THE ODYSSEY (2026)

July 16, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. What makes a movie “epic”? Most cinephiles would agree the list of epic movies includes LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962), GONE WITH THE WIND (1939), BEN-HUR (1959), and APOCALYPSE NOW (1979). Of course, arguments can be made for many other films, and it really comes down to how you define ‘epic’ and how you perceive a specific film. Regardless of your definition or perception, there is no doubt that this latest from Oscar winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan is an epic film and an epic movie-watching experience. Yes, it’s the first film to be filmed entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras, and it’s based on the Homer’s “Odyssey”, itself a piece of epic Greek literature … but it also is a piece of filmmaking unlike anything we’ve previously seen.

Oscar winner Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, and the story is centered on his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. This includes a breathtaking Trojan Horse sequence, told with a twist from tradition. My favorite sequence (and that’s really saying something) involves the Cyclops and his flock of sheep inside the Master Cave in Greece. It’s truly staggering film work that would itself win every technical Oscar in most years. However, Nolan offers us so much more here – action-packed battle scenes, torturous boat journeys at sea, other creatures that must be seen (Scylla who snatches men from the deck of a ship), and the unheard (by us) song of the Sirens known to seize men. Another terrific sequence involves a fabulous Samantha Morton as Circe the witch, who has a special way of treating strangers.

Oscar winner Anne Hathaway plays Queen Penelope, wife to Odysseus and mother to their son Telemachus, played by (Spider-Man) Tom Holland. The two have a twenty year wait to see if Odysseus lives and if he will return to them in Ithaca. Penelope is left to manage the power struggles for her hand in marriage and for the kingdom, with a key figure being the slimy Antinous (Robert Pattinson). Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o plays the stunning Helen of Troy, as well as her twin sister in a dual role, and it’s Zendaya who shows up periodically for Odysseus as the goddess Athena. In a substantial role, we find Oscar winner Charlize Theron as Calypso, spending years on her island with the wayward and lost Odysseus. Nolan’s cast is massive and talented and includes John Leguizano in a key role, as well as Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, Elliot Page as Sinon, and Himesh Patel as Eurylochus … plus many others you’ll recognize.

Nolan reteams with Oscar winning cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema to provide a truly amazing visual experience, filming in at least six countries to help us visualize Antiquity and Odysseus’ journey across the Mediterranean Sea: Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Scotland, and Malta. Three-time Oscar winner Ludwig Goransson delivers a unique and powerful score, with a blend of electronics and even some jazz. Nolan has credited Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of Homer’s “Odyssey” for the modern language take, and though “Zeus’s Law” is referenced a few times, it can easily be described as human decency. The modern-day messages shine through – false gods, lust for power, and treating others poorly are mistakes humans have made over and over … and these messages couldn’t be more relevant than right now. The film reportedly had a $250 million budget, and as amazing as the film is, there will surely be those who complain that it moves too slowly or the film is too dark. I would only say that watching the film is like having a book unfold in front of you. I would certainly recommend if you are planning to see the film, head to an IMAX theater or at least the biggest screen nearby.

Opens in theaters on July 17, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

CHALLENGERS (2024)

April 25, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Luca Guadagnino continues to prove that he excels at making gorgeous-looking movies featuring gorgeous-looking actors. Previous proof includes SUSPIRIA (2018), CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (2017), A BIGGER SPLASH (2015), and now this latest, with a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. If you are looking for a film that oozes flashy style and sex appeal, you’ve chosen the right movie. You can even pretend it’s a tennis movie, though you’re not likely to fool anyone.

Zendaya (DUNE: PART 2, 2024, DUNE, 2021, “Euphoria”) stars as Tashi, a rising young tennis protégé when we meet her in flashback. Doubles partners and best friends, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist, WEST SIDE STORY, 2021) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor, EMMA., 2020) are immediately smitten by Tashi’s stunning looks and equally stunning tennis talent. She toys with the boys as they strive for her attention … leading to a hilarious and surprisingly escalated encounter in a hotel room. It’s the first, but not the last time a sexual encounter plays a part with these three. It’s likely the Intimacy Coordinator was on set most every day of shooting.

As best I can tell, the story covers about a 13-year period from juniors to the professional level, although the tennis balls bounce on the court less frequently than the time period bounces around as the stories unfold. And actually, the tennis serves as a means to an end. The real drama and competition comes from the relationships: Art and Patrick, Patrick and Tashi, Tashi and Art, and Tashi and Art and Patrick. Yes, tennis is an integral part of this since it forged the bonds – heck, it’s sometimes difficult to discern tennis talk from pillow talk – yet it’s the personal dramas that make the film what it is.

