Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief

Title: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Director: Chris Columbus
Primary Actors: Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario
Supporting Actors: Sean Bean, Pierce Brosnan, Rosario Dawson, Uma Thurman

Well, let's start off by saying that Percy Jackson is a kids movie. The acting was geared towards kids, which means that at times it was a little overdone. Kind of annoying. But, I remind myself that it's a kid's movie and I move on.

As my parents pointed out, the attention to detail was amazing. The sets, costumes, and CG were excellent. Every costume fit the character perfectly. Persephone, played by Rosario Dawson, was done up in Gothic rockstar-wife style. A cute little bustier top with a short bustle skirt and train, chipped nail-polish, elegant messy bed-head hair. Medusa, played by Uma Thurman, was in black leather. A trench with a high collar and lacing up the back, serious nails and a nasty case of bad-hair-day.

I must admit that Uma's part irked me the most. This is the one that was *way* overacted. Uma flailed around as though her character was blind when it was made clear that she wasn't. Her head bobbed and weaved, her eyes were those lunatic large kind of eyes. She felt more like a parody. Even the minor characters had some depth to them, but poor Medusa was flat, fake, and annoying. I was glad when her scene ended, it was that painful.

Another problem I had was the satyr, played by Brandon T. Jackson. Now, the actor did a great job with what he was given. I think my problem on this count was with the director. He turned the character into a stereotypical token black kid. That annoyed me. Although, at certain times the character did act like what you would expect a satyr to act like, so that was ok. But come on. Aren't we past the stupid stereotypes yet?

The action in the movie was good. The fights were interesting, and again, the CG monsters were incredible!

I think what I like most about this movie, and in fact the books, is that the target audience learns something. And not just in the sense of morals. They learn classic Greek myths. I think that's pretty cool because in a class room, who would say that reading a bunch dry, boring ancient stories was fun? But this movie really brings the ancient myths to life, sparking the curiosity and imagination of the kids who watch it.

One final note. Mr. Columbus, this is a kids movie. Lay off the political propaganda. The economy joke at the River Styx was funny, I grant you. But come on. Kids aren't going to get political references and adults want an escape. That's the purpose of the movies, especially a kids movie.

So, all in all: It depends. If you're not into kids/teens movies, then skip this one or wait for it on DVD. If you have kids, are a kid, or just like that category in general, then I recommend it. It's fun, exciting, slightly educational and, if nothing else, the special effects and costumes are worth a look.

Until next time!