Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Brings Epic New Season Three Teaser Trailer And Lots of Surprises To San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H – Simon Pegg To Voice Balrog!

Today, in San Diego Comic-Con’s iconic Hall H, over 6,500 fans were transported back to Middle-earth as Prime Video showcased the highly anticipated third season of the epic fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay were joined by several of the show’s cast for a fun and insightful conversation moderated by High King Gil-galad himself, series star Benjamin Walker. The panel not only debuted a thrilling new teaser trailer, but revealed highlights from the new season.

Cast members Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Owain Arthur, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Charlie Vickers, Daniel Weyman, and Season Three newcomer Jamie Campbell Bower, all participated in the panel, which was jam-packed with exclusive news, including the brand new trailer that unveiled the darker tone and some epic moments from Season Three, as Sauron’s quest to forge the One Ring is fully underway, and his goal to control all of Middle-earth threatens every one of its realms, causing new, and sometimes uneasy alliances to be formed to try and stop him.

There were several exciting Season Three character reveals for previously announced actors throughout the panel. They join two other characters that were revealed earlier this week – Jamie Campbell Bower (Stranger Things) as Galadriel’s long-lost husband, “Celeborn,” and Zubin Varla (Andor) who plays “Khamûl the Easterling,” of Rhûn.

Jamie Campbell Bower

Revealed was Eddie Marsan (Happy-Go-Lucky) portraying King Durin IV’s older brother, “Thrain”, Andrew Richardson (Guys & Dolls) playing Elendil’s younger son and Isildur’s brother, “Anarion” and Adam Young (Don’t Breathe 2) as “Marnûkh,” a mysterious Orc who may not be what he seems.

Adam Young as Marnûkh

Eddie Marsan as Thrain

A special in-room only featurette titled “Bringing Season Three’s Creatures to Life” showed highlights of several creatures that will be seen this season, including Fell-beasts, the war elephants known as Mûmakil, Orcs, and the return of the fiery Balrog, who for the first time ever will speak – and that voice is revealed to be none other than acclaimed actor Simon Pegg (The Cornetto Trilogy, Mission Impossible, Star Trek).

Simon Pegg

In addition, The Rings of Power’s Hall H panel was interrupted midway by a surprise appearance of four menacing Nazgnagôl in full armor, who were awaiting Sauron’s command. Introduced this season, these entities are ring-servants of Sauron and are the earlier Second Age incarnation of the Nazgûl, also known as Ringwraiths, of the Third Age.

The first four episodes of Season Three of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere on November 11, 2026. Episodes 305 & 306 will be available to stream on November 18th, and the final two episodes of the season will be released on November 25th.

In Season Three, Middle-earth is at war. Five years have passed since the fall of Eregion. Sauron’s armies have marched across the whole of the world, conquering all in their path. Only a few isolated pockets stand between the Dark Lord and total victory – Khazad-dûm, where the Dwarves are now sealed deep within their mountain halls, and the elven realms of Lindon and Rivendell, which are protected by their Three Rings. But deep in the land of Mordor, in his newly completed tower of Barad-dûr, the Dark Lord toils day and night, obsessed with harnessing a power that will bring the last of his enemies to their knees: One Ring to rule them all… Now, all the free peoples of Middle-earth – Dwarves, Elves, Men, and Wizards alike – must find a way to come together, in a race against time to prevent Sauron from achieving his goal of utter domination of all life…

The third season of The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Justin Doble, Kate Hazell, and executive producer-director Charlotte Brändström. Matthew Penry-Davey is producer and Ally O’Leary, Tim Keene, and Andrew Lee are co-producers.

The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’sThe Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. The series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains to the majestic forests of the elf capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

Johnny Depp Makes Surprise EBENEZER Appearance At San Diego Comic Con And Intros New Trailer

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 23: Johnny Depp attends the Paramount Pictures San Diego Comic-Con Ebenezer Office Activation at 235 Fifth Ave. on July 23, 2026, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

San Diego has officially kicked off! In Hall H, actor Johnny Depp surprised fans with the first trailer for the upcoming film, EBENEZER.

