Noah G

Where to begin… Visually stunning, loud and immersive. That’s what sticks out immediately. It was extremely enjoyable.  The first 20 minutes were rough for me, because of the cast. While there’s no denying that Tom Holland delivers his best performance yet, his acting skills were still jarring at the start, but he really settles into the role by the end. Zendaya doesn’t have much to work with, but is alright. Matt Damon was quite good. Anne Hathaway could have benefited from a better script. Penelope in this movie was unrealistic at the start, breaking down irrationally, unlike the original Penelope who was an absolute legend. Then we get to Robert Patterson, who was extremely impressive. He made me hate his character, and really helped immerse me into the world.  The story itself was always going to be shaky as not everything from the poem could feasibly make it into the film. But I was genuinely impressed. Nolan’s blend of storylines for example placing elements of the lotus eaters elsewhere actually succeeds. Im disappointed that the “nobody” scene was removed, but I suppose it could have been cringe. I do wish Nolan put another moment in the film that could show us how cunning Odysseus is that could have stood in place with the “nobody” scene.  I actually loved how Nolan reframed the Trojan horse as the catalyst of the film, represented as Odysseus’ big mistake. I’ve heard many complain about this, but honestly even though this goes against the original story it’s actually quite compelling.  I also liked his representation of Circe - breaking away from the stereotypical witch and instead portraying her as someone genuinely fearing her life as her reason to turn the men into pigs and then ultimately redeeming herself when she realises she was wrong.  Also the third act is genuinely masterclass. Chefs kiss. The ambiguity of Athena, whether she was a figment of his imagination from the girl that lost her life, or whether she was Athena posing as a human to show Zeus’ law being broken is amazing.  Ultimately, this film is really good. If I were to rate it based on how Nolan executed the themes of the Odyssey poem I would give it a 4/10. But honestly that’s harsh, and I think that’s where most critics are wrong about this film. It’s not trying to be the poem, instead it’s an adaption that reframes motives and themes, to speak to a modern audience. Where the original celebrates the Trojan horse and the victory of the war, Nolan highlights a stark realistic version of war and trickery and its consequences. So for this reason I give this film an 8.5/10. Sir Nolan’s done it again. Hats off to you.

Og Zach king. Absolute cinema.

Big step up from Toy Story 4 and filled with moments that feel like og Toy Story. At the end of the day the movie was unnecessary but more enjoyable than anticipated. Watched with 40 kids for work