THE ODYSSEY : Tuesday 21st July 2026.

I saw the M Rated 'THE ODYSSEY' in an almost full house at a 70mm screening at my local independent movie theatre this week. This epic fantasy action film is Written, Produced and Directed by Christopher Nolan, who I'm sure requires no introduction, suffice to say his prior screen credits include his 1998 feature debut with 'Following' which he would follow up with the likes of 'Memento' in 2000, the Batman 'Dark Knight' trilogy from 2005 until 2012, 'Inception' in 2010, 'Interstellar' in 2014, 'Dunkirk' in 2017, 'Tenet' in 2020 and 'Oppenheimer' in 2023. This film is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem the 'Odyssey', that together with his 'Illiad' are regarded as the foundational works of ancient Greek literature. With a production budget estimated to be in the region of US$250M, the film is among the most costly of Nolan's career, and the first to be shot entirely on IMAX's 70mm film cameras. The film saw its World Premiere screening in London earlier this month, went on worldwide release last week, has so far grossed US$346M at the global Box Office and has garnered universal critical acclaim.

Ithaca has for many years been without its King Odysseus (Matt Damon), who disappeared following the Trojan War with seemingly no one aware of his whereabouts or if he even still lives. Many suitors, including nobleman Antinous (Robert Pattinson), actively court Odysseus's wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) to claim the throne from Odysseus and Penelope's son Telemachus (Tom Holland). Only Penelope, Telemachus, and half-blind and faithful servant Eumaeus (John Leguizamo) still believe Odysseus will return some day. 

Telemachus plans to travel with his teacher and bodyguard, Odysseus's friend Mentor (Ryan Hurst), to meet with Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), the King of Sparta, in an attempt to learn of his father's location. Antinous learns this from his lover, Penelope's handmaid Melantho (Mia Goth). He conspires with other suitors to kill Telemachus upon his return and plunder Ithaca. Menelaus and his wife Helen (Lupita Nyong'o) speak uncertainly about Odysseus's fate and can only offer Telemachus stories about him. Rumours are rife that the Greek civilisation is in decline due to attacks by murderous 'people from the sea' who do not abide by Zeus's law, by showing mutual respect between guests and hosts.

After leaving Ithaca, Odysseus and his small flotilla of Greeks land on the shores of Troy, plotting to breach its walls. After ten years, Odysseus devises a plan to hide inside a large wooden horse to sneak into Troy, with Sinon (Elliot Page) left behind to present the horse as a gift. Sinon is killed, but the deception succeeds. Under cover of darkness, the Greeks open the gates for Menelaus's older brother, Agamemnon (Benny Safdie), to attack Troy without mercy and retrieve Helen. Agamemnon and Menelaus return home early, while Odysseus's army, including second-in-command Eurylochus (Himesh Patel), follow a slower route. 

When searching an island for supplies, they follow a herd of sheep and become trapped in a cave by a Cyclops , who feasts upon several of the soldiers over the following days. Eventually, they blind  Cyclops Polyphemus (Bill Irwin) and escape, only to hear him cry out to his father Poseidon. Odysseus's crew deduces that the Cyclops is a son of Poseidon, and attribute the rough sea conditions they endure as a curse. They then land on Aeaea, where giant armour clad Laestrygonians kill most of their crew. The survivors mutiny, leaving Odysseus with their ship as they seek food with the witch Circe (Samantha Morton), who turns them into pigs. After killing a deer transformed from a man, Odysseus persuades her to change his men back. Circe warns Odysseus that to reach Ithaca, he must cross Oceanus into Hades.

Arriving in the blackened landscape of Hades, Odysseus meets the shade of Tiresias (James Remar), who predicts that, by divine will of the Gods, only Odysseus will return home, but Odysseus defies this. Odysseus also encounters Sinon's shade, who rebukes Odysseus for using him as a pawn, and reveals Antinous's treachery, as he was manipulated into taking Antinous's place in the Greek army. Lastly, Agamemnon's shade reveals that his wife Clytemnestra (Lupita Nyong'o) murdered him upon his return, as revenge for sacrificing their young daughter to Artemis for calm seas. The ghosts of Odysseus's fallen army then chase the survivors from Hades. Following Tiresias's guidance, Odysseus, Eurylochus, and various crewmen survive encounters with Charybdis, Scylla, and the Sirens. 

