Tag Archives: Universal

The Odyssey Review


Christopher Nolan makes his visions come to life with his writing and his filmmaking. He combines both to ensure his projects are forever memorable. With over two million feet of IMAX 70 MM film, he brings us The Odyssey. After seeing Nolan speak in-person during CinemaCon 2026 at the Dolby Colosseum in Las Vegas, I am convinced he is a director that I trust with the use of IMAX cameras. Nolan ensures the movie-going experience is life-changing. Each of his movies in 70 MM format and IMAX formats have done just that…from The Dark Knight to Inception to Oppenheimer. The Odyssey is the step up to a new height of cinematic achievement that will be remembered by audiences across the entire world. Nolan’s efforts were focused on jumping into the “physicality of the real world,” with The Odyssey. The experience that this film delivers feels extremely like “the real world.”  

In Nolan’s films, his dynamics are powerful. The power that was presented in Inception makes me think of every moving part in every ratio in every moment I have seen it. The same goes for Oppenheimer. I watched both in 70 MM. For  Inception it was 70 MM IMAX, and for Oppenheimer in a normal theatrical 70 MM format. His poetic use of technology challenges audiences to think about the inner workings of  important characterizations. In The Odyssey, the patterns portrayed cinematically are enthralling. 

Before examining the plot and the film’s monumental cinematics, it is important to understand the vast cast in The Odyssey. Matt Damon is Odysseus, the Greek King of Ithaca. Tom Holland is Telemachus, the son of Odysseus. Anne Hathaway is Penelope, Odysseus’s wife and the queen of Ithaca. Robert Pattinson is Antinous,  a suitor to Penelope and the enemy. Lupita Nyong’o plays both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Zendaya is Athena, the goddess of wisdom. She is enthralled with warfare, and bound to protect Odysseus on his rough journey home. Charlize Theron is Calypso, is a nymph that comes from the island of Ogygia. Her goal is to keep Odysseus as her immortal husband. All dynamics serve a purpose—and many hold the keys to the journey home for Odysseus. Be ready for the term, “Zeus law,” to have a massive presence. It is presented in an audacious form as every effort involving dynamics and authority gravitates around “Zeus law” in The Odyssey.

As Odysseus tries to find his way home, he must navigate the voyage of the sea. During his journey, Telemachus is trying to maintain hope of his father’s return. At the same time, Ithaca remains at risk. With Antinous around, the reputation lingers. The theme of the journey is showcased with brilliance in The Odyssey. Nolan does so through the castles and the seas. 70 MM is the ideal way to feel the essence of the surreal wonders of The Odyssey. Telemachus maintains and finds information about Odysseus while both are on the voyage for answers. The moving parts required to make it home using the Greek mythological setting are written with spellbinding aesthetics. The search for home is full of inspiring adventures. The Odyssey is a world where Nolan has all the pieces and the dynamics set just right. With the voyage including mythical creatures and uncharted territory, the environmental elements faced in during this journey keep audiences thinking about persistence, authority, time, and respect. There are also plenty of amazingly written “POWERFUL GODS” in The Odyssey.

The ultimate way to embrace The Odyssey is to see it in cinemas where it is playing on film. This means seeing it in 70 MM, 70 MM IMAX, or 35 MM. The surreal scenes will fill up the screen. Nolan chose to take on this project because the story has never been adapted in a big scale production for a movie studio. Because of  the intense storyline, Nolan was inspired to study the many components and create a script that was non-linear. This is a poetic approach from a director who is determined to get things done just  right. With all the technological aspects of the film, Nolan’s world will restore audiences’ faith in The Odyssey. Nolan’s narratives, scenarios, and puzzle pieces come together in a way that ensures every event happens for a reason. Nolan paints the portraits loud and clear. The order of shifting between events and conflicts transpires wonders in The Odyssey. Similar in ways to how he directed Oppenheimer, he uses misdirection with aesthetics for purpose. Trying to understand why there are enemies, foes, and doubts may seem frustrating, but it is necessary. It is cinematically the best film of 2026. Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, and Tom Holland deliver performances that will blow audiences away. The tides are rough, and the journey is epic. The Odyssey is an unforgettable adventure from Christopher Nolan.

The power of ownership, pride, vengeance, and restoration are all dynamically portrayed in The Odyssey.  The film’s storyline and Nolan’s  writing in a “non-linear” fashion creates a warfare that is pure spectacle. The characters have vital context in this astonishing sensation. Nolan is the king of writing with context and authority in The Odyssey. This film simply must be seen in the best format because the IMAX cameras will take audiences on an incomparable ride featuring Damon’s performance as Odysseus! Four out of four stars!

