Movie Reviews 2026: The Odyssey, The Invite, Power Ballad

Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2026 – your epic guide to film.

And this week epic is the key word, because Christopher Nolan’s mammoth movie, The Odyssey docks into cinemas. The picture – based on Homer’s ancient Greek story of the same name – is touted as one of the biggest releases of the summer, and clocking in at close to three hours in length it certainly seems to be one of the lengthiest.

Will it prove to be a journey for the ages or a complete bum-numb-a-thon? You’ll have to read on to find out.

Also in the spotlight this week, George Orwell’s classic story, Animal Farm is adapted for the big screen (again), and Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton star in The Invite. Plus, Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas team up for the drama-comedy, Power Ballad, which is now available for home viewing.

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In cinemas…

The Invite (2026)

First up this week it’s off to the cinema for the farcical comedy, The Invite. Directed by Olivia Wilde, and based on the 2020 Spanish film, The People Upstairs (aka Sentimental), the film stars Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, and tells the story of a couple who invite their sex-positive neighbours over for drinks, nibbles, and maybe a little bit more.

In the movie, Joe arrives home to discover his wife, Angela has invited their neighbours Pína and Hawk over for the evening. Angela has arranged a small buffet, has bought a new rug, and is keen to impress.

Joe is less than happy about the situation. He isn’t in the mood for company, and he’s not a fan of Pína and Hawk, who he claims make a great deal of noise every night while having sex.

As Joe and Angela get into an argument about the impending social gathering, Pína and Hawk arrive at the door. What follows is an uncomfortable, eye-opening, revealing series of conversations about sex and intimacy, which all lead to the possibility of an orgy between the four. 

To say The Invite is a journey is an understatement. It’s a complete rollercoaster ride of comedy, emotion, understanding, acceptance, and denial.

On the one hand, it’s a film about a couple who may or may not be ready to embark on sex with the neighbours. On the other hand, it’s a film about an existing relationship which is running out of steam, and could be nearing the end of its life.

But to get to any of these potential outcomes there is a lot of discussion and a great deal of laughs first. And if there is one thing The Invite does well, it is comedy.

The chuckles start early and they keep on coming. Whether it’s a small titter, or a proper belly laugh, the level of comedy is high and it is consistent.

There are gags about rugs, about wine, about a bad back, about swinging, and everything in between. There is also much humour to be mined from the idea that maybe both Joe and Angela really want to have sex with Pína and Hawk, they just can’t bring themselves to say it.

But The Invite isn’t just about the laughs. Peel back all of the titters and guffaws, and what’s at the heart of this movie is a tale about a couple who have stopped communicating and who have reached an impasse in their relationship.

The sex ain’t working, the conversations aren’t going anywhere, neither one feels seen, and at times they are becoming strangers to each other. In a few years from now, their daughter will move away, and then they will have even less reason to remain in each other’s company.

So, when the possibility of sex with another couple is presented, it is an intriguing prospect at this point in their relationship, but also a threat to the status quo. They both seem game, but neither will openly admit it, through fear of opening a door which can’t be closed, and there is the very distinct possibility a quickie with the neighbours could be the straw which breaks the camel’s back.

And this gets to the crux of the matter. Whether they should or shouldn’t engage in an orgy is irrelevant; it’s their inability to communicate their desires which is the sticking point.

The relationship has hit a rut because they aren’t being open and honest. If they want to have sex or if they don’t want to have sex, the only way either of them will know is if they actually say it out loud.

But they just can’t seem to say it. Instead, they spend a great deal of time beating around the bush, so to speak.

Wilde, as director manages to capture this element of the story marvellously, as do screenplay writers Will McCormack and Rashida Jones. This film could just be about a couple who may have sex with a pair of swingers, but instead it’s actually about so much more.

While the farcical nature of the premise and the sheer amount of laughs are arguably the main selling points of The Invite, there is a very interesting and insightful narrative on offer. One which unpicks the simmering problems in a long-term relationship, while also dealing with the hemming and hawing that comes when a couple decide to open things up without really communicating with each other first.