Depp also surprised fans at the Ebenezer Office Activation.

Paramount Pictures will release the film in theaters on November 13.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 23: Johnny Depp speaks onstage during the Paramount Pictures San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Ebenezer Trailer Introduction in Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center on July 23, 2026, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Johnny Depp attends the Paramount Pictures San Diego Comic-Con Ebenezer Office Activation at 235 Fifth Ave. on July 23, 2026, in San Diego, California.

Here’s your first look at the all new trailer. It’s good to have you back Johnny – you’ve been away too long.

This November, Johnny Depp is Ebenezer Scrooge. The name you know, the story you don’t. From Ti West, EBENEZER also stars Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, with Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen.

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Johnny Depp and Ian McKellen in Ebenezer from Paramount Pictures.

Johnny Depp is Ebenezer Scrooge In First Look Poster For EBENEZER

This November, Johnny Depp is Ebenezer Scrooge. Today Paramount Pictures released the first poster for EBENEZER.

The name you know, the story you don’t.

From Ti West, EBENEZER also stars Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, with Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen.

The screenplay is from Nathaniel Halpern who’s credits include the TV series LEGION and TALES FROM THE LOOP.

EBENEZER opens in theaters November 13.

THE DINK – Review

As World Cup FIFA fever cools off, while Major League baseball continues to simmer in the hot July sun, some fans may want to get their sports movie fix at the multiplex. Or better yet, on their big-screen TVs on a streaming app. Looks like Apple TV has just the ticket (without having to purchase a physical one). But no, this comedy isn’t in the world of soccer (yeah, football) or America’s pastime. You see, this activity is still pretty new, but it’s catching on. And it’s as addictive as the food in its name to many. It’s pickleball, though the title comes from that “hybrid’s glossary”, a soft “tap” called THE DINK.

Now, by “hybrid”, I’m referring to PB’s roots in another sport: tennis. This story begins with a young prodigy of that game, Dustin Boyd. We see him as a toddler, guided by his tennis pro pop, Chuck. As Dustin enters his teen years, his skills and ego expand, becoming known as “The Hammer”. But an agonizing defeat from a real-life “king of the court” quickly sends him into a downward spiral. Cut to now, as the almost middle-aged Dustin (Jake Johnson) works as a “pro” at his father’s (Ed Harris) ritzy tennis club. Tightening his “old school” headband, Dusty regales bored teens with tales of his former glory, while his adoring assistant PJ (Aaron Chen) delights with every word. All would be okay if not for the elders playing pickleball on a run-down court. In Chuck’s office, the PB liaison Skip (Patton Oswald) pleads for an extension to the club in order to offer more courts. Ah ha! Citing an obscure entry in the club’s handbook, Chuck tells Skip that this can be resolved in a “duel”, his best player against the PB champ. If Skip’s player wins, the expansion happens. If not, the pickleballers will vacate. Chuck holds a tryout (much to Dusty’s chagrin), and his son is victorious…until the ending jump over the net. Dusty busts up his wrist again…and he’s out of the match. And what does his doctor (Ben Stiller) prescribe? The dreaded pickleball. When Dusty goes to a big PB park, he encounters a trio of mature ladies. For a doubles game, he’s paired with the lovely divorcee Candace (Mary Steenburgen). The two squabble at first, then gradually a friendship begins. But could they “pair up” off the court? And does Dusty’s loyalty belong to tennis, and his pop, or will he join forces with this squad of scrappy seniors?

In his first leading film role since 2023’s SELF RELIANCE, Johnson channels his inner “man child” to make the often churlish, self-aggrandizing Dusty somewhat endearing. His boiling frustration is slowly tempered as Johnson delivers a convincing “character arc” when the “vets” inspire him to finally “grow up” ( and “grow a pair”). And unlike “The Hammer”, Jake’s a generous acting partner, particularly with the ever-radiant Ms. Steenburgen. She deftly mixes a cynical toughness with an aching vulnerability, especially as she contends with a dour ex-hubby. Happily, this Oscar-winner’s exchanges with Johnson crackle. Another screen stalwart, Harris, is the ultimate, hard-nosed “bad dad” who almost delights in slamming his “failed champ’ of a son. They all carry the emotional weight of the story, while the off-kilter, hysterical Chen expertly steals almost every scene with his strange comic timing. His PJ is a clueless goof with a heart of gold, despite a truly odd “kink”, reminding us of the old adage “whatever floats your boat”. Oswald is in full “dweeb” mode as the twitchy Skip, who won’t be verbally bullied by the dismissive Chuck. A couple of SNL vets have cameos: Chris Parnell as a club rival, and Chloe Fineman (who just exited the show) as Dusty’s conniving ex-girlfriend. The real tennis world is represented by iconic “racket-men” John McEnroe and Andy Roddick. Adding some sentiment are Candace’s pickleball sisters, Cleo King as the uninhibited Gail and Judy, played by the “queen of Pee Wee’s Playhouse”, yes, Miss Yvonne herself, the late Lynne Marie Stewart, in her final film performance.

Considering how much I enjoyed the director’s BARB AND STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR (just the silliness I needed during the “lockdown”) and the touching doc WILL AND HARPER, I had high hopes for the latest work from Josh Greenbaum. I did chuckle frequently, but it all seemed too familiar, with a tone reminiscent of the many sports comedies of Will Ferrell, who actually has a new Netflix sports-comedy series, “The Hawk”, set in the world of pro golf. Dusty’s another “child-man” confronting his past while trying to change his attitude and his career trajectory. And learning to care about others. Now, there’s what frustrated me. At around the midway point, the story seems to shift into a most unconventional (certainly for Hollywood) romance (the ole’ “May/December”). And then… the filmmakers “chickened out” in order to return to a “tried and true” finale/showdown. Maybe it didn’t “test well” or perhaps the “suits” nixed it, but this certainly derailed the plot’s welcomed detour. But the cast certainly has honed their “comedy chops” (looking forward to more of Mr. Chen), so their fans should find fun on the courts, although a bravado “love match” would have put me over “the line” and away from the “kitchen” (PB terms) with THE DINK.


2 Out of 4

THE DINK streams exclusively on Apple TV beginning on Friday, July 24, 2026

STUCKY – TV Series Review

Among all the European TV crime and procedural series I’ve covered, “Stucky”  may most closely resemble one of ours. The title character, Stucky (Giuseppe Battiston) is their version of Lt. Columbo. He’s a similarly rumpled police detective in Treviso – a small, picturesque city in northern Italy. I’m not sure if they mentioned it by name, but it was such a lovely setting that I had to look up the location for the shoot.

Stucky’s main variance from our beloved Lieutenant C. is his large shaggy beard.  But he’s always looking like he just reluctantly and hastily rolled out of bed, wearing the same well-worn raincoat and smoking the stub of a cigar. (I just realized I don’t think I’ve ever seen either of them with a full-length, fresh from the wrapper stogie. When do they ever smoke the first half?) Though less irritating to the suspects than Columbo, he does share the persistence, the scribbling of notes on disorganized scraps pf paper, and the habit of pausing when they think he’s leaving to apologetically ask “just one more question…”

This debut (I hope) season is six episodes – each with a new crime to be solved. The pilot is 90 minutes; the rest, 60. We share more screen time with him, his two assistants and the medical examiner, but learn little about any of them. Stucky does spend a lot of time eating in the café of his pal, Guerra (Alessio Pratico), and seems to get more insights from chatting with him than with his colleagues. As in our analog, we always see the crime being committed at the get-go, then watch for the mistakes or clues that will be the killers’ undoing, building up to our hero’s “aha moment” and the big “reveal”. There’s not much in the way of on-screen action. It’s all about the mind games.

