The Odyssey Movie Review

​This is Christopher Nolan’s best film. His Magnum Opus. It’s exceptional in every way possible. There’s no way he can top it. If he does, the attempt to catch him as one of the best ever will end. It lives up to the hype.

Have you heard of the Trojan Horse from Greek mythology? This is a big part of the story. For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, you’ll easily understand the reference after watching this movie. It was a large, hollow wooden horse given as a gift to Troy. However, it was filled with soldiers who, once the gift was accepted, could easily break free of their temporary housing and attack the city.

This story picks up after the fall of Troy. Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, and his men sail treacherous waters across the ocean on their journey back home to Ithaca. What you’re going to particularly like are their running into so many wicked creatures along the way, such as Polyphemus the Cyclops and Circe the witch-goddess played by Samantha Morton. She acts like she’s nice when she wants you over for dinner. That’ll make more sense when you watch. Prepare yourself. And there are the Sirens, who can be avoided with just the right earplugs… hard to find, wouldn’t you think? Maybe. Those are just a few challenges. Every single creature, every character, every bit of dialogue out of their mouths has yours agape.

Watching all this play out, hearing the score play louder and louder, pounding into your chest, brings scenes to a height that you can’t look away from. The Cyclops alone is worth the price of admission. The use of practical effects engages you and helps you to connect with Odysseus and what he’s going through. It’s as if it could happen today… just without cellphones for him to snap a pic for proof of what he’s going through.

Though it’s told in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks and all, “The Odyssey” is configured beautifully, so don’t fret if movies told in this manner aren’t for you. Nolan’s epic will be… for everyone. The eight-minute-shy-of-three-hour-long film will leave you wanting more because you will savor every moment and not feel the time you’re spending watching. You’re watching actors deliver their best performances. Robert Pattinson perfects the part of an infamously arrogant and jealous suitor, Antinous, wanting everyone out of his way so he can win the hand of the King’s widow… whether she wants him to or not.

He, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, who plays Odysseus’ wife Penelope, and Tom Holland, his son Telemachus, are all at the top of their game. John Leguizamo was under tons of makeup as Eumaeus, a reliable friend and servant to Odysseus. There will be many nominations and wins from these cast members and others. Their acting is so genuine that there’s not one artist you won’t freely give your attention to. You’ll be in awe.

The Odyssey is intense. The set design is legendary, screaming for you to see this as intended, only on an IMAX screen. This movie is a freight train chasing you down, one you don’t mind getting run over by. It’s shockingly powerful; it’s passionate; it’s dark and becomes deeply poignant. Everything about it is monumental. Please believe me and see it the very moment you can. You will thank me for asking you, too, as you run back in to see it a second time.

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