The Chosen One

Description: Writer/director Chris Lackey's zany religious adventure flick The Chosen One -- which should find its way into your home entertainment system via Indican Pictures -- is of the same quirky cinematic stock as the madness you're likely to hiding out on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim at all hours of the night. Combining charming albeit low-budget animation techniques with sharply-written dialogue and solid voice acting, Lackey skillfully spins the decidedly wacky tale of Lou Hanske, who, after being mauled by an escaped circus animal, bears the mark of the chosen one. Destined to fulfill a prophecy foretold by a cheesy paperback romance novelist, Lou, accompanied by his nerdy best friend and his geriatric roommate, sets out for the great state of Kansas, where he must converse with God and deliver an important message to the rest of the world. To say more, of course, could possibly ruin several of the delicious surprises Lackey has in store for his prospective viewers. However, I will disclose that said adventure does involve giant moles, shape-shifting ninjas, and an array of snarky religious satire. Naturally, if you spend most of your free time thumping bibles, chances are the film's off-beat sense of humor will be lost on you. The Chosen One, in other words, is not for everyone, though its light-hearted humor and enormous heart should win over anyone looking for an animated feature that doesn't insult your intelligence. Smart, clever, and well worth your time.