quite uncomfortable climax…during the climax.
Although a quaint horror comedy, sprinkled with a love story, Extra Ordinary is definitely not without the gore. When it happens in the movie it is sudden and really well done. So much so, that it reminds you that Extra Ordinary is not a romantic comedy. Well placed and vividly done, the bloody gore surprises you and adds to the depth and wit of the movie.
The writers of the story were able to fit in possession, demon summoning, poltergeists, virgin sacrificing, and messy AF ectoplasm all into one movie. Add all that to the humor, charm, and wittiness of the movie, and you have a very well-wrapped package of a Horror Comedy. It is obvious that the writers of Extra Ordinary were very fond of Ghostbusters and The Exorcist. And married the two to create Extra Ordinary.
I obviously loved this movie and really suggest it as an original, change of pace, comedy! Once again check out our podcast Episode 7 to hear more!
Cheers! With ectoplasm….
“Extra Ordinary”
Released: 2019
Rating: R
Director: Mike Ahern, Enda Loughman
Writer: Demian Fox
IMDB Rating: 6.4 out of 10
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% (Very nice!!)
Free Streaming as of Blog posting: Hoopla, FuboTV, Showtime, & Kanopy
Rent/Buy as of Blog posting: Prime Video, GooglePlay, Prime Video, YouTube Video ($0.99), Vudu, Redbox, AppleTV, Fandango Now ($3.99 - $4.99)
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