Andrew McMurtryREVIEW - Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief
Brilliant visuals of Greek mythology hit you right from the opening scene of the new franchise book adaption of Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief. Under the bleak, dark sky of New York’s Empire State Building (of course America is home to the gods), a war is brewing after the world’s most powerful weapon, Zeus’ mighty lightening bolt, is stolen.
Percy (played by Logan Lerman) thinks he is a normal kid with normal problems. But after he discovers he is the son of Poseidon, he is dragged into the world of the gods, accused of being the thief, which strangely doesn’t worry him. His mother is being held hostage in the Underworld by Hades. What follows is the search for the bolt to earn his mothers freedom.
Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief is a brilliant looking film. It is vibrant and bright, yet dark at the same time. It’s such a watchable film because of the brilliant special effects in a light, easy to follow story. It’s probably a bit too scary and intense for little kids but is perfect for teenagers. And despite a few kitschy moments found in a lot of teen movies, it is a great adaption. If only it were a bit more original. It seems to be trying to be the success Harry Potter was. The use of Christopher Columbus (who directed the first two Harry Potter films) makes sure of that. But it looks really good.
Logan Lerman is outstanding as demigod son of Poseidon, Percy. His New Yorker accent and swagger fit the character perfectly as he tries to be a bit edgy yet a loner. He looks to have a huge career ready for him if he continues along his current path. He already shows in this movie he can act the pants off the likes Pierce Brosnan, Catherine Keener, Sean Bean, Uma Thurman, Rosario Dawson and Steve Coogan. And with at least four more book sequels to turn into films, this kid, and the Percy Jackson franchise, will deservedly be around for a while yet.
To tell you the truth I haven’t read the books. I don’t know it has done differently or omitted. That said, I thought it was a pretty good teen movie. There were a few problems though. Pierce Brosnan is the big one. He is awful as the ‘teacher’ centaur. The same is to be said of Uma Thurman as Medusa. These experienced actors just phoned it in. There are also a few story holes, such as the thief’s explanation for stealing the bolt. But there is a lot to like, such as the awesome visual effects and creatures, and good acting from Logan Lerman as well as solid support from those around him.
The Harry Potter comparisons for Percy Jackson were always going to happen. It’s not a bad thing, even though Chris Columbus also directed the worst and first two Harry Potter films. He does a decent job with a good story but you leave still feeling as though he has skipped parts of the story. Hopefully this film will be a success because it seems to be a decent, well written story. It’s a bit ‘Hero Origin Story 101’ with the Heracles-type decent into the Underworld story but it has credibility with Logan Lerman in the lead. I’d give it 3 out 5.