And communication is key. The Invite demonstrates quite clearly that without communication there will be no orgy, no twosome, and probably no relationship.

Should you wish to take a look at The Invite, the movie is now playing in UK and US cinemas.

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In cinemas…

Animal Farm (2025)

Continuing with the cinema for this next movie, which is the animated children’s film, Animal Farm. Directed by Andy Serkis, and loosely based on George Orwell’s novella of the same name, the movie features the voice talents of… *Takes deep breath* …Seth Rogen, Gaten Matarazzo, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Laverne Cox, Kieran Culkin, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Iman Vellani, and Kathleen Turner.

As for the story, when all the animals on Farmer Jones’ farm are set to be sold to a slaughterhouse, they decide to rebel against the humans and drive them from the farm. From here the animals set up their own society, introducing various laws to stop them from becoming the humans they have grown to dislike.

Released in the US and Canada back in May, where it promptly bombed at the box office, Animal Farm makes its way to the UK just in time for the school holidays. The movie is presumably hoping to court interest from young audiences who aren’t all that bothered about Minions & Monsters or Moana, and well, best of luck with that.

This adaptation of Animal Farm is not particularly likeable, nor is it particularly strong. The bones of Animal Farm are there, including discussions about authoritarianism, but the core themes and messages tend to get lost amongst all the high-profile voice casting, and the baffling need to inject a funky soundtrack into proceedings.

It also doesn’t help that the animation is nothing amazing. It’s passable, but for the most part it looks like something put out about 20 years ago.

The biggest problem with Animal Farm is that it seems to want to be a Disney clone, rather than an original or inspiring take on the classic book. And the closest it actually gets to being a Disney movie is that it shares a passing resemblance to Chicken Little – one of the shit movies from the Mouse House’s back catalogue.

Orwell’s tale could have been turned into something special, and yet the focus here seems to be on making things look cutesy – which is in direct opposition with the dark story being told. It’s a tonal mishmash, which is unlikely to appeal to kids, and adults will loose interest pretty quickly too.

Don’t expect this one to stick around in UK cinemas for long, or for it to make much impact. However, if you really want to check it out, Animal Farm is on general release now.

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Now streaming…

Power Ballad (2026)

Over to streaming now for the digital release of drama-comedy, Power Ballad. Directed and co-written by John Carney, and starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, the movie follows the story of a wedding singer who seeks recognition for his music.

In the movie, Rick Power is an aging American rock musician living in Ireland. Back in the day, Rick wrote and sang his own music in an up and coming group, but these days he fronts a wedding band named The Bride & Groove, where he plays cover songs to drunk audiences who are only interested in the big pop hits of the past.

One day, while singing at a wedding, Rick agrees to let one of the guests get up on stage to join him on a track. The guest is US boy band star, Danny Wilson, who is in town for his friend’s wedding, but is also on the cusp of launching a solo career.

Rick and Danny hit it off, and later that evening during a jamming session, Rick gives Danny some tips and advice. He also shares some of his music, to help push Danny into a better direction with his tunes.

A short while later, Danny releases his first solo song. The track is one of Rick’s original tunes, but Danny doesn’t give Rick any credit.

Rick believes Danny is a decent guy, and that this is a simple mistake. Problem is, Rick can’t get hold of Danny, Danny’s team refute Rick’s claim, and not a single person – not even Rick’s wife and daughter – recall him ever writing the song.

Can Rick get in touch with Danny and prove to the world he is a great songwriter? Or is he destined to watch his lifelong dream evaporate before his eyes?

With excellent performances from Rudd and Jonas, slick direction from John Carney, and a compelling script from Carney and co-writer Peter McDonald, Power Ballad is a captivating, touching, and truly inspiring movie. It’s a film about one man pursuing his dream of ‘making it’, despite everything that life throws at him, and every obstacle he has to overcome.

Whether it’s the central hook of the film, about the stolen song, or it’s the constant pushbacks he receives from family and friends who don’t quite see his potential, Rick is fighting an uphill battle. There’s a sense that in another lifetime he could have been a superstar if only he had the right opportunity, but like many great singers he just didn’t get the break he needed.