The show is based on a series of 10 (so far) novels by Fulvio Ervas, who readily acknowledges the influence of Columbo on his character and story structure. It’s an homage, not a ripoff. Though I haven’t read them, I understand the books have him based in nearby Venice and going to various surrounding towns on different cases. Putting everything in Treviso and its environs probably saved a fortune in production costs and logistics, without sacrificing the pleasing backdrop of urban canals and buildings rife with old-world charm.

As in our shows like “Columbo” or “Murder She Wrote”, the killings are generally by and/or among the upper classes. Rich folk having rich folks’ troubles. Wealthy families’ business and estate squabbles, rebellious children doing defiantly illegal things; one involves art theft and forgery. Another revolves around a surgeon whose career is threatened by dubious occurrences during his operations. Unlike most TV cops, Stucky barely looks at the victims when he gets to the crime scene; his focus is always elsewhere. Even when the camera takes us to the morgue, we rarely even glimpse the body. The Medical Examiner, Marina (Barbora Bobulova), explains the important findings to him and us at the same time.

The series is relatively light-hearted, with Stucky delivering occasional wisecracks. The background music sets an almost playful tone, reminiscent of Hitchcock’s more comedic mysteries and scenes – especially his underrated gem, THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY. If you’re interested enough in the genre to have read this far, and haven’t seen that movie, put it at the top of your to-do list.

There’s plenty of basis for this series to continue, ideally expanding the roles of the other regulars as we spend more time with them. Valerio Attanasio, as director and main writer, has set the stafe for a franchise that should have some legs. Keep ‘em coming, dude! You’re off to a good start.

3 Stars out of 4.

Stucky streams July 21st, 2026 in the U.S and Canada on MHz Choice.

https://watch.mhzchoice.com/stucky

THE REBRAND – Review

If you’re fed up with all the attention so-called Internet Influencers get in our current culture, this darkly comic psychological thriller, THE REBRAND, might be up your alley. A lesbian couple (Nancy Webb as the beautiful energetic Thistle; Andi McQueen as the reserved, artistic Blair) had been making a mint from their legion of followers until one faux pas in a livestream alienated their fans and sponsors. Cancel Culture immediately flooded the Web with everyone’s outrage, and the cash cow’s milk dried up instantly.

Their next step was the eponymous rebrand, to be achieved by hiring a videographer, Nicole (Naomi Silver-Vezina), to shoot an intimate documentary of their day-to-day lives, hoping to win back their base by showing how loving and lovely their life is. Nicole takes the job, which requires her to drive to their isolated, luxurious home, and to wind up staying with them for a while, despite being in the eighth month of her pregnancy.

The couple puts on a display of love and levity when the camera is rolling, but we start seeing the façade bursting apart at the seams. They’re not nearly as partnerly as they pretend, with Thistle clearly running the show, and Blair meekly complying with her Quixotic whims and overbearing ego. In other words, Thistle portrays the sort of preening phony skeptics assume lies beneath the surface of all such self-promoting characters.

I won’t go into details, but the situation becomes creepier and more menacing as the story unfolds, including some elements of suspense and physical danger.  Kudos to Webb not only for floridly chewing scenery as such an over-the-top prima donna, but co-writing the script that crafted her as one. Credit also goes to director and co-author Kaye Adelaide, who kept things moving well, while assuring that the film, which occurs entirely at the couple’s home and grounds, never felt stagey or claustrophobic. Though much of the footage comes from the viewpoint of Nicole’s shoulder cam, the movement flows more smoothly than in many flicks that have been using the device with annoying jerks and blurred images ever since THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT.

Despite winning awards at a number of film festivals, I can’t call it a great film. But The Force of the satirical element is strong with this one, and the talents of the young trio bode well for their futures.

2 1/2 Stars out of 4.