On Thrinacia, Odysseus warns his men not to kill the cattle of the Sun God, as Tiresias foretold Odysseus's men would die from doing so. Despite this, the starving men eventually slaughter a cow and feast on it late at night. When they try to escape the island, Poseidon's storms sink the ship, killing all but Odysseus. He washes ashore on Ogygia, where the nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron), infatuated with him, drugs him with amnesia-inducing lotus flowers.

Some seven years later, Calypso feels pity for Odysseus's longing for his family, and aids him in remembering his past life and exploits. She then advises Odysseus to construct a makeshift raft and give himself over to the sea, facing Poseidon's punishment. He miraculously washes ashore in Ithaca, and learns from Eumaeus that suitors sent mercenaries posing as priests to assassinate Telemachus and Mentor at a temple. Mentor dies, but Odysseus rescues Telemachus and kills the assassins, calling himself 'Sinon'. Telemachus guides Odysseus to the palace. After Odysseus's old dog Argos recognises him, Argos peacefully dies, and Telemachus recognises Odysseus as his father. 

During a tense feast, Odysseus shows Antinous he knows Antinous betrayed Sinon. Antinous thrashes Odysseus before Penelope intervenes. After the meal, still disguised, he confesses to Penelope his guilt for violating Zeus's law, killing innocent Trojans, and desecrating Athena's statue after killing her priestess. Athena (Zendaya) had assumed the priestess's form to punish him in visions. He further reveals that the rumoured attackers from the sea were in fact the Greeks themselves, and begs Penelope's forgiveness. Penelope announces her readiness to remarry and instructs the suitors to come to the palace the following night.

The next evening with the suitors all gathered in the palace, Penelope declares she will marry whoever can string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through a row of axe heads. The suitors all fail, only for Odysseus to meet the challenge, and so revealing his identity. The hall erupts in to a closely fought battle, with Odysseus slaying the challenging suitors. Melanthius (Logan Marshall-Green), Melantho's brother, attempts to arm the men through a hole in the ceiling, only for Telemachus to confront and kill him. As the remaining suitors surrender, Odysseus kills Antinous. Odysseus relinquishes his throne to Telemachus and leaves Ithaca with Penelope to seek peace in exile, sailing west to honour his dead soldiers. The pair expect civilisation's renewal, and surmise that time will forget Odysseus's errors of judgement.

Whatever your opinion is of 'The Odyssey' you can rely on Christopher Nolan to give the script, the production values, the cast, the cinematography and the technical wizardry his all to deliver the audience another epic tale writ large in every respect. Nolan deftly brings Homer's 3,000 year old Greek poem to life in all its mythological, gritty, emotional and breathtaking storytelling, that together adds up to a film that is greater than the sum of its parts, even if he has had to take some poetic license to commit this story to film. The cast are all on point, with particular nods to Damon, Hathaway, Holland and Pattinson. My only gripe is that the American accents grate just a little, and some of the language used is too 20th/21st Century to be relatable. That said, this film needs to be seen on the biggest screen possible, and this epic story is a must see even if it's the only movie you see at the Odeon this year - you won't be disappointed, and even at its run time of just shy of three hours you're sure to be engrossed for the duration. See if you spot the nod to a classic late 1960's film.

'The Odyssey' merits four claps of the Odeon Online clapperboard from a possible five claps. 

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 23rd July 2026

The 10th Cinema Rediscovered Film Festival takes place this year at venues in and around Bristol, in South West England, and is proudly the UNESCO City of Film from Wednesday 22nd through until Sunday 26th July. With 70+ events including screenings of newly restored films (incl. seventeen UK Premieres), rediscoveries and film-on-film rarities plus projection tours, cinema walks, improv workshops, a FREE interactive BFI National Archive exhibition and lots more. The 10th edition is made possible thanks to the support of the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, and principal sponsors Park Circus (global film distributor) and STUDIOCANAL (Europe’s leading film and television studio, with worldwide production and distribution capabilities) . . . . . so reads the official website.