All three leads are excellent, yet somehow Zendaya’s performance stands out … even beyond Josh O’Connor who delivers his best performance to date. Her lithe physique passes for a tennis player despite the lack of muscle tone that would accompany an athlete, yet her movements work. The players move on the court and make the strokes, while CGI handles the ball movements at an accelerated pace (reminding us this isn’t really a movie about tennis). Initially, the club dance beat of the score from Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross seems an odd choice, yet it becomes the perfect fit as things progress. Guadagnino re-teams with cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom to create some fantastic and creative shots, even making the tennis exciting. Editor Marco Costa deserves a shoutout as well.

With Hollywood’s overdose of caution these days when it comes to sexuality, the energy here feels a bit naughty at times. The shifting power dynamics of this trio reminds of the “Seinfeld” episode where characters discuss having “hand” in a relationship. Of course, Guadagnino takes this one much farther, although it’s every bit as entertaining. And that’s the best way to think of this – a big ol’ movie that lets us enjoy and even laugh a bit. It’s a wild ride and it’s gorgeous.

Opens in theaters on April 26, 2024

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Posted by David Ferguson

DUNE (2021)

October 21, 2021

Greetings again from the darkness. It’s been nearly 40 years since David Lynch directed DUNE (1984). The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Sound, and has since been a cult favorite, though not one I’m particularly drawn to. All these years later, Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel (there are 5 sequel novels) has been re-made by acclaimed writer-director Denis Villeneuve (ARRIVAL, 2016) and his co-writers Eric Roth (Oscar winner, FORREST GUMP, 1994) and Joe Spaihts (PROMETHEUS, 2012). The new version looks absolutely fantastic, even if the story is a bit convoluted and the characters don’t always make the best, or even logical, decisions.

The year is 10191, likely the most futuristic movie we’ve seen. Oscar Isaac is Duke Letto Atreides and Rebecca Ferguson is Lady Jessica Atreides, though the story mostly focuses on the son, Paul, played by Timothy Chalamet. The story revolves around the protection of spice, the most valuable resource in the universe/galaxy. However the real focus is on politics and power plays … so I guess not much really changes over the next 8170 years – except, of course, the colonization and travel between multiple planets (surprisingly, none of these planets is named Elon or Bezos). There is much talk of “the plan” with emphasis on whether young Paul is “the one” mentioned in their legends. Paul does have some special abilities, but Chalamet’s understated (and mostly monotone) portrayal makes everyone, even Lady Jessica, a bit unsure of whether he’s the leader they need.

The supporting cast is impressive and all do their part to drive the action and story forward. Jason Mamoa is Duncan Idaho, the warrior who humorously belittles Paul’s fragile physical frame. Josh Brolin is Gurney Halleck, the bodyguard to the noble family, and Charlotte Rampling plays the Reverend Mother (a creepy nun). Oscar winner Javier Bardem is under-utilized as Stilgar, while Zendaya shines as Chani, one who bonds with Paul. Of course the most outrageous role finds Stellan Skarsgard (with some heavy make-up and special effects) as the grand emperor of Harkonnen, with Dave Bautista as his brother, the Beast.

For me, the movie’s technical aspects are what stand out. It deserves awards consideration in multiple categories, especially Sound, Visual Effects, Cinematography, and Score. Oscar winner Hans Zimmer really delivers a score that compliments and enhances what we see on screen. Cinematographer Greig Fraser has been involved in numerous high profile projects, like ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (2016) and the highly anticipated THE BATMAN (coming in 2022).  The effects are special and include the sandworms, as well as dragonfly choppers that are quite impressive. It was a bit annoying to see the desert sand blowing constantly, yet goggles and masks are hardly ever used. I guess these faces are too expensive to cover up!

Familiarity abounds as some bits recall MAD MAX, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, STAR WARS, and THE MATRIX. Director Villeneuve shot the film in Norway and Jordan, and to answer the question from fans of the original … no, Sting does not make a cameo appearance. The film looks stunning and will likely satisfy the target audience. Whether it’s enough to expand the audience is something we will know soon enough. The film ends with “This is only the beginning”, and Mr. Villeneuve has Dune Part Two in the planning stages.

The film will be released October 22, 2021 in theaters, on IMAX, and streaming on HBO Max

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Posted by David Ferguson