Released: February 12, 2010. Director: Chris Columbus. Stars: Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson. Runtime: 118 min.
Since the “Harry Potter” franchise was almost finished, this studio beat the new crowd of Young Adult adaptations. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” headed that crowd.
Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) is an average New York teenager battling with things like anxiety and ADHD. Soon enough, after Zeus’s (Sean Bean) lightning bolt is stolen, he finds out he is the son of Poseidon, god of the Sea. It is assumed that Percy has stolen the Bolt — and he must set out on a quest to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. He won’t be going alone though, as by his side is Annabeth (Alexandria Daddario), daughter of Athena, and his guardian, Grover (Brandon T. Jackson).
“The Lightning Thief” was supposed to be the next Harry Potter, with the same director (Chris Columbus), but it ultimately failed. While it has some of the same visual effects of “HP,” it lacks the fresh magic. It’s not that the primary three “heroes” aren’t likeable, because they are, it’s just that the familiar plot doesn’t have a lot of surprises.
At least it has a great cast (from Sean Bean to Pierce Brosnan to Uma Thurman) to carry the film. But everyone is shoved in there in mostly minor roles, it very much feels like it’s trying to be like Harry Potter again, but with more American actors than British. The coming-of-age aspect of the film, where Percy has to adapt to this huge change, is interesting. And his motives are noble, but not exactly his ways to go about them. (He thinks he can rescue someone dear to him from Hades after one training session.) There are a few funny lines, mostly delivered by Brandon T. Jackson. The world is imaginative. I like this family-friendly take on Greek mythology. The movie is certainly watchable, but it’s forgettable and slightly too long.
Score: 63/100
Filmcraziest 
WEAK!!!
Hahah, by that response I can only assume you won’t be seeing the sequel?
Oh no I am saying you’re weak. Nerd haha xD
But no i’d rather not see the sequel 😀
Hahah, I wrote it quickly, okay xD…
Haha, I might see it if I have the time when it’s at the local cheap theatre…
Oh why bother, you know its going to be mediocre 🙂
Hahah it looks much worse than this one!
Exactly!
Its an average one! It was definitely the fine cast behind it that made it awesome! Kevin Kidd was my highlight *giggles* Love him so much! Cool review 🙂
Hahah, which one was he? Thanks Kim! 🙂
Oops wrong spelling..Kevin McKidd (making typos all night) was Poseidon 🙂
Ohhh, I was wondering which actor that was 🙂
He’s awesome in Grey’s Anatomy! So manly! *ahem* excuse my fangirl moment…
I think I’ve only ever seen an episode of that 😮 Is that show still going strong? Hahah, that’s all right ;D
Well, its going alright. Its just really heavy so usually I just binge watch it before the new season starts. haha! I like it a lot though..maybe its because I’ve been watching it since the beginning.
Haha that’s a great technique! It’s always great when you don’t have to wait a whole week for the next new episode lol
I felt like this could have been a lot better if they had given the back story a bit more time and attention. The set up is very poor. Overall just lazy really.
Yeah, that’s true! Jumps into things really quickly… I wonder how the sequel will be. Will you be seeing it?
I will probably wait for VOD.
Ah, smart plan, Abbi. If I see it and when I review it, I’m sure you will have made the right choice ;D If I see it in theatres I’ll wait until it comes to my local cheap theatre.