THE REBRAND is available On Demand on July 21, 2026.

First Trailer And Poster Has Arrived For MARVEL STUDIOS’ AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY – On Sale Now At Fandango

An all-new trailer and poster for “Avengers: Doomsday,” Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated December 18 theatrical release, is here. Holy Moly – it’s a doozy!

Tickets to see the upcoming film in INFINITY VISION – a new certification for Premium Large Format (PLF) theaters, guaranteeing moviegoers an exceptional film presentation with big screens, bright images and outstanding sound – go on sale today.

The adventure doesn’t stop there! To celebrate, when moviegoers purchase a ticket to Avengers: Doomsday on Fandango between July 20 and November 9, 2026, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the world premiere of Avengers: Doomsday in Los Angeles!

Fandango wants you to unlock the ultimate Marvel experience. Fans can purchase the Infinity Vision Launch Bundle, which includes one Infinity Vision ticket to Avengers: Doomsday, two mystery collectibles, and one entry into the Avengers: Doomsday Premiere Sweepstakes! The mystery items will be revealed at a later date, making this limited-time bundle the ultimate surprise for Marvel fans. Available while supplies last.

There is another epic surprise in store when users buy tickets to see Avengers: Doomsday in Infinity Vision on Fandango. Look out for the Avengers: Doomsday custom seat map when selecting seats!

Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) in Marvel’s AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo; produced by Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito and Jonathan Schwartz; and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Wyatt Russell, Channing Tatum, Simu Liu, Ian McKellen, Tom Hiddleston, James Marsden, Patrick Stewart, Joseph Quinn, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Letitia Wright, Lewis Pullman, Kelsey Grammer, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke, Alan Cumming, Hannah John-Kamen, Rebecca Romijn, Mabel Cadena, with Tenoch Huerta Mejia.

In “Avengers: Doomsday,” beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.

“Avengers: Doomsday” releases exclusively in theaters December 18, 2026.

(L-R): Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Marvel’s AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

(L-R): John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Alexei/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Ava/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Sam Wilson/Captain America (Anthony Mackie), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Marvel’s AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

(L-R) The Dora Milaje, Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Joaquin Torres/Falcon (Danny Ramirez), and Ava/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) in Marvel’s AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

THE ODYSSEY – Review

Movies often describe themselves as epics but Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY truly is an epic, both because it is based on a storied ancient tale that defines the idea of epic and because it is a cinema masterpiece with the sweep and grandeur the title implies, a piece of film-making that succeeds on all levels, artistically and technically. In his follow-up to OPPENHEIMER and with a brilliant cast led by Matt Damon and including stars such as Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and more, Oscar-winner Christopher Nolan, who adapted Homer’s classic for the screen as well as directing, creates a world of gods and monsters and men, where myth, action and human struggle combine in a tale of a flawed hero. That story both transports to another time yet is timeless, as it explores post-war trauma, moral issues, and the longing for home. These topics are explored against at canvas of men at sea on an adventure into the unknown, shot in breathtaking cinematography by Oscar-winning Director of Photography Hoyte Van Hoytema, the first film shot entirely on 70mm film in an IMAX format. Filmed at numerous striking locations and at sea, with a preference for practical effects over CGI (although those CGI visual effects present are amazing), Nolan keeps the energy high and emotional power gripping with spot-on dramatic pacing, so that one hardly notices the epic’s nearly 3 hour length. THE ODYSSEY is a true epic from the start, a colossal cinematic achievement where all the stars align, in storytelling, performance, creativity and technology soaring to create an astounding cinema epic truly worthy of that title.

Director Christopher Nolan directs this epic tale brilliantly, keeping the pacing and excitement high while allowing space for the human emotional arcs and internal struggles. At just under 3 hours, THE ODYSSEY is epic in length too but it is so well structured and paced that one does not feel that running time. Shooting entirely on 70mm film in IMAX meant technical challenges for the director and Director of Photography Hoyte Van Hoytema. The film generally sticks to the story of Homer’s great epic poem about the travels of Odysseus (Matt Damon), the king of Ithaca, as he wanders while trying to get home after the end of the ten-years-long Trojan War described in The Iliad. We get snippets of the Trojan war in flashback, and like the book, the film opens in the story’s middle, at Odysseus’ Greek palace in Ithaca where he was king, with his wife, Queen Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) waiting for Odysseus’ return from the war while besieged by a horde of suitors who have been camped out in their home for years. The suitors are waiting for Penelope to give up on Odysseus and pick one of them to re-marry, making that suitor the new king of Ithaca. Chief among the suitors is local noble Antinous (an excellent Robert Pattinson), a slick, slippery fellow who tells a story of being turned down for service in the war by Odysseus, a claim we learn early is false.

The suitors have been living on Penelope’s hospitality since the ten-year-long Trojan war ended ten years ago, abusing the Law of Zeus that instructs hosts to welcome strangers. They have grown bold over the years, and Penelope and her teen-aged son Telemachus endure rude and obnoxious behavior from their unwelcome guests. Meanwhile, loyal Penelope puts off the suitors clamoring for her hand by telling them she will chose one of them after she completes a weaving she is making for her father-in-law, a weaving she secretly unravels by night. Meanwhile, young Telemachus grows restless and longs for news of the father who he has never known, a man gone for 20 years.

The story then shifts time and place, in a flashback to the end of the Trojan War, where we see a beach and a wooden horse awaits in the sand. The beach appears is nearly deserted, except for one young Greek, Sinon (Elliot Page). A collection of Trojan soldiers approach, and Sinon tells them the wooden horse in a gift for the goddess Athena.

In the aftermath of the fall of Troy, and its violent sacking and destruction, the Greeks prepare to set sail for home. Odysseus tells the crew of his three ships that they are going home too, but he is done taking orders from others, so they will take a different route. Instead of the faster, familiar route back to home that Agamemnon (Benny Safdie), the king of Mycenae and the Greek forces he leads, are taking, Odysseus wants to take a way less traveled to see something of the world before going home. His crew enthusiastically agrees, trusting their clever leader.

Why Odysseus doesn’t head straight home is one of the recurring questions the film raises, as it peels back the layers of this complex character. Odysseus is a flawed hero: smart, innovative, even sometimes cunning, he is a charismatic leader who sometimes makes bad choices, but someone who can be selfish and even a liar.

The film follows Odysseus and his crew on that adventurous voyage, which they begin in high spirits but where they encounter unknown dangers and unexpected tragedy. THE ODYSSEY has most of the monsters and tribulations of the book, including the cyclops, sorceress, giants, and sirens, and the wrath of gods, as the film also explores moral and human issues, including the value of hospitality, a longing for home, and human failings of a flawed hero.

We sometimes hear about the Greek gods in this epic but see very little of them, apart from Athena (Zendaya) who appears only to Odysseus. The Greek gods are very present in the classic tale but here they are distant, more talked about than directly seen. The only one who is seen is Athena (Zendaya), Odysseus’ protector, who appears to him at times.

Visually and technically, THE ODYSSEY is astounding. The 70 mm film IMAX gives the film an unparalleled realism and grandeur, a much richer and detailed image that is best appreciated on the biggest screen possible. To get the best, more realistic, and impressive images, Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema shot on real locations in Greece, Morocco, western Sahara, Scotland, Italy, Iceland and Malta. Location shooting, the use of practical effects and keeping CGI to a minimum retains the high image quality and realism of the images, as Nolan recreates the ancient world of Homer. Filming in IMAX on film presented challenges for both director, DP and the actors, as the camera was bulky, encased on a device to muffle its noisy operation, and in that the camera only held three minutes of film, requiring frequent reloading. Despite the challenges, the results are magical and stunning. In short, epic.

