Film Critics Agree The Only Thing Missing From 'The Odyssey' Is Eric Bana Speaking In A Thick Broadmeadows Accent

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

In an era of second-screen viewing and underwhelming streaming slop, it can be confirmed this week that the feature-length film has made a triumphant return as a dominant global art form.

Not only that, but the 'theatre experience' has also made a sudden and explosive comeback - with towns, villages and central business districts right across the world reporting unprecedented levels of patronage in traditional 3rd spaces.

The cinematic renaissance marks a refreshing worldwide circuit-breaker from the pessimistic doom-scrolling of AI and social media algorithms - as it's not only the picture theatres that are full - but also the cafes, restaurants and pubs that surround them in the high streets and shopping malls on every single continent on Earth.

This comes as the long-awaited mythical Greek epic - 'The Odyssey' exceeds all expectations. The film's writer and director, Sir Christopher Nolan, has recorded his biggest US box office debut of all time with $264 million ($377 million AUD) on the opening weekend.

Meanwhile, IMAX cinemas in the UK are reporting that they have completely sold out of tickets to all screenings until late September - putting this blockbuster of Greek Mythology on track to become one of the highest grossing films in human history.

With an all-star international cast of Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattison, and Zendaya, the blockbuster is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, which follows Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, as he makes his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.

It marks Nolan's second ever film with Universal Pictures, having ended his relationship with Warner Brothers after their refusal to prioritise cinema screenings by releasing their films on streaming at the same time as theatres.

And judging by his last two films, it has been a point well made.

Much like his 2023 feature, Oppenheimer, it is expected that The Odyssey will dominate every category at the Academy Awards.

Films credits around the world are in complete agreeance that this may be the greatest movie of the century.

However, many have also made the point that the only thing holding it back is the lack of Eric Bana.

More specifically the lack of Eric Bana speaking in a thick working class north Melbourne accent - as featured in the last Greek epic action film on this scale - Troy (2004).

An absolutely stacked Eric Bana going full Broady has been widely recognised as the key difference between the two films, and many fear this omission alone is what prevents The Odyssey from being classified as a perfect movie.