In EPIC Odysseus is a competent leader, sure, but he's also kind of a sassy little shit that gets into trouble because of his ego and compassion. That humanity is stripped outcome by outcome. His hubris becomes his undoing and his cunning nature is turned on his own people.

In contrast, Damons Odysseus seems like a kind and competent leader but none of that wit is there. At times it genuinely feels like he does things JUST because it's a plot point in the original story. Regret and compassion seems true to his character but trickery? Not at all.

Zendaya had an interesting take on Athena but as a god who is supposed to be all about warfare she seems like she's really hung up on one mistake and hangs around like a Tulpa. Contrast to the literal presence who was more violence driven and just as petty as you would expect a greek god to be.

Speaking of Mythology. Wow there was a lack of it. I understand what Nolan was going for. De-mythologizing the movie and focusing more on the human perspective. But they did NOT want to show any gods and mythological creatures were basically just animals until they weren't to drive the plot forward.

I felt Polyphemus and Circe in EPIC are both crucial to characterizing Odysseus. His humanity and cunning are his greatest strengths and weaknesses. The Cyclops and the Witch challenge his and his men's' sense of glory and entitlement and his reactions are what dooms and saves them.

In Odyssey these monsters are almost inconsequential. The Cyclops acts like a beast with zero semblance of compassion for even the flock he watches. So it makes no sense for him to taunt it. And with the Witch he just goes "Pretty please" instead of having this moment that counters her mantra.

AND SPEAKING of MONSTERS. Gigi's portrayal of Scylla is PERFECT to the theming.

A monster that has to pretend to be human to survive mirrors Odysseus and his learning to lose his humanity to get home. Not only is his betrayal so poignant, but he clearly learns from her in his final confrontation.

Matt Damons' betrayal seems really clunky. Are you following the prophecy or going against it? The movie portrays his men dying as results of their failed loyalty. When they get to Scylla he just ducks instead of the "Light 6 torches" which spells out that his sacrifice was way more telegraphed.

Also I'm sorry. Nolan you're a coward for how you did the sirens.

Also I will say this. The Elliot Paige issue was such a nothing burger. In fact, ironically, the casting it helped to frame Antinous cowardice. But I still preferred EPICs take on Antinuous who doesn't seem like he's only doing it for the throne. Also god I'm a sucker for contrapuntal duets.

I do like that Odyssey focused more on Telemachus and Penelope dealing with Odysseus' absence. Penelope is perfectly frustrated and hate filled even to her son because she seems backed into a wall. Him proving himself as this clear scrawny character compared to the others was great to see.