WORTH A LOOK?: *****

Runtime: 173 minutes

By Neil Durham

2 years after Oppenheimer and Christopher Nolan’s follow-up is a spectacular rethinking of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem with its protagonist reflecting more than ever before on the worth of his heroism.

• Read on for reasons including how this offers spectacular visuals of 1 of history’s most colourful tales and the possibility that even the most bombastic of warmongers can change

Matt Damon, who also appeared in Oppenheimer, is protagonist and king of Ithaca Odysseus here who leaves his wife and young son to besiege Troy for 10 years.

The titular odyssey takes his name and includes masterminding the trojan horse taking of Troy and a return home blighted by a cyclops, giant adversaries, a mutinous crew, an evil witch and the wrath of god Poseidon.

Meanwhile, back in Ithaca Odysseus’ wife Penelope is gamely trying to hold off the suitors making the most of Zeus’ Law and feasting in the palace while vying for her attentions as her son Telemachus, an impressive Tom Holland (Romeo And Juliet, Duke Of York’s Theatre) slowly becomes man enough to oppose them.

The most obvious element that makes this film different to those adaptations that have preceded it is that this is the 1st feature film ever to be shot entirely on IMAX’s 70 mm film cameras and it looks spectacular.

Arguably most memorable is the body horror of the crew’s encounter with Samantha Morton’s sea witch Circe which is perhaps best not spoiled by revealing too much.

But the hugeness of both the cyclops Polyphemus, which feasts on Odysseus’ crew, and giant Laestrygonians, who attack them, looks extremely realistic despite being doubtless tricky to produce.

There’s also some nice emotional work around the don’t look a gifthorse in the mouth moment ahead of the ransacking of Troy.

There’s also affecting recurring use of trinkets which take on huge significance when being parted from those for many decades who they’re relevant for.

The conclusion is bloodier than we would’ve liked but provides satisfying closure for some minor as well as major characters.

All in all, The Odyssey offers spectacular visuals to accompany 1 of history’s most colourful tales and promotes the possibility that even the most bombastic of warmongers can become a more thoughtful hero.

We can only hope.

• Main pictures via Facebook courtesy The Odyssey BFI IMAX tickets
• Have you seen a Christopher Nolan film before and what did you think of this 1? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
• Enjoyed this preview? Follow monstagigz on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook