Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lighting Thief
Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief – Movie Review
Director: Chris Columbus
Writers: Craig Titley (screenplay), Rick Riordan (novel)
Stars: Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Steve Coogan
Action-Adventure
What happens when the mythology of ancient Greece meets 21st century teenagers? A great deal of fun. Why it’s elemental my dear Percy. No, this is not a movie for those seeking serious storytelling. It is not pretentious unless you feel that using the Pantheon of Greek gods as a fulcrum to move an action adventure film along is being pretentious. It even has a few kernels of truth and meaning lightly peppered within. After all young Percy Jackson is bound to travel a hero’s journey with this story being his first step in the path to enlightenment and self-actualization.
There are bonuses. Seeing Pierce Brosnan as a centaur / teacher and trainer of heroes. I mean the man can look sexy at his age even with the body of a horse. Sean Bean looked somewhat uncomfortable in his role-almost as if he was wondering how he had found himself in a movie aimed at the tween market…..oh well Sean, at least it isn’t Twilight. And Uma Thurman was perfectly cast. I don’t think she has had any role that suits her as well as this since the Kill Bill movies. The youngsters are natural although Alexandra Daddario came off as a bit more of a soap star than the two boys.
I am reviewing this based solely on viewing the movie although I am aware that the concept was taken from a book series. Some people may balk at the wholesale use of Greek mythology. To them I would say that all fantasy novels and films have elements from various and sundry mythologies and folklores so I have no problem with the usage in this film. At one point I wanted to shout at the scriptwriter that having a 15 or 16 year old walking through and being entertaining in a Las Vegas casino was something that could never occur till I stopped to realize that the casino was not just a casino and it made perfect sense within the context of the story.
Would I recommend the film to everyone? If you are looking for something like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, then no. Certainly it should be enjoyable for youngsters and families. Adults looking for a 2 hour escape who won’t be disappointed in a film that doesn’t bare close examination should enjoy the movie as well. I suppose we will be seeing sequels. Alvin and the Chipmunks managed very well with a squeequal so why not Percy Jackson and The Olympians?
By June K. Williams
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Always a Science Fiction fan and dabbler in writing she had thought herself too practical to pursue a career in the field. Before coming to Buzzy she spent over 30 years in the travel industry, then one day decided it was time to spread her wings and plunge into publishing. Everyone she knew thought she had gone slightly daft but as this was not the first time they had expressed that opinion she took the red pill anyway and now spends all of her time putting together projects that make each day a pleasure.
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