When Danny capitalises on his song, this could be the answer Rick has been searching for, even if doesn’t lead to anything more than a one-off payout. But not getting the money, the recognition, or any acknowledgment whatsoever is the real kicker here, which could completely destroy him – and it almost does. 

There are moments in Power Ballad where Rick is pushed to the edge, and the film perfectly captures the sense of what it is like to feel desperate and hopeless. Being a good person is something everyone should aspire to be (take note, readers) but it does suck when you’re a good person and you constantly get screwed over.

The important thing – and the clear message in Power Ballad – is to remain true to yourself and to carry on regardless. If you fall down you pick yourself back up and keep going, because being a better person is the most important thing of all.

What’s perhaps most surprising about Power Ballad is that the story focuses on a man in his 50s still chasing his dream. These days, this sort of story would generally skew younger and maybe even centre around a content creator, but no, Power Ballad aims in a different direction.

This is a smart move, as the film uses Rick’s age, his experiences, and his mindset to tell an effective story. At the same time, it is also able to highlight a few issues which have creeped into the younger generation, including the inability at times to focus on anyone but themselves.

So, not only is this film a reminder to be true to who you are, but also to pay attention to those around you who are working hard. It’s really easy for everyone to zero in on personal trials and tribulations, but we must all keep an eye on those around us too.

Power Ballad played briefly in cinemas at the beginning of the summer but sadly didn’t stick around for too long, largely due to stiff competition from various tentpole releases. It also didn’t have the marketing budget to make enough people aware of its presence, so you may not be familiar with it at all.

But now that it is available for home viewing, hopefully it’ll find its audience. This is a fab movie, and one with arguably one of Rudd’s strongest performances, so do check it out.

Power Ballad is now available to rent or buy on all the major video-on-demand platforms.

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In cinemas…

The Odyssey (2026)

And finally, back to the cinema for the epic fantasy, The Odyssey. Directed by Christopher Nolan, and based on the ancient works of Homer, The Odyssey stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, and Himesh Patel.

As for the story, legendary Greek king of Ithaca, Odysseus, embarks on a long and perilous journey home, following a lengthy period away at war. Meanwhile, with Odysseus gone, several suitors attempt to court his wife, Penelope, so they can seize the throne.

Will they manage to usurp Penelope or her son, Telemachus to take the kingdom? Or will Odysseus make it back, even when faced with a treacherous journey which includes sirens and a cyclops?

If you have ever watched Xena: Warrior Princess, Ulysses 31, or O Brother, Where Art Thou?, or you actually paid attention at school, you’ll probably be somewhat familiar with the general gist of The Odyssey. The Greek epic is one which has been told and re-told in some form or another over the years, and there can’t be many who haven’t come across aspects of the tale before, even if they aren’t entirely aware of it.

Yet, to date, no one has put The Odyssey on screen in such a way that it has become must-see viewing. Well, no one except Christopher Nolan that is.

As is to be expected, Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey is first class, first rate, and arguably the first thing you should watch when you get the chance. Go for the excellent direction from Nolan, and stay for the A-list cast, the exquisite cinematography from Hoyte van Hoytema, and of course, all that wonderful Greek mythology.

Sirens, a cyclops, a witch, a monster, a vengeful god, fierce warriors, and a ruddy big wooden horse – they are all here! There’s also a climactic challenge from Penelope. 

It is all gloriously realised, with a story which weaves in and out, and never loses momentum. And then there is a cast who are fully committed and at the top of their game.

No one is on autopilot in this movie; not a single actor. Nolan has assembled a superb cast who give it their all and then some.

And when it comes to the main players, it’s a strong ensemble who have all featured in notable movies this year. Matt Damon in The Rip, Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada 2, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in The Drama, and Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal in the imminent Spider-Man: Brand New Day. 

With this cast Nolan has chosen well. But then, that shouldn’t come as any surprise as he always makes strong choices and it is shows with every line of dialogue, every camera movement, and every meticulously planed scene, which often finds ways to ground the fantasy.