This years film strands include :

* 50 Years of Aardman - in Aardman’s 50th anniversary year, Cinema Rediscovered presents a trio of events celebrating the world-famous Bristol-based animation studio with special guests Aardman co-founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton. Expect a deep dive into the playfully mischievous world of 'Morph', one of the first characters created by the studio who went on to entertain generations with his slapstick antics, and get insights into the creation of visionary musician Peter Gabriel’s iconic 1986 'Sledgehammer' music video featuring innovative stop-motion animation by Aardman and the Brothers Quay. Finally, there is the 40th anniversary screening of Channel 4’s 1986 cult animated shorts programme 'Sweet Disaster' showcasing five animated short films that explored Cold War anxieties through 'animated visions of the apocalypse'. Those five short films are : 'Babylon', 'Dreamless Sleep', 'Paradise Regained', 'Conversations by a Californian Swimming Pool' and 'Death of a Speechwriter'.

* Comics Come Alive - over the past few decades, the mainstream cinema has been dominated by America’s DC and Marvel Comics movie franchises. This strand brings together a selection of live-action film adaptations from a range of alternative comic-book sources - some may be familiar and hopefully some will surprise. Those included within this section are : 'Danger : Diabolik' from Italy and Directed in 1968 by Mario Bava and based on Milanese sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani’s iconic popular 1960's comic, 'Danger : Diabolik' is a stylish cult classic riffing off the Bond phenomenon, now newly restored. Then there is 'Josie & The Pussycats', 'Ghost World', 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World', 'Oldboy', 'American Splendor', and 'Modesty Blaise'.

* Reframing Film - invites you to delve deeper into the programme, experience film on film and join in conversations with creatives involved in film programming, projecting, archiving and more. Those films included here are 'Corridors of Freedom' (1987 from South Africa), 'The Movie Orgy' (1968 from the USA and Directed by Joe Dante and remastered), 'Marry the Girl' (1935 from the UK) and 'Sporting Love' (1936 from the UK), 'The Jackal of Nahueltoro' (1969 from Chile), 'Exorcist II : The Heretic' (1977 from the USA and Directed by John Boorman), 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed' (1926 from Germany), and 'Whistle Down the Wind' (1961 from the UK and Directed by Bryan Forbes).

* Restored and Rediscovered - bringing together a selection of the latest new restorations and rediscoveries presented on the big screen, many premiering at the festival and many with special guests. Those titles included here are : 'Nostalgia', 'The Unfaithful Wife', 'My Brother's Wedding', 'African Jim', 'The Sacrifice', 'The Party - Nature Morte', 'Dead Mountaineer's Hotel', 'Leaving Las Vegas', 'In Which Annie Gives it Those Ones', 'Days and Nights in the Forest', 'The Butcher', 'Accident', 'Mirage', 'The Widow', 'Pastor Hall', 'The System', 'Nadja', 'Obsession', 'Queen Kelly', 'La Paga', 'The Arch', 'Trees Lounge', 'Billy Liar' and 'In The Soup'. Many of these titles have their UK Premiere screening. 

* Rogue Hollywood - bleak, unsettling but endlessly rewarding, these films are testament to a period when some in the Hollywood mainstream went very rogue and provide a fascinating snapshot of America which resonates today. Those films in this strand are : 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar', 'Hardcore', 'Mikey & Nicky', 'Taxi Driver', 'Cruising' and 'Hustle'. 

* Vive Le Cinema - celebrate that place where we come together to share the emotional thrills and magic that only film can deliver. These four films have at their heart The Cinema: the essential space where film comes alive : 'Goodbye : Dragon Inn', 'Les Sieges de l'Alcazar', 'Closed Circuit' and 'Matinee'. 

For the summaries of all the aforementioned films being showcased, plus a whole heap of other good stuff, you can visit the official website at : http://www.watershed.co.uk/cinema-rediscovered

Turning the focus back to this weeks four new cinematic offerings coming to your neighbourhood big screen Odeon, we launch with a political satire in which a young Russian filmmaker becomes an unlikely advisor to Vladimir Putin as he rises to power in post-Soviet Russia, navigating the new era's complexities and chaos. Then we turn to an Aussie horror set in the scorching summer of 1986, three best friends' celebration at a beach house turns into a blood-soaked fight for survival. Next up we have a French period drama where four cousins who inherit a house in rural Normandy, retrace the steps of their ancestors in 19th-Century Paris; and closing out the week we have a New Zealand doco about a charismatic Samoan opera star who sang his way from humble origins in Samoa onto the world's greatest opera stages.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the four latest release new films as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the week ahead.

'THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN' (Rated MA15+) - this English language French political satire film is Co-Written and Directed by Olivier Assayas, and is based on the 2022 novel of the same name by Giuliano da Empoli. Assayas previous feature filmography includes 'Irma Vep' in 1996, 'Demonlover' in 2002, 'Clouds of Sils Maria' in 2014, 'Personal Shopper' in 2016, 'Wasp Network' in 2019 and 'Suspended Time' in 2024. This film had its World Premiere in the main competition at the Venice International Film Festival in late August last year where it was nominated for the Golden Lion. 

Set in early 1990's Russia, amid post-Soviet chaos, a brilliant young man, Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), charts his path. First an artist, then a reality TV Producer, he becomes the spin doctor to a rising KGB agent, Vladimir Putin (Jude Law). At the heart of power, Baranov shapes the new Russia, blurring the boundaries between truth and lies, belief and manipulation. Only the magnetic Ksenia (Alicia Vikander) is beyond his control, tempting him away from this dangerous game. Years later, after retreating into silence and shrouded in mystery, Baranov finally opens up, revealing the dark secrets of the regime he helped build. Also starring Will Keen, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright. The film was released in its native France in late January and in the US in mid-May, has generated mixed or average reviews, and has so far grossed US$8M at the Box Office. 

'PENNY LANE IS DEAD' (Rated MA15+) - is an Australian dark comedy horror thriller film Written and Directed by Mia'kate Russell in her feature length Directorial debut. Set during the hot summer months of 1986, the story starts with a party at a beach house, at which Penny Lane (Bailey Spalding) is celebrating her university acceptance with her best friends Toni (Tahlee Fereday) and Amy (Alexandra Jensen). Uninvited guests arrive, a prank goes wrong, and events descend into mayhem and violence. Also starring Steve Le Marquand, Ben O'Toole and Fletcher Humphrys. The film saw its Premiere screening at the Adelaide Film Festival, in South Australia in mid-October last year.

'COLOURS OF TIME' (Rated M) - this French and Belgian Co-Produced period drama film is Co-Written and Directed by Cedric Klapisch, who made his feature film making debut in 1992 with 'Reins du tout' and which he would follow up with the likes of 'Family Resemblances' in 1996, 'The Spanish Apartment' in 2002, 'Russian Dolls' in 2005, 'Chinese Puzzle' in 2013, 'Back to Burgundy' in 2017, and 'Rise' in 2022. Here, four distant cousins are part of a wider family group which can be traced to the last occupant of a house in rural Normandy abandoned in 1944. Seb (Abraham Wapler), Abdel (Zinedine Soualem), Celine (Julia Piaton) and Guy (Vincent Macaigne), discover there the existence of Adele Vermillard (Suzanne Lindon), their ancestor who in 1895 aged 20 left her native Normandy for Paris in search of her mother. While exploring the house, left untouched since the 1940's, they excavate the life of their ancestor - photos and paintings from the end of the 19th Century are preserved in the house, along with letters to Adele which help them form a picture of her story. On her journey to Paris Adele becomes friends with the brothers Anatole (Paul Kircher), a painter and Lucien (Vassili Schneider), a photographer, who accompany her in the search for her parents. The film had its World Premiere showcasing at the Cannes Film Festival in late May 2025, and was released in France on that same day. The film cost US$17.5M to produce, has so far recovered US$9M and has generated positive critical acclaim.

'TENOR : MY NAME IS PATI' (Rated PG) - this New Zealand biographical documentary film is Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Rebecca Tansley who made her first doco in 2015 with 'Crossing Rachmaninoff' and would follow this up with 'The Heart Dances - the Journey of The Piano : the Ballet' in 2018 and 'Semele' in 2021. This film charts the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati, and their against-the-odds journey from humble beginnings in Samoa to platinum-selling success in the trio Sol3 Mio and on to the world’s greatest opera stages. Bursting with humour, heart and soaring performances, the film reveals the resilience born of adversity, the richness of family and culture, and the rewards that come from following an unlikely dream. 

With four new release movie offerings this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the coming week.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

THE INVITE : Tuesday 14th July 2026.

