In 2024, Christopher “Chris” Nolan ultimately won two Oscars for “Oppenheimer” including “Best Director” and “Best Picture.” His next project is an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey.” We all know the Greek mythology story since middle school or high school. After the Trojan War ended, Odysseus goes on a journey to return home to see his wife and kid. The Greek hero encounters obstacles in his way. Matt Damon was officially casted as the main protagonist. Meanwhile, an all-star cast including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson & Charlize Theron signed on.
Prior to its release, The Odyssey generated controversy such as Lupita Nyong’o playing Helen of Troy, Elliot Page rumored to play Achilles, lack of Greek accents and historical inaccuracies. Elon Musk went on a series of tweets claiming Christopher Nolan lost his integrity. The film’s officially out. It received universal acclaim from critics and movie goers alike.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I know it’s strange an epic poem’s 3000 years old, but I’m giving you fellas a chance to see it.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Matt Damon did a fantastic job for his performance as Odysseus.
An Ensemble Cast featuring Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, John Leguizamo, Mia Goth, Elliot Page & Samantha Morton all did a splendid job for their respective performances.
Christopher “Chris” Nolan did an amazing job directing his 13th film. He wrote the script and served as a co-producer along with his wife, Emma Thomas.
Action Sequences are pretty good. Makes me wanna replay “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey.”
Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther, Oppenheimer, Sinners) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects were heavily staged to create creatures. Most notably, the Cyclops,
Cinematography’s shot entirely on IMAX 70mm the way Chris intended it to filmed on a gigantic screen. A darn shame I never got to see it on IMAX. I only saw it on normal format,
Pacing for a 173-minute epic felt normal. I’m used to watching long movies. When I was a kid, I watched “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy” when each one came out, my eyes were glued to the screen. I even watched the Extended Editions one film per day. What’s my secret to watching long flicks? I always bingewatch a 3-4 hours of a TV show. Plus, I play a video game 3-4 hours a day.
Like his other work, Chris’ interpretation is told in a non-linear structure. In other words, out of order.
Chris mentioned the film’s influenced by Ray Harryhausen’s work including “Jason and the Argonauts” & “Clash of the Titans.” Chris also mentioned non-Greek mythology works like Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran,” Guillermo Del Toro’s creature features and Andrei Tarkovsky’s epic biographical Russian drama, “Andrei Rublev.”
Two crucial scenes go on the horror route.
An emotional payoff’s worth the wait. It’s gonna make you cry.
Fun Facts
- This isn’t the last film we get to see Tom Holland, Zendaya & Jon Bernthal. They’re gonna be in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
- Tom & Zendaya are officially a married couple. That’s right, Peter Parker & Michelle Jones are a thing in real life.
- This is the first film to be shot entirely on IMAX. A huge milestone.
- Travis Scott has a small role as a bard. He even wrote an original song, “When I’m Home.” It’s played during the End Credits. Travis also wrote “The Plan” for “Tenet.” I’m relived Chris didn’t hire Cardi B. She’s a national embarrassment. She has no indoor voice, has bad manners, eats with her mouth open and farts in public.
- Matt confirmed his portrayal as Odysseus is the hardest part of his career. He even grew a full beard.
Rather than sharing Random Thoughts, I’m defending Mr. Nolan’s casting choices and artistic vision. Here’s why.
- I don’t have a problem with casting a black woman as Helen of Troy. In 1950, Orson Welles directed a stage play titled, “Time Runs” with Eartha Kitt as Helen. In 1996, a black actress played Helen in Sam Raimi’s TV series “Xena: Warrior Princess.” Elon Musk & Matt “I Hate Anime” Walsh are f**kin’ idiots. Because they didn’t fact check what already exists prior to the “controversial casting.” Misinformation & Defamation is an ongoing epidemic.
- Elliot Page didn’t portray Achilles. He actually has a small role playing Odysseus’ cousin, Sinon.
- You think the cast doesn’t speak with a Greek accent? Well, Kevin Sorbo spoke with an American accent as Hercules. Shame, Kevin agrees with Elon who claims Chris is desecrating Greek culture. Kevin & Elon are both in their own world. Meaning, Tate Donovan (Disney’s Hercules) is much nicer than Kevin. The latter’s a jackass.
- Most Greek mythology adaptations aren’t 100% accurate.
- Words like dad and daddy have already been said in Disney’s Hercules.
Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Mr. Nolan and his crew and Extra Point for making a flawless fantasy adventure epic as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Christopher Nolan has made yet another modern classic. At first, I thought it was gonna be a complete disaster like Rachel Zegler’s Snow White all over again. Thank goodness this wasn’t a misandrist fest. As of 2026, I think The Odyssey is my favorite of the year. Still got more upcoming films on the horizon. Chris is open to direct a horror film. That would be awesome,
2026 had some stinkers like “Scream 7,” WB’s “The Mummy,” an unnecessary live-action remake of “Moana,” a sixth entry in the “Scary Movie” series and “Supergirl.” “The Mandalorian and Grogu” was a commercial flop as well as a huge disappointment. I pity people who paid their hard earned cash.
Despite a few drawbacks, “Backrooms” made a lot of money. Michael Jackson’s biopic isn’t terrible yet managed to make a $1 billion. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” did critically well regardless of underperforming at the box office. Project Hail Mary’s a movie of the year contender. We’re eating it good. I’m gonna predict Spider-Man: Brand New Day, “Avengers: Doomsday” & “Digger” will do justice. Ignore the haters, I strongly recommend The Odyssey. Elon Musk, his followers, Matt Walsh & Kevin Sorbo can suck it!
Nickthemoviecritic.com 