If you loved Harry Potter, be sure not to miss Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.
Book Girl and I went to the midnight showing last night, crazy people that we are. The medium sized theater was about 2/3 full.
But you can bet that the second movie, for there will surely be one, will pack in more than one theater in each complex.
First, I just really couldn't get into the book(s). I read them. But couldn't have told you what they were about. Then, I listened to parts of the audio books as Book Girl wended her way through all of them.
Ah, but the movie is a different sort. Immediately understandable. Highly entertaining. Great CGI. My only caveat is that the fight training scenes looked amateurish, which may have been the whole point.
The background
The author wrote these books to help his own son understand the gods. His son is both ADHD and dyslectic. So is Percy Jackson.
The story
Percy finds himself in the middle of a coming war between Zeus and Poseidon unless he can return Zeus' lightening bolt, which he has been accused of stealing.
Not only did he not steal it, but he has no idea that he is a demi-god -- the son of Poseidon and his human mother.
Three friends
Once again, we have three friends, similar to Harry Potter. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover play are older. Together they survive and conquer.
Special effects
The CGI will have you on the edge of your seat more than once.
The characters
Assorted gods, demi-gods, centaurs, satyrs, and humans, