Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The LIghtning Thief

4 stars

Rating: PG
Stars: Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson and Alexandra Daddario

Underdog Percy Jackson is the only one who can prevent an epic war between the gods.

What's the story?
Percy Jackson (Lerman) seems to have every possible odd stacked against him: he's forced to go to a school for "troubled” kids, he's both dyslexic and ADHD, and he's hated by his teachers, peers and his stepfather. One day he goes on a field trip and finds out that he's been accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt - yes, that Zeus. Up until then, Percy has had no idea there is a world living parallel to the mundane one he lives in. Soon, Percy finds himself at Camp Half-Blood, a place for kids with a parent as a god, where he embarks on a quest to catch the real lightning thief and rescue his kidnapped mom.

Why see it?
This story speaks to the underdog in all of us. It's a classic Harry Potter type of story about self-discovery and kicking butt, with no shortage of fantastic one-liners, detours and - to be completely honest - gorgeous Greek Gods’ great bodies. The special effects are great and the story definitely steps outside the typical movie box, while keeping the action and comedy we all want in a movie. Percy Jackson and the Olympians will appeal to almost any crowd, so it's a great movie to take your younger brother or sister to - you won't be bored.

Problems?
Die-hard fans of the book series by Rick Riordan may feel disappointment similar to what was felt after the first Twilight movie came out. Though much of the plotline doesn't stick to the book, it's a fun movie to enjoy and abuse as you leave the theatre. The movie changes many of the characters from their quirky original selves to more Hollywood-friendly personalities and throws in jokes more mature than we would expect from a movie seemingly geared towards 11-year-old boys.

All in all:
A movie that is worthy of your Saturday afternoon.