Disclosure Day Review


When I think of Steven Spielberg, I think of imagination and admiration. Spielberg has delivered many films throughout the decades with plots and stories that invigorate and inspire. Deep down, however, Spielberg has a unique ability to take viewers on a journey into the unknown. Once we arrive in a different universe, our hearts are touched. From a boy finding connection with an alien creature in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to a boy wanting to go from a robot into a human in A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Spielberg delivers again in his new film, Disclosure Day. This fictional story is political, philosophical, and a grandeur of a ride that never stops seeking answers.

In Disclosure Day, finding an inevitable truth is at hand. The film begins with the slow unraveling of a conspiracy. There is an alien encounter, and it is in a universe where the answers should not go public. The film has fascinating characteristics which all serve a unique purpose.  The main characters are Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) and Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt). Both are brilliant individuals who are connected to the alien life form. The one after them who is seeking answers is Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). The conspiracy gets critical quickly. With scientific elements and various sporadic events, Disclosure Day flies high. 

The person connected to Daniel and his rough journey is Jane Blankenship (Eve Hewson). She tries to help him navigate his harsh situation where he is trying to hide the truth. Margaret is trying to hide the truth as well. Her partner is Jackson (Wyatt Russell). However, given the many strange scientific angles appearing around every corner, there is so much to contend with during Disclosure Day. The brilliance in this film is highlighted by all the barriers to protect what is sacred. The new creatures are sacred, and the world is as well. The theories that Spielberg’s movie entails combined with the scientific and political theories mix in a way that demonstrates resilience and pure imagination. It is a spellbinding adventure that will blow the minds of viewers around the world.

Throughout the film, there are so many questions. Disclosure Day has some surprises, which is why it is enticing. For example, when there is a moment of truth, Margaret finds herself speaking in other languages. There are also scenes in which characters find themselves in a mode where their senses feel something is wrong. With aliens as the focus, the question of who to trust during critical times creates wonders in Disclosure Day. It is thought-provoking gem thanks to the direction of Spielberg.

When time is of the essence, Disclosure Day captures all the perfectly timed moments. The film also captures suspense. More importantly, the story does not take its focus off Daniel and Margaret. They are soul-searchers determined to find out what is going on. With the scientific background underlying the film, these characters hold the key to the doors of many wonders in Disclosure Day. Four out of four stars for Disclosure Day.

You, Me, & Tuscany Review


A B-level rom-com that flies its way over Tuscany, Italy. It maintains a sense of a joyful adventure that finds a family vibe and keep resorting to love as the downfall. Directed by Kat Coiro, this is You, Me, & Tuscany. A setup where a woman’s life is in disarray, but she manages to find a loving family thanks to faking a situation. A joyful and silly film that somehow has proper chemistry to create a fulfilling side which feels touching.

With Coiro continuing to direct full-length films, she keeps improving her use of elements that make love feel spontaneous. That is how it is throughout all of You, Me, & Tuscany. Wonderful in moments, but also predictable. Overall, though, she is a director with a clever mind. Especially with the mix of Tuscany, Italy and bringing together a loving albeit mistaken family. 

The main character is Anna, and she is played by Halle Bailey. She finds herself on a messy adventure. She always struggles to keep her life together, yet decides to take a risk by posing as a fiancé. Later she finds herself at a Villa in Tuscany, Italy. The family loves her, and she begins to feel connected to Michael, played by Rege-Jean Page. However, Anna lies and says she is engaged to Matteo, played by Lorenzo de Moor. The family adores both, but Halle’s lies are the only things bringing her closer to this family. The truth is that she feels love for Michael, and not Matteo.

The boisterous setup allows for some positive moments to flow. There are scenes of cooking and festivities and not letting traditions down. Anna learns to confide in herself. The film’s writing is so set on Anna—she is the queen of faking things andcan sometimes find a gap in her illogical choices. The “illogical” side of You, Me, & Tuscany is average.

I found myself feeling mixed response to this film leading me to feel almost neutral throughout the experience. This is primarily because my fascination was so much in tune with the scenery around Tuscany and the culinary side. The dynamics attractedmy attention, but they were  mediocre.  The cultural side is the winning aspect of the story.

On a level of clarity, I felt the performances and appearances of Halle Bailey and Rege-Jean Page are the selling point of this film. Especially since both are A list cast members for this romantic comedy. They play the roles well, but the rest of the dynamic behind it is purely predictable, relying on vast scenery to impress its audience. I do appreciate how it portrays in its context someone coming out of their shell, but also, I feel that the backstory could have provided much more. This is a film that deserves a more dramatic, yet empathetic premise–not one based solely on a setup of deceit.  It picks itself up with everyone enjoying the company of one another. I guess no rejection is what makes this film rather attention grabbing. Overall, I remain neutral. Two out of four stars.