Review of Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) by Akiko A — 04 Mar 2014

This is the first movie based on the first book of the Percy Jackson series. I thought this movie captured the spirit of the book very nicely. I know Percy in the book is much younger, but once you watch Logan Lerman as Percy, he feels like he is Percy.

In the opening of the movie Zeus and Poseidon meet at the top of the Empire State building which is a portal to Olympus through an elevator. Zeus accuses Poseidon's demigod son of stealing the lightning bolt.

Poseidon defends Percy by telling Zeus that Percy has no idea he is a demigod. One day at school a Fury (posing as his substitute teacher) attacks Percy at school and his Latin teacher and best friend help scare off Fury.

Percy is in shock. His Latin teacher gives him a pen and tells him to use it. Percy is baffled (till one day he discovers it is a sword.) When Percy gets home, he confronts his mother as she tries to explain his origins.

Percy's friend and Latin teacher tell him he must go to Camp Half Blood where he will be protected...and thus the Percy's adventure begins. I thought Chris Columbus made a cute family film. My favorite scene is on the rooftop when Percy uses his power to control a huge wave of water.

..I think if you are a fan of mythology this is the movie for you, and if you like a cute family film.