I saw the MA15+ Rated 'THE INVITE' at my local independant Odeon this week, and this American comedy film is Directed by Olivia Wilde in her third feature film Directorial outing following 'Booksmart' in 2019 and 'Don't Worry Darling' in 2022. In addition, she has many acting roles in the likes of 'The Girl Next Door' in 2004, 'Alpha Dog' in 2006, 'Cowboys & Aliens' in 2011, 'People Like Us' in 2012, 'Deadfall' also in 2012, 'Rush' in 2013, 'Her' in 2013, 'The Lazarus Effect' in 2015, 'Love the Coopers' in 2015, 'Life Itself' in 2019 and 'Richard Jewell' in 2019, and due for release at the end of this month 'I Want Your Sex'. This film is an English language remake of the Spanish film 'The People Upstairs' Directed by Cesc Gay. The film had its Premiere showcasing at this years Sundance Film Festival in late January, saw its wide release Stateside, the UK and here in Australia last week, has so far grossed US$15M and has garnered universal critical acclaim.

Failed musician Joe (Seth Rogen) arrives home from work having ridden his fold-up bicycle all the way across town only to collapse on the floor the moment he walks in the door, suffering from an aching back. He soon learns that his stay-at-home wife Angela (Olivia Wilde) has invited their upstairs neighbours, divorcee Pina (Penelope Cruz) and widower Hawk (Edward Norton), over for dinner at their apartment, and they are due to arrive in about fifteen minutes. Angela has laid on a lavish spread of cut deli meats and cheeses, and has prepared a souffle which she places in the oven to bake off. Joe and Angela's marriage is on thin ice and they bicker and argue constantly, most recently over the loud sex noises they hear from upstairs every night. Joe plans to confront the couple, but Angela, who is desperate to make friends with their neighbours, demands he keep calm and does not broach the subject.. 

Pina and Hawk arrive at the apartment as Joe and Angela are in mid-argument. Unprepared to host a dinner party, Angela makes several awkward mistakes, such as not having any wine, not checking Pina's dietary restrictions for she doesn't eat meat, cheese or gluten products, and she also burns the souffle which goes straight in the bin. Meanwhile, Joe openly aggravates the couple, but is surprised to see they are impressed by his brutally honest nature. 

The group eventually warm to one another, over a bottle of vintage French red wine gifted to them as a wedding present which they were hoping to save for a special occasion. Joe however, still resents his neighbours for their noise and is deeply troubled when he learns Hawk has seen Angela naked through a window that looks down from their apartment into theirs.

As the evening progresses Pina and Hawk apologise for the noise they make during sex and reveal to Joe and Angela that they participate in regular group sex sessions which is the reason for the noise. Joe and Angela are titillated by this revelation. Pina admits that she and Hawk came to the dinner party hoping to invite Joe and Angela to have group sex with them. Joe and Angela are eager, but Pina, who is a psychoanalyst and sexologist, is unsure after seeing the couple constantly at each others throats throughout the evening. Instead, they decide to swap partners. However, Angela is too nervous to initiate sex with the former fire fighter Hawk, and Joe falls backwards into a bookshelf in his study while dancing with Pina and puts his back out.

Another argument breaks out between Joe and Angela, and he rebukes their neighbours. Pina gets the couple to talk about their relationship, and learns of the resentment they have to each other and the fact they have not had sex in a year. Pina suggests the couple should separate instead of sticking together for the sake of their twelve year old daughter, Maggie, who is away for the night, or find a way to reframe their relationship, as the current status appears to have run its course. Angela and Joe seemingly agree to separate, and discuss their next moves, but upon returning from the kitchen, discover Pina and Hawk have left. Joe returns to his office and plays his piano for the first time in years, with Angela retreating to Maggie's bedroom, but eventually she joins him at the keys. When they have finished playing their musical piece, Angela rests her head on Joe's shoulder.

Here Actress and Director Olivia Wilde has crafted a mature aged comedy that is a throw back to the adult sex comedies of the late '70's and '80's while updating the story with all the emotional heft, laugh out loud moments of razor sharp humour, and modern day sensibilities that make for an engaging time at the movies. The four Actors here all share the screen in equal measure, all have their own pitch perfect lines of dialogue, and all have their moment to shine individually and collectively. This is a film that almost any married couple will be able to relate to at some level, as it is thought provoking in its study of human relationships, the fragility of such and the prospect of second chances. If observing two couples experience the most tense, uncomfortable and stressful supposed dinner party of their middle-aged lives is for you, then you won't be disappointed in this cringe-worthy yet thoroughly engaging film. 

