Join me in recapping a week defined by the huge blockbuster The Odyssey releasing in UK cinemas, and the severe Americanisation of this year's FIFA World Cup, alongside La La Land preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
The Odyssey debuts with monstrous opening numbers
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has spent just over a week in UK cinemas, and it is safe to say that the film has more than exceeded the expectations of cinema fans - most apparently shown in its insane opening weekend box-office numbers. Globally, the film generated £196 million, with its second weekend expected to rake in as much as $84 million (£63 million), with the film's economic momentum only slipping by around 32% overall - an astounding achievement for a film this size.
As an avid film fan myself, I too ventured to the cinema to watch the film in 'XPlus' at Showcase Cinemas, experiencing the thrill of Nolan's creation on a gigantic 64.5 feet wide screen. Nolan navigates the watchers through an aesthetically beautiful, emotionally-compelling adventure where Telemachus (Tom Holland) attempts to find his father Odysseus (Matt Damon) in order to save his mother Penelope (Anne Hathaway) from remarriage, and giving away the throne, threatened by Antinuous (Robert Pattinson).
Adapted from Homer's epic ancient poems, Nolan has created a beast for the big screen, and it is without a doubt one of the most visually pleasing films I have ever watched, albeit a tad lengthy but thoroughly entertaining and action-packed that the time absolutely flies by when in the cinema. If you are yet to watch this soon-to-be classic, definitely make sure you view it before it leaves the cinema! For now, we will just have to wait and see what nominations this gargantuan film ends up garnering, as I am sure that the Oscars will appreciate this film for its incredible cinematography and accuracy in its adaptation.
For more information detailing the background of The Odyssey, check out my blog from last week!
Post courtesy of @theodysseymovie on Instagram
The first ever World Cup half-time show... might be the last ever one
Last Sunday saw the introduction of the FIFA World Cup's first ever half-time show, courtesy of the USA, Mexico, and Canada hosting the tournament. Half-time shows are notoriously popular in American culture, with the Superbowl Half-Time show as a part of American football boasting prestigious artists from across the globe each year, with this year's being Bad Bunny. However, this does not necessarily mean this aspect of American culture is necessary to inject into such a notorious sporting event, just because of its host's wishes.
Prior to the event, the line-up revealed that Madonna, Shakira and Burna Boy, BTS, Justin Bieber, Gustavo Dudamel, and PS22 Chorus (featuring Coldplay) would be taking the stage - promoting a promising show for pop culture fans from all corners of the globe.
Madonna opened up the show, arriving in a buggy singing her song 'Music' from the album of the same name, mixed with aspects of her newly emerging hit 'Danceteria' from Confessions II. Right from the start, the recording of the performance seemed artificial and adorned with a filter - typical of the superficiality of American half-time shows.
A segment with some characters from the Muppets shortly followed, with the camera then panning to Korean-pop boy band BTS to perform their viral hit 'Dynamite', solidifying themselves as one of the highlights of the show due to the song's catchy tune, accompanied by fireworks in the background.
Justin Bieber's following performance was a stripped down version of 'Hallelujah', made recently popular through TikTok, yet this version did nothing for the half-time show but slow it down and add to its randomness.
Shakira and Burna Boy's performance of their FIFA hit 'Dai Dai' was also a great upbeat addition to the show, with Coldplay closing it out preaching the necessity of love amongst the world's turmoil right now - an important message for all involved, and not involved, in this year's World Cup.
The performances themselves weren't the issue that many fans were highlighting, but rather the unnecessary addition of a half-time show in the first place, as well as the severe Americanisation of the half-time show in general - in addition to football fans criticising the length of the break itself, at an astounding 26 minutes long altogether, greatly breaking up the flow of the game.
Veteran for the England squad Wayne Rooney was avid to voice his opinion on the ordeal, deeming it as "crap", which definitely reinforces many attitudes towards the show, and if it should have a recurring place in the world of football. What are your thoughts on the show?
Post courtesy of @tsn_official and @muchofficial on Instagram
La La Land and La La 'Hand'
The 2016 blockbuster musical La La Land is set to return to UK cinemas this August to celebrate it's ten year anniversary, following an Instagram post by the official account.
The iconic film, featuring Ryan Gosling as Sebastian and Emma Stone as Mia was nominated for fourteen Oscars in total, receiving six in total (following the notorious dispute over best picture against Moonlight).
What is most significant about the announcement of the celebration of the film's tenth birthday is the changes to its poster - where Ryan Gosling's hand has been changed, following his anger about the crookedness of his hand compared to that of Emma Stone. This comedic change has been known to fans as La La 'Hand', and it is funny to see the acknowledgement of this incident by the studio itself.
If you are yet to see the film, definitely make sure to see it this August as it is undoubtedly in my top ten films of all time - and it is showing in cinemas for as cheap as £5.99!
Video courtesy of Lionsgate Movies on Youtube
In other pop culture news...
- Sydney Sweeney, known for her acting in Euphoria, was rumoured to be pregnant, but these rumours have been debunked. Sweeney is in a relationship with American businessman Scooter Braun, known for his conflict with Taylor Swift.
- Charli xcx released Music, Fashion, Film', with our full review to be released early next week - keep an eye out!
It has certainly been an exciting week for film fans, and perhaps a controversial week for new additions to the World Cup, but overall its been a pretty positive week for pop culture! Join me next week for further updates...
Cover image courtesy of Wikipedia under public domain licenses
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