MattDamon – Credits Rolling

After the Trojan War, Odysseus (Matt Damon) wants nothing more than to travel home to Ithaca and back to his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and his son Thelmachus (Tom Holland). Throughout the course of his ten year voyage, Odysseus comes across many creatures that threaten his life. But with perseverance and the help of his men, he vows to never give up.

Coming off the heels of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan shocked fans when he announced that his next feature film would be an adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey. Unlike anything he had done up until that point, it was a risk that audiences all over the world would wait in bated breath for. As the days counted down and the release drew closer and closer, the film grew into being one of, if not the most anticipated of the year. While the acclaimed director is not afraid to take risks, all eyes were still on him and he delivered yet another masterpiece.

I don’t think I have ever seen a film that featured so many major name in cinema. In addition to Damon, Hathaway and Holland, there was also Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, John Leguizamo, Mia Goth, Himesh Patel, Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Lupita Nyong’o and Samantha Morton. Some of these casting choices may have been questionable at first; if a project has so many big names attached to it, the chances of it succeeding is not always a given. Although many of these actors only had limited screen time, every single one of them used what time they did have to their advantage and delivered phenomenal performances. Damon and Hathaway in particular were outstanding and I would be shocked if they didn’t receive Oscar nominations for their roles. I was also very impressed with Patel’s Eurylochus who was a true pillar for Damon’s Odysseus.

Truly a feast for the eyes, the cinematography and landscapes were elevated to a whole other level. Nolan is known for his on location shootings and this just made the story feel more real. Spanning across Morocco, Greece, Iceland and Scotland to name a few, each were expertly chosen and built upon to create some incredible sets. Combined with a masterful score from Ludwig Göransson that matched every scene and gave it a whole new meaning, every single one of my senses were heightened.

I had initially been worried that I wouldn’t understand the story and therefore not enjoy myself. One I realized what it was actually about, I was able to fully immerse myself. That being said, I did feel the run time and felt like it could have been a little bit shorter. I was also thrown off course with the use of modern American English. It was a choice I’m not sure I would have made.

The Odyssey is another Nolan epic. He took a big risk and it completely paid off. With its sprawling locations and brilliant performances, it just worked. I’m sure this will be another awards season darling and I am looking forward to seeing it all unfold.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

From the brilliant mind of Christopher Nolan comes Oppenheimer, a biopic based on the true story of the father of the atomic bomb. Starting as a student studying abroad, J. Robert decides to come back to America to share what he’s learned. We see the events that follow after, through the Manhattan project and the Trinity Test, ultimately leading up to a catastrophic conclusion.

In a complete 180 degree turnaround from Barbie, this is a film that is not to be missed on the big screen. While the three hour run time certainly threw me for a loop (and boy did I feel it), I am so glad that I didn’t give this one a miss.

Cillian Murphy dons the titular title in stride. Not only does he physically resemble Oppenheimer, he gives a masterclass in acting in this role. After working with Nolan on so many projects throughout the years, it was lovely to see him take the helm. Major props go to Robert Downey Jr., however, who portrays Lewis Strauss, Oppenheimers’ frenemy. In a career best performance, this surely won’t go unnoticed during awards season.

In fact, the film boasts a wide range of celebrity cameos including but not limited to Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, Josh Hartnett and Matthew Modine to name a few. Some had very small, but impactful roles. That being said, it would have been nice for Pugh and Blunt’s characters to be fleshed out more.

The serious tone that is carried throughout the film was encompassed with brilliant sound effects. The Trinity Test sequence, in particular, was done in such an amazing way that I was literally gripping the edge of my seat. In addition to these sound effects was an equally justifying score. It’s like there was an impending sense of doom looming over the entirety of the film that wouldn’t let up until the very end.

If I were to describe Oppenheimer in one word, it would be epic. I read another review just this morning saying that this film should obligatory viewing in schools and I have to agree. The sheer importance of this piece of history is something that is just as prominent today and should never be forgotten.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️