'The Invite' merits four claps of the Odeon Online clapperboard from a possible five claps.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 16th July 2026.

The 9th Malaysian International Film Festival (MIFFest) takes place this year from Saturday 18th July through until Saturday 25th July, in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Since its establishment in 2016, MIFFest has offered a range of opportunities and platforms for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. Set against Malaysia’s vibrant backdrop, MIFFest aims to be the premier cinematic hub in Southeast Asia. The one-week festival provides a platform for creatives to showcase their work, nurtures emerging talent, and features exceptional films from around the world. MIFFest opens a window to the world, offering audiences the chance to embark on a cinematic journey through films from diverse countries and cultures. At MIFFest, we believe in the power of film to inspire, connect, and transform . . . . . so reads the official website.

This years Opening Film presentation is 'BAGA : Tomorrow Belongs To No One' from Malaysia and Written, Produced and Directed by Ariff Zulkarnain. Set in a conservative seaside village on Malaysia’s East Coast, BAGA follows Jani and Melur, two young lovers trapped between inherited realities and dreams of escape. When an unexpected pregnancy forces them into a difficult choice, Jani turns to the drug trade in a desperate attempt to secure their future. As love collides with addiction, poverty, and tradition, the couple must confront the cost of survival in a community where opportunities are scarce and every choice carries consequences. The Closing Film is 'Yellow Letters' from Germany, France and Turkey and is Co-Written and Directed by Ilker Catak. Life is good for Derya and Aziz, a celebrated artist couple from Turkey, until an incident at their play’s premiere. Suddenly targeted by the state and struggling to balance their ideals with life’s necessities, their marriage is pushed to a breaking point.

In the Official Competition - the Malaysia Golden Global Awards recognises filmmakers for their significant performances throughout the entire year, in the categories of Best Film, Director, New Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Screenplay and Cinematography, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Audience Choice Award, the New Hope Award and the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film. There are ten feature films, as shown in brief below :-

* 'Ah Girl' - from Singapore and this coming-of-age drama is Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla. 

* 'Aisha Can't Fly Away' - from Egypt, France, Germany, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Sudan, this drama is Co-Written and Directed by Morad Mostafa.

* 'Becoming Human' - from Cambodia, and this drama film is Written and Directed by Polen Ly.

* 'Broken Voices' - from the Czech Republic, this drama film is Written and Directed by Ondrej Provaznik. 

* 'Girl' - from Taiwan and this drama film is Written and Directed by Shu Qi.

* 'Lucky Lu' - from the USA and Canada and this social drama film is Written and Directed by Lloyd Lee Choi.

* 'Riverstone' - from Sri Lanka, this drama film is Co-Written and Directed by Lalith Rathnayake.

* 'Silent Rebellion' - from Switzerland, Belgium and France, this drama film is Co-Written and Directed by Marie-Elsa Sgualdo.

* 'The Red Hangar' - from Chile, Argentina and Italy, this political thriller film is Co-Produced and Directed by Juan Pablo Sallato.

* 'The Waves Will Carry Us' - from Malaysia and Taiwan, this drama film is Written and Directed by Lau Kek-Huat.

For the summaries of the aforementioned films in Official Competition, plus the full details of the other films being showcased, and a whole lot of other good stuff, you can go to the official website at : http://www.miffest.com.my

Turning the attention then back to this weeks two new movies coming to your local big screen Odeon, we kick off with a much hyped, eagerly awaited and hotly anticipated fantasy action film based on an ancient Greek poem in which following the Trojan War, the protagonist here faces a dangerous voyage back to his homeland meeting various mythical creature during his ten year journey back to reunite with his wife and son. And this followed by a CGI animated offering that is the third cinematic adaptation from an acclaimed novella of the mid-twentieth century which follows an animal revolution as pigs seize power and the farm descends into a ruthless dictatorship as the truth is rewritten and dissent is crushed.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it either of the two latest release new films as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the week ahead.

