The Odyssey 2026

If Dunkirk (2017) wore Greek mythology as its armor, this would be the result. Everything feels real and tangible, like it was filmed in an old era where there was no digital enhancement. Everything feels grounded. It feels like Dunkirk's war struggle viewed through a fantasy lens. This is exactly how Percy Jackson & The Olympians should look and feel on the big screen. The technical presentation is phenomenal. The sound design is immersive enough that I could genuinely feel and hear the rain, thunder, and crashing waves. Hoyte van Hoytema still delivers. The shipwreck storm sequence is freaking terrifying and claustrophobic. It also reminded me of the sense of fear in Wrath of the Titans. The entire cinema was shaking during the biggest moments, making the IMAX experience even more overwhelming. The score is also fantastic, elevating both the spectacle and the emotional moments. I also appreciate the use of practical effects in the Circe sequence. It may feel like an old and outdated filmmaking technique, but it gives the scene a tangible, eerie quality that CGI would have struggled to replicate. It creates a unique horror texture that makes the sequence feel more unsettling Speaking of horror, I was actually surprised that the Cyclops sequence was quite long. I honestly thought it would just be a short set piece and that the giant animatronics were nothing more than a trailer gimmick. Instead, it became one of the film's standout moments (and a domino effect in the story). Also one of my favorite moments is when Odysseus is asked what the Siren's song was about. His answer is so deep. To me, it is the best line in the movie because it suggests that the Sirens do not simply sing about what you already desire, but also awaken wishes you never even knew you wanted. The script there dig too hard. Robert Pattinson's performance reminded me of his annoying intensity in Good Time (2017), and Anne Hathaway is wonderful here. The pacing is a slow burn similar to Oppenheimer, but the build up is nice and the foreshadowing pays off real hard! The first and second acts were sitting at around a 4 star experience for me, but the third act completely erased all my doubts and elevated the film to a full 5 stars. I watched a version of this during our high school World Literature class, and I remember always feeling bitin every time the class ended because we only watched an hour per day. Finally seeing the whole story on this scale feels incredibly rewarding. The film is not just about Odysseus' physical journey home, but about his emotional journey, his growth as a leader, and his healing after everything he has endured. He also feels much more human here, making his struggles easier to connect with. Overall, this is an epic IMAX experience.