The Bodyguard 2 

Ever since Christopher Nolan announced “The Odyssey” as his follow-up to “Oppenheimer,” anticipation has been immense. That excitement was briefly overshadowed by online outrage over several casting decisions, much of it fueled by misinformation about who actors like Elliot Page and Lupita Nyong’o were actually playing. Once the lights go down, however, those culture-war debates quickly fade away. What remains is one of the most breathtaking cinematic spectacles of Nolan's career.

Instead, filmgoers should see this movie. It is a true Hollywood spectacle worthy of the biggest screen possible. As I watched the film unfold over its nearly three-hour runtime, I spent much of it staring at the screen in genuine awe at the stunning set pieces, costuming and lush production design of how Nolan, perhaps the most daring filmmaker working today, pulled off some of these impressive feats.

At a reported $250 million, expectations were understandably enormous. Yet productions of this scale don't guarantee greatness. There are only a handful of directors working today with the technical ambition and creative authority to make a film this sprawling feel so cohesive.

Every dollar of its massive budget is visible on screen.