'THE ODYSSEY' (Rated M) - is an epic fantasy action film Written, Produced and Directed by Christopher Nolan, who I'm sure requires no introduction, suffice to say his prior screen credits include his 1998 feature debut with 'Following' which he would follow up with the likes of 'Memento' in 2000, the Batman 'Dark Knight' trilogy from 2005 until 2012, 'Inception' in 2010, 'Interstellar' in 2014, 'Dunkirk' in 2017, 'Tenet' in 2020 and 'Oppenheimer' in 2023. This film is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem the 'Odyssey', that together with his 'Illiad' are regarded as the foundational works of ancient Greek literature. With a production budget estimated to be in the region of US$250M, the film is among the most costly of Nolan's career, and the first to be shot entirely on IMAX's 70mm film cameras. The film saw its World Premiere screening in London earlier this month, and is set for a worldwide release this week. 

The film follows Odysseus (Matt Damon), the legendary Greek king of Ithaca, on his ten year long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War, chronicling his encounters with mythical beings such as the Cyclops Polyphemus (Bill Irwin), Sirens, and the nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron), while attempting to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and his son Telemachus (Tom Holland). Also starring Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Samantha Morton, Himesh Patel, Corey Hawkins, Mia Goth, Logan Marshall-Green, Elliot Page and James Remar. 

'ANIMAL FARM' (Rated PG) - this animated comedy film is Co-Produced, Directed and stars Andy Serkis, the acclaimed English Actor and film maker whose prior Directorial credits take in 'Breathe' in 2017, 'Mowgli : The Legend of the Jungle' in 2018, 'Venom : Let There Be Carnage' in 2021 and the upcoming 'Lord of the Rings : The Hunt for Gollum' slated for a 2027 release. His film acting credits are many and varied, perhaps best known however, for his animation and voice work for computer-generated characters such as Gollum in 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy (2001–2003) and 'The Hobbit : An Unexpected Journey' in 2012, 'King Kong' in the eponymous 2005 film, and Caesar in the 'Planet of the Apes' reboot series (2011–2017). This film is loosely based on the 1945 novella by George Orwell, and is the third adaptation of the novella, following the 1954 animated film and the 1999 live-action film. Here then, the film traces how a movement for equality is systematically corrupted. As the pigs consolidate control, truth is erased, dissent is crushed, and the farm descends into a ruthless dictatorship, so fulfilling Orwell’s warning about the dangers of communism. Starring the voice talents of Seth Rogen, Gaten Matarazzo, Kieren Culkin, Glenn Close, Steve Buscemi, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons and Kathleen Turner. It premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in early June 2025, and was released in the USA and Canada on 1st May this year having so far grossed US$6M from a production budget of US$35M and has garnered generally negative critical reviews. It is released here in Australia, the UK and Ireland this week. 

With just two new release movie offerings this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the coming week.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

MICHAEL : Tuesday 7th July 2026

I finally got around to seeing the PG Rated 'MICHAEL' which was released here in Australia on 23rd April. This American biographical musical drama film is Directed by Antoine Fuqua, whose previous feature film credits take in the likes of his debut in 1998 with 'The Replacement Killers' which he would follow up with 'Training Day' in 2001, 'Tears of the Sun' in 2003, 'Shooter' in 2007, 'Olympus Has Fallen' in 2013, 'Southpaw' in 2015, 'The Magnificent Seven' in 2016, and 'The Equalizer' trilogy in 2014, 2018 and 2023. He has also helmed a number of documentaries over the years including 'What's My Name : Muhammad Ali' in 2019. This film Premiered in Berlin on 10th April having cost in the region of US$200M to produce, but has since gone on to gross US$992M at the global Box Office despite fairly negative critical reviews. It is the highest grossing biographical film of all time, and the second highest grossing film of 2026 at the time of writing. In late May this year it was announced that a sequel was already in development. 

In 1966 in Gary, Indiana, steel factory worker Joseph Jackson (Colman Domingo) assembles his sons Jackie (Nathaniel Logan McIntyre), Tito (Judah Edwards), Jermaine (Jayden Harville), Marlon (Jaylen Lyndon Hunter), and his youngest son Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi), aged eight, into the musical band the Jackson 5, with Michael on lead vocals. 

After months of grueling rehearsals, involving corporal punishment from Joseph when their routine doesn't go according to his strict guidelines, the Jackson 5 perform at gigs until Suzanne De Passe (Laura Harrier) discovers them in Chicago in 1968, and they are signed with Motown a year later. 

Their albums top the charts, and they sell out concerts across the US, allowing them to move from their small house to the Hayvenhurst mansion in Encino, California, in 1971. Motown founder Berry Gordy (Larenz Tate) believes Michael has the potential to make it big as a solo artist - a notion that Joseph won't even entertain, for his focus sits squarely on the Jackson 5.