Take the cyclops sequence, which comes early into the movie and is not only a fairly creepy and terrifying scene, but also one of the most effective in the entire movie. Here is this lumbering, towering creature, who is happy to gobble down on humans and looks like something from Fantastic Planet (1973), and yet the majority of the suspense, tension, and horror comes from the use of lighting, sound, and space to convey the terror.

Likewise, a scene involving the witch Circe, played brilliantly by Samantha Morton, is deliciously dark and unnerving, yet it is kept very simple. The scene includes a twisted transformation, but rather than delve into overblown CGI and distracting visuals, Nolan utilises quick cuts and unsettling noises to convey what is happening.

As with all of Nolan’s work, he doesn’t over explain, nor does he spoon feed the audience. He keeps things lean, giving each scene just enough sauce to make it work, and then he lets the actors deliver their magic.

The result is something truly remarkable. We’ve seen it with many of his movies, The Dark Knight, Inception, etc and he does it once again with The Odyssey.

It feels like a cliché to say they don’t make movies like this anymore, but it’s actually true. Films like The Odyssey are few and far between, and they certainly don’t have the same scope and scale, or this level of detail.

The hard work that has gone into this picture speaks for itself. It’s an epic in every sense of the word, from its casting and its visuals through to its (almost) three hour run time.

Yes, we know this is what we will get from Nolan, but we shouldn’t take it for granted. The Odyssey could have easily become an overblown production, or a journey to the screen which could have proved too much for Odysseus himself, and yet it’s actually one of the best movies of the summer.

Expect this one to do very well, especially with IMAX screenings. But however you see it, be sure to check it out.

The Odyssey is now playing in cinemas. 

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Recent Releases

Not quite done yet? Want more movies? The above suggestions aren’t enough?! Well, here’s what’s also doing the rounds:

Moana (2026)

“This live-action version of Moana doesn’t need to exist, but neither do all the pointless updates to my phone, and yet we live in a world where they do so we roll with the punches.”

Evil Dead Burn (2026)

“Evil Dead Burn isn’t awful, but it’s not the runaway hit that 2023’s Evil Dead Rise was either. It’s an uneven offering, which works as a grim horror, but does fall short when compared to what has come before.”

Exit 8 (2026)

“Based on a 2023 indie game, Exit 8 is a simple, yet effective little horror. It takes the relatable fear of getting lost, wraps it around a dream-like narrative, and injects occasional creepy sounds and visuals to keep the audience nervous and unsettled.”

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Movies of the Week

Onto Movie(s) of the Week and this week the prestigious title is going to two movies: Power Ballad and The Odyssey. Paul Rudd gives a superb performance in the former, while in the latter Christopher Nolan works his magic to deliver an epic adventure.

If you like Power Ballad, then you may also like:

• Once (2007) – An Irish busker and a Czech musician bond over their love of music in this romantic musical drama from John Carney.
• Begin Again (2013) – John Carney directs this drama-comedy about a singer-songwriter who is discovered by a struggling record label executive.
• I Love You, Man (2009) – Paul Rudd stars in this romantic comedy about a friendless man who goes on a series of man-dates to find a Best Man for his wedding.

And if you like The Odyssey, then you may also wish to take a look at:

• Clash of the Titans (1981) – Desmond Davis directs this epic Greek myths fantasy-adventure, which sees Perseus embark on a quest to capture the head of Medusa and defeat the mighty Kraken.
• Troy (2004) – Loosely based on Homer’s Iliad, Troy is director Wolfgang Petersen’s epic action-adventure about the Greek Trojan War.
• 300 (2006) – Zack Snyder directs this comic book fantasy about a king who leads 300 Spartans into battle.

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Forthcoming attractions

And that’s it for another week, but coming soon Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Ice Cream Man, and The End of Oak Street. Plus, there’s supernatural shenanigans in Insidious: Out of the Further; there’s raucous comedy in Spa Weekend; and there’s legal nonsense in live-action/animated hybrid, Coyote vs. Acme.

Alex 

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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this edition of Movie Reviews 2026. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.