The acting is outstanding as well. Matt Damon carries the biggest load for the film, as his character evolves over the harrowing journey, going from a confident, selfish charmer to someone less sure of his own brilliance, humbled by experience and tormented by pain he caused. Flashbacks give us insights on the trauma of war that Odysseus carries, after both ten years of war and then witnessing the brutality of the sacking of Troy after his trick, which violated the rules of hospitality by concealing a danger in a gift for the gods. Besides that trauma and guilt for his unethical trick, he increasing is haunted by guilt over the fallen men under his command, particularly those he did not give proper burial rites, which the Greeks believed were essential for the afterlife.

Likewise, the rest of the cast deliver remarkable performances. Anne Hathaway is moving as Penelope, strong as she stands against the suitors exploiting her home and consuming her wealth, steadfastly loyal to her husband but wracked with pain over his continued absence and fears that he won’t return, and worries over her nearly-grown son. Tom Holland succeeds as her son, young Telemachus, coming of age under the threat of the suitors that would take his throne and obsessively longing for the father he doesn’t remember, driving him on the risky actions. Robert Pattinson is villainously perfect as the lead among the suitors, as the smooth, deceitful Antinous, who presents a noble face to Telemachus while plotting to take his crown.

In standout supporting roles, Samantha Morton is perfect as the vengeful, calculating sorceress Circe, and Lupita Nyong’o is strikingly memorable in her dual roles as Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra. As the goddess Athena, Zendaya wordlessly speaks volumes with her eyes and her expressions.

Other supporting roles deserving of note include Elliot Page, who as touching young soldier Sinon, Himesh Patel as Odysseus’s first mate and friend Eurylochus, and John Leguizamo is moving as Odysseus’ loyal blind swineherd and former teacher Eumaeus. Jon Bernthal, largely unrecognizable in full beard and bald head, is striking as King Menelaus, who helps young Telemachus, and Charlize Theron is unexpectedly touching as Calypso, who falls in love with Odysseus and keeps him on her island.

THE ODYSSEY is a spectacular epic, a film that gives audiences thrilling moments and jaw-dropping visuals, but also something that makes you think. For the best experience, see it on a big IMAX screen, or better yet, in 70mm at one of the theaters offering that option. Either way, do not miss seeing this one in theaters.

THE ODYSSEY opens in theaters on Friday, July 17, 2026.

RATING: 4 out of 4 stars

First Look At All-New Trailer For Paul Greengrass’ THE UPRISING Starring Andrew Garfield

Here’s a first look at the upcoming historical drama THE UPRISING.

From director Paul Greengrass, Andrew Garfield stars as the legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II. As war burns across England, he forms an army of the people to face the King’s might in a fight for justice and survival.

Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, Thomasin McKenzie, Jonny Lee Miller, Woody Norman, Katherine Waterston, Sky Yang star.

Wow – this looks epic. Has the BRAVEHEART vibe running through it as well as the true story of the the Peasants Revolt in 1381. “Triggered by economic hardship and oppressive taxation, the uprising briefly shook the foundations of the feudal system. Though the rebellion lasted less than a month and was violently suppressed, it fundamentally altered the socio-economic landscape of medieval England.”

Garfield is no stranger to war movies. He starred in Mel Gibson’s HACKSAW RIDGE in 2016. It was a film that was well received and garnered Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. The film received a total of six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Gibson), and Best Actor (Garfield).

© 2026 Focus Features, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Andrew Garfield stars as “Ploughman” in director Paul Greengrass’ THE UPRISING, a Focus Features release. Credit: Betina La Plante/Focus Features.

Greengrass’ most recent project is The Lost Bus (Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey and Academy Award-nominee America Ferrera) for Apple Original Films, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. It’s refereshing to see Blumhouse with a film that’s not horror.

Jason Blum is producing through Blumhouse, alongside Gregory Goodman, Joanna Kaye and Greengrass. Lars Sylvest will also produce through Thank You Pictures and Joe Neurauter will produce through Supernix. 