We then fast forward to 1978, and Michael (Jaafar Jackson) signs with Epic Records for his first solo album as an adult, 'Off the Wall' produced by Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson). Despite its success, Michael's solo career is held back by Joseph, who believes he is solely responsible for his children's success and fortunes. Michael is forced to continue touring with his brothers on the Triumph Tour (from July to September 1981 in the US and Canada). 

Feeling insecure about his appearance and developing vitiligo (a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or colour), Michael undergoes rhinoplasty surgery to alter the size and shape of his nose. Following an argument with Joseph, he takes advice from his bodyguard, driver and close friend, Bill Bray (KeiLyn Durrel Jones) to create his own path in life. In 1981, he hires John Branca (Miles Teller) as his lawyer and manager, and has him fire Joseph by fax.

Michael visits sick children in hospitals and experiments with ideas for his next album, which is set for release in 1982. After watching a news report on the Crips/Bloods gang war in his home studio, he hires members of both gangs to appear in his music video for 'Beat It'. 

'Thriller', the album, is released and breaks worldwide sales records while Michael delivers a groundbreaking performance of 'Billie Jean' at Motown 25. Michael and Branca head to New York to ask the CBS Records president, Walter Yetnikoff (Mike Myers), to have MTV play Michael's music videos, despite the network not playing videos by black artists, for fear of upsetting their largely white middle class American audience. MTV agrees to give him airtime after Yetnikoff threatens to pull the CBS Records catalogue out of the network, including such famed artists as Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper and Bob Dylan.

While Michael basks in the limelight of his global success, Joseph has a private meeting with the boxing promoter Don King (Deon Cole) and proposes the 1984 Victory Tour to reunite his sons. King offers Joseph a PepsiCo sponsorship deal, provided that Michael tours with the Jacksons, to which Michael objects. While the Jacksons film a Pepsi commercial in late January 1984, a spark from the staged pyrotechnics sets Michael's hair on fire, resulting in third-degree burns and nerve damage to his scalp. 

He was rushed to Brotman Medical Centre for extensive medical treatments. Instead of suing, he reached an out-of-court settlement with Pepsi for US$1.5M, which he donated the entire sum to Brotman Medical Centre to fund a newly established burns unit. In the hospital, comforted by his mother Katherine (Nia Long), Michael, when he is well enough, meets with the other patients as he considers his options on whether to get involved with the Victory Tour.

Once Michael recovers, he agrees to tour with his siblings. During the final show at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on 9th December 1984, they perform 'Human Nature' and 'Working Day and Night'. Michael announces it is the last time the Jacksons will perform together, much to the surprise of his siblings and severing his ties finally with Joseph—much to his fathers horror. Michael performs his first solo tour, the Bad World Tour (from mid-September 1987 through until the end of January 1989, and takes in 123 shows), and at Wembley Stadium in July 1988 to an ecstatic crowd, and over the course of seven sold out concerts he promotes his seventh studio album 'Bad' released in 1987. 

Also starring Jamal R. Henerson, Tre Horton, Rhyan Hill, Joseph David-Jones and Jessica Sula as Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, Jackie and La Toya - Michael's older siblings respectively. 

Charting the early life and the golden era of Michael Jackson, the self proclaimed 'King of Pop' is here offered up in a sanitised version of his life that is a celebration of his music, his dance, and perhaps to a lesser extent his mark on fashion, and his desire to make the world a better place through the power of his music. And on that level this film succeeds, backed up by top notch performances from Juliano Valdi and Jaafar Jackson as the younger and older Michael respectively, Colman Domingo as the controlling and seemingly never satisfied Joseph Jackson, and first rate production values in recreating his song and dance routines, and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career. For fans of Michael Jackson, this film is sure to please, but if your are looking for more of what made MJ really tick and the truth behind the legend, then you will be left wanting. This film doesn't tell us anything that we didn't already know about the man, and on that front the film is a let down. Having said that, a title card before the end credits roll tells the audience that 'His Story Continues' and as we now know a sequel is in the works which you would like to believe will hopefully answer all of those unanswered questions and address the big elephant in the room. 

'Michael' merits three claps of the Odeon Online clapperboard from a possible five claps. 

-Steve, at Odeon Online-