I do agree with the overall tone - removing the greek gods from this story is just inexplicable, and transforming Odysseus polymetis into a leaden American action hero seems a perverse kind of reverse alchemy which only Hollywood would indulge.

> why is Circe randomly giving prophetic advice?

Nitpick: she does in the book give Odysseus a detailed prophecy and instructions to go consult the dead when he leaves her island.

For anyone interested in the original story, the book is available in a few good modern translations and very readable (e.g. Emily Wilson): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey_(Emily_Wilson_translat...

Also I really like Circe as a sympathetic adaption of part of this story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circe_(novel)

Going to see this anyway, but disappointed to hear it attempts to flatten the story in this way.