Extra Ordinary will get comparisons to Ghostbusters and other comedy-over-horror type films. The film has its own unique sense of humor though and deserves to stand on its own. It is consistently funny, occasionally gross and all-around a pleasing romp.
Comedian Maeve Higgins stars as Rose Dooley, a woman who has abandoned her psychic powers and is now a driving instructor in a small town. Her famous spiritualist father Vincent (Risteard Cooper) past away and Rose blames herself. Yet people still call her up on the regular, asking for her help with ghosts. Rose is lonely and single and stuck in rut.
This all changed when her new student Martin (Barry Ward) turns out to be seeking her services. His dead wife is causing all kinds of problems for him and his teenage daughter Sarah (Emma Coleman). She meddles in their business and tries to control Martin. Rose is reluctant to help initially but is also attracted to Martin. She agrees to help when Sarah is found levitating above her bed. Sarah has been targeted by a one-hit-wonder musician named Christian Winter (Will Forte) who is performing a sacrifice to the Dark Lord in order to get his success back. Christian's wife Claudia (Claudia O'Doherty) keeps interrupting his incantations and threatens to derail the ritual.
One of the strengths of Extra Ordinary is where the humor comes from. There are a few effects based gags but for the most part, the comedy is character-based and relies on the talents of the cast. The actors seem to have been allowed a bit of improvisation and it makes for a consistently fun time. Forte is particularly hilarious getting to play up the vain ludicrousness of his character. Ward is likable and charming, everything his character needs to be. Higgins shines and carries the film along with a dry wit.
Extra Ordinary is also well-made. Clever shots abound and the pacing is brisk. Horror-comedies can be a mixed bunch so it is worth celebrating this film. I am sure it will find a strong following as it is quirky enough to feel like its own thing even if we have seen elements of it before.
4/5
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