Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Movie Review

The ancient, fabled and legendary Olympians come back to life in Chris Columbus’s amazing and classy latest feature film, entitled ‘Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief’ that has been adapted from Rick Riordan’s similarly titled novel.

The central idea, or rather the mystery that charts the direction of the movie is that Zeus’s lightning bolt has been stolen. It is the most powerful bolt, and weapon, that any god can acquire. And all fingers point towards Percy Jackson, a young boy suffering from ADHD and dyslexia who happens to be the offspring of Poseidon, the god of the seas.

The plot thickens thereafter. For a start, Percy knows not of his godly powers, and of course, he knows he didn’t steal the lightning bolt. So, there is someone out there who is bent on taking advantage of Percy by framing him and making him a scapegoat.

As Percy travels from one place to another along with his two buddies, Annabeth, the daughter of Athena and the jovial Grover, a half-human half-goat, known as a satyr, in a bid to prove his innocence, they have to endure numerous trials and tribulations.

One thing that sets this movie apart from many other movies correlated to the ancient Greek mythology is the way in which it is able to seamlessly condense the mythological gods into the present day modern world. Plus, with the gods having children, it makes the story much more interesting.

Of course, due credit has to be given to Riordan for his brilliant novel on which basis the story is centred, but the good movie graphics and film effects are the brainchild of the director. Furthermore, the way in which the director is able to convey the story in an engaging and appealing manner has to be applauded.

In addition to that, don’t forget the cast. Logan Lerman, who plays Percy, has revelled in his biggest project thus far. He enthuses much life into his character. Alexandra Dodario, whose character is Annabeth, also stars in her biggest assignment prior to this movie while Brandon T.Jackson, who plays Grover, delivers a nonchalant yet sublime performance.

Although the chief characters in the movie are mostly unknown quantities to the world at large, bigger names such as Sean Bean, Uma Thurman and Pierce Brosnan add quality and experience to the line-up of the cast, though they play smaller roles in the movie.

On a separate note, I would say that the movie isn't really an action flick. Instead, it is geared more towards adventure. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if elderly folks don’t quite like this movie, but surely those who are younger will like it.

Certain scenes in the movie, for instance when Percy battles Annabeth in a mock war-like game where she boasts she had never lost before or when they dance to Lady Gaga’s ‘Poker Face’ in Las Vegas while searching for a pearl are my favourite parts of the movie. I also liked the part where they paid a visit to hell!

Unlike many, I hadn’t read the novel nor viewed the trailer before watching this movie. Therefore, I just went into the cinema with a clear head not having a clue on what was going to happen next, which I feel fueled the suspense even more.

On the overall, this is a superb movie that would give you a worthy return for your money. I am sure you would have a good time watching the movie, and if you like it, which I think you would, a sequel that is slated for release in the year 2012 would be awaiting you. 

The Verdict

Overall Rating: 7.5/10