Releasing this weekend, The Odyssey offers a reexamination of Homer’s book adding a lot of lore to the action adventure. The story has been attempted in some older versions of the film, but they don’t hold a candle to this barn burner. Having director Christopher Nolan tell this tale should put a worldwide box-office number in the high millions just for the opening weekend. Fans of Nolan, who brought big films like Oppenheimer, The Dark Knight, and Dunkirk to the screen, should be immersed in this engrossing high energy nonstop rollercoaster ride.
Expect high energy from the set-up beginning to the cryptic finale of the powerhouse film. Stuffed with a cast of over 50 credited actors and what’s estimated as nearly 2000 extras, the film makes for a “neck-crane” to see all that is happening in many exciting scenes. It’s what most will call a brawls, battles and beasts adventure that may even make you cheer. Bring a pillow for your bum as it’s a long, nearly 3 hours, nicely crafted piece of showbiz and you don’t want to miss a minute of it.
The story is based on the Greek poet Homer’s book The Odyssey, of which usually accompanies his companion book The Iliad. In this adventure we find Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, leading the Army in the war against Troy. Having won the bloody battles, he starts to return to his home and wife Penelope back in Ithaca. Aboard the black ship are what’s remaining of his battle weary men and crew that will come to traverse a deadly sea. It’s a trip that will cause Odysseus to go off course on a ten year trek facing death, hallucinations and treachery.
With a lot of help from excellent locations, a reputable cast, and some very cool AI, Nolan puts together one of the best efforts of the summer so far. Not holding back anything, he dives right into the carnage of the battle, mysterious diabolical creatures, an ugly ferocious one eyed giant, sorcery, and a sea monster. And that’s only the beginning of this tale because what awaits Odysseus on his return to Ithaca, makes the first half only child’s play. Top performances go to Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Robert Pattinson as Antinous. Best crew is costumes and make-up.
The Odyssey has been rated R by the MPA for violence and some language. But don’t take that for gospel as the battle scenes are very bloody and fierce, even though cartoonish the cyclops likes a hardy human dinner, and think brutal when Odysseus has to face off against suitors that are hell bent on gaining the throne of Ithaca. The f-bomb gets dropped along with other offensive rant. My take is a strong 4 out of 5 Stars for fans of high non-stop action, horror and warfare.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya and Charlize Theron.
Directed and Story by: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
MPA Rating: R for violence and some language
Running Time: 2 hrs. 52 minutes
Opening Date: July 17
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Released in: IMAX, Dolby Atmos
