Odysseus and the Isle of the Mists (2008)

User Rating:

4.8/10   

Director:

Terry Ingram

Writers:

Brook Durham (writer)
Kevin Leeson (additional writing)

Release Date:

12 April 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Sci-Fi

Cast

Arnold Vosloo	...	Odysseus
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mike Antonakos	...	Christos
Steve Bacic	...	Eurylochus
JR Bourne	...	Perimedes
Randal Edwards	...	Homer
Leah Gibson	...	Penelope
Sonya Salomaa	...	Athena
Jeff Sanca	...	Crewman #3
Stefanie von Pfetten	...	Persephone

Also Known As:

Odysseus: Voyage to the Underworld (USA)

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

UK | Romania | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Plinyminor

Enjoyable Sunday afternoon movie for mythology buffs

I stumbled upon this fantasy film by accident and didn't really expect much from it, even though it stars the Mummy legend, Arnold Vosloo, who made an excellent Darkman 2. I was pleasantly surprised.

The premise, about Greek hero Odysseus encountering vampires on a lost island, sounds absurd. The special effects budget was clearly small and there are some scenes when you have to imagine what the heroes are fighting since the camera doesn't show it. However, the whole thing is saved by two factors. Firstly, the writers knew what they were doing. They were obviously familiar with Homer's classic epic, with the protagonist's strengths and weaknesses, and with how people talked and behaved in those mythological times. This helps makes the whole thing plausible. They also didn't waste time on unnecessary plot detours. Further, the story is actually well-crafted and every scene is actually relevant.

Secondly, the cast perform very well. Vosloo, as ever, is charismatic, and delivers his dialogue excellently. Randal Edwards makes a believable Homer and JR Bourne is a courageous Perimedes. All this without any irritating side kicks or distracting contemporary styles of speech.

If you're expecting a modern-day horror film, you'll be disappointed. But if you watch this with some cynicism, if you're familiar with Homer's Odyssey and enjoy a different slant on the vampire myth, this is a perfect Saturday afternoon movie, which may leave you with some interesting thoughts.