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Rating: 3 out of 5
I know I have said this before, but one of my all-time favorite time periods is learning about the Greek Gods. I love Greek mythology and hearing about all the powerful gods and the heroes involved. Who hasn’t watched the old-school TV show like Hercules and the Legendary Journey or even Xena: The Warrior Princess? My favorite will still be the God of War series with Kratos. That game will introduce you to many of the Greek gods and heroes in an extremely violent way. This time around, Rick Riordan introduces more Greek god stories with Percy Jackson & the Olympians. The book series follows the entire story of Percy Jackson, a boy set in modern times who discovers he is a demigod. Directed by Chris Columbus, Percey Jackson, and the Lightning Thief is the first book in the series about the mighty new demigod.
The film begins with Poseidon (McKidd), the Greek God of the Seas, being summoned by his brother, Zeus (Bean), the King of the Greek Gods, to the top of the Empire State Building. After years or even centuries of seeing each other, Zeus asks Poseidon to look to the sky. Poseidon notes heavy thunderclouds, which in turn Zeus points out there is no lightning. Zeus proclaims that his master bolt, which gives him control over lightning, has been stolen. Zeus accuses Poseidon’s demigod son, Percy Jackson(Lerman), of stealing his master lightning bolt. Poseidon tries to plead with Zeus that Percy is unaware of his true identity. Not wanting to hear excuses, Zeus declares that unless the bolt is returned to Mount Olympus before midnight in two weeks, he will bring war between all the gods.
Meanwhile, Sixteen-year-old Percy struggles with dyslexia and ADHD. Even with these struggles, he seems to have a unique ability to stay underwater. While on a school trip, Percy is attacked by a Fury disguised as his substitute teacher and demands the lightning bolt. Percy’s best friend Grover Underwood (Jackson) and his Latin teacher Mr. Brunner (Brosnan), help scare off the fury and proclaim that Percy is unsafe. Mr. Brunner gives Percy a pen which he states is a mighty weapon. Hey, the pen is mightier than the sword. Mr. Brunner instructs Grover to take Percy and his mother Sally (Keener) to Camp Half-Blood. On their way to the camp, the group is attacked by a Minotaur and vanishes before Percy can help her. Distraught, Percy learns that he is the son of Poseidon, Mr. Brunner is a centaur, and Grover is a satyr. Freakin mind blown stuff right there. In the camp, he befriends the strong and fierce Annabeth (Daddario), daughter of Athena. As Percy learns about his powers, the camp is attacked by Hades (Coogan) and has captured Percy’s mother in the Underworld. To save his mother and find the lightning bolt, Percy and his friends travel across the United States, but before they leave, Luke (Abel), the son of Hermes, gives them a powerful for their own protection. Percy soon finds out that many of the creatures from the stories he has read about are about to attack him for the famous lightning bolt throughout his journey.
Most people didn’t like this movie. I, on the other hand, thought this was a pretty good story. I absolutely love Greek mythology. I find it fascinating and enjoyable to read and hear all the stories. Even though this film is much older, have you ever played the God of War games? Those games are AWESOME! Sorry, a slight detour, but let’s get back to this review. For one, it came from a book, but I feel like it is a great way for people or even kids to get a small, small, small introduction to the subject.
Let’s be real. Does the movie have many questions that you cant understand? Yes. For example. The Greek Gods rule the world still and are about to go to war with each other, but they live in NYC, and Mount Olympus is at the top of the Empire State Building. Where did that one come from? Most of the adventure takes place all over the United States, like fighting a Hydra in Nashville of all places and then going all the way to Vegas to get another stone, followed by Hollywood. That is a trip and a half. Didn’t know all the Greek mythology people moved to America. Also, what was Medusa’s job? Did she sell statues or what because she seemed out of place? Also, Hades was a rocker. Actually, that makes sense to me. Also, and the biggest question. Where the hell do you keep your lightning bolt, Zeus? Don’t you just produce it, and you throw it. Also, how in the name of Kratos do you lose your lightning bolt in the first place? Seriously! Did you just leave it lying around your office or just so wasted that you forgot where you put it? I need these types of answers. Also, how did Percy’s mom and Poseidon meet? Was she on a boat, and did he swim up and go, “Hey girl! You looking fine as ever, and I am the Greek god Poseidon here in NYC. You want to hook up?”
Now, I want to discuss something that Chiron said in the film that made NO sense to me. When Chiron talked to Percy, he said that a child to be sired by one of the “big three” Greek gods (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) is exceptionally rare. REALLY CHIRON?!?! Are you sure about that? Are you really, really positive by that quote? Zeus couldn’t keep his willy in his pants. Dude had more children than anyone I know. Why do you think Hera was always pissed because he kept producing children with other women. If he has been around forever and it’s the present day, I think the dude might have other children. Might need to rethink that statement.
Now, I found this movie actually entertaining. I think it had a nice pace of action in a quest to find the legendary missing weapon. Also, it was nice to see a Greek mythology film set in the present. One of my favorite scenes was when Percy, Grover, and Annabeth go to Vegas, and they party it up. You know the party is going to be good when Lady Gaga’s Poker Face is playing. I found it nice that the actual casino is where the lotus-eaters are, and people lose all sense of time. I also thought the underworld scene was great. Hades had this rock star vibe to him, but I really liked this scene because you see that Persephone can’t stand her husband. If you know about their story, you would understand why she messed him up.
I like the characters in this film. Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson was a great choice to me. Dude always looked like he rolled out of bed and his hair never saw a comb. Sometimes I thought he was a little cocky when he fought because he was a might demigod, but overall I thought he did a good job. Brandon T. Jackson as Grover Underwood was a delight to watch. He is funny and definitely did a good job serving as the comic relief in the film. Then there is the beautiful Alexandra Daddario as Annabeth Chase. Honestly, homegirl’s blue eyes are absolute perfection. I love how she was the strong character that could whip anyone’s ass.
As far as the supporting cast goes, Sean Bean plays Zeus, which is a great choice because he has that godly present about him. Steve Coogan is freakin Hades. I thought this was a hilarious take on a god that deals with the dead because he is a rock star. The beautiful Rosario Dawson is Persephone. Uma freakin Thurman is Medusa, and I thought she was funny and devious as the gorgon. Pierce Brosnan is Chiron, who is the all-wise centaur/teacher of many Greek heroes. Finally, there Catherine Keener as Sally Jackson, Percy’s mother, and Joe Pantoliano as Gabe Ugliano, Percy’s stepfather.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief isn’t the greatest movie out there, but it is entertaining and a nice little movie that has many elements of Greek mythology. The cast does its job, and there are many fun scenes that will make you laugh, and then there are a few others that will make you go, “oh, didn’t see that coming.” I will say just add this movie to when you feel like doing a Greek mythology marathon.