Focus Features will release THE UPRISING in theaters on September 11th.

(L to R) Director Paul Greengrass and actor Cosmo Jarvis during the production of THE UPRISING, a Focus Features release. Credit: Betina La Plante/Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

(L to R) Director Paul Greengrass and actor Cosmo Jarvis during the production of THE UPRISING, a Focus Features release. Credit: Betina La Plante/Focus Features. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

JAWS EXPLORED Looks At Steven Spielberg’s Classic In New Documentary

JAWS has been a part of the film lexicon since 1975 when the original Summer blockbuster swam into theaters the weekend of June 20.

Considered a masterpiece in filmmaking, JAWS won 3 Oscars including Best Score, Best Editing and Best Sound plus it was nominated for Best Picture.

There are plenty of books, articles and documentaries on the film that had people afraid to go into the ocean the summer of 1975. One of the most recent docs is Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story.

My favorite film of all-time, WAMG has covered extensively the celebration of the movie, from the  JAWS: The Exhibition, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the movie at the  Academy of Motion Pictures Museum in Los Angeles, to the JAWS IN CONCERT At The Hollywood Bowl, to the release of a LEGO set.

From the 45th Anniversary: “June 20, 1975 Opening night and I was a 9 year old kid sitting in the theater on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington, CT and scared shitless by what would later become my favorite film of all time. (Hey, that’s how we rolled in my house). After that evening, I became very wary of going down to the shore. 35 years later my love affair with the film is ever passionate.”

From toys, to shoes, to books, Steven Spielberg’s movie has taken on a life of it’s own in the past 50 years.

Now comes another documentary on the film.  Landing in Summer 2027 – an ‘exploration’ of the greatest film of all time by the best minds in film.

July 15, 2026, sees the launch of a groundbreaking new documentary experience from CREATORVC — the award-winning production team behind the critically acclaimed documentary series In Search of Darkness, Aliens Expanded and The Thing Expanded. Setting sail with Spielberg’s classic from 1975, Jaws Explored will take fans and cinephiles on an immersive journey beneath the surface of one of Hollywood’s greatest films. Pre-orders are available exclusively at www.jawsexplored.com from July 15th through August 9th, 2026.

Written and directed by Ian Nathan (Aliens Expanded, The Thing Expanded) and produced by CREATORVC — Jaws Explored will guide viewers through Spielberg’s film moment by precious moment. What will also make the EXPLORED format unique are the fresh perspectives from acclaimed filmmakers, critics, and experts, deepening our relationship with the film. 

Jaws has been well served by traditional ‘making-ofs’ and a dedicated fandom over the past 50 years. With a brand new way of looking at the film, this latest documentary dives into influences, decades of appreciation, obsession, and the film’s cultural impact. The result will be an immersive celebration of a genre masterpiece that transcends cinema itself — not what happened but why Jaws still holds onto us and refuses to let go.

Jaws Explored will be made with an ongoing consultation with the worldwide Jaws community. At its core, the ethos of CREATORVC remains: a documentary made by fans, driven by fans, on a subject adored by fans. 

Jaws is a perfect film. Now find out why…

“There is something insanely ambitious about Jaws Explored and I wouldn’t want it any other way. This is a documentary attempting the impossible — to reintroduce you to a lifelong friend. To transform your very understanding of Spielberg’s masterpiece. This is not simply a documentary about Jaws, this is an entirely new way of exploring film. What a challenge. What a thrill. I am so excited to be onboard. Time to cast off and head for the deep water.”
— Ian Nathan, Writer-director

“Jaws Explored represents a bold new documentary format, one that will deepen the relationship between the most passionate fans of Jaws and the film itself. We’re going deeper than ever before, redefining what this movie is and seeing it through an entirely new lens, guided by some of the most talented filmmakers and experts in the world. I couldn’t be more excited about this project. I believe it will be something truly special.”
— Robin Block, Founder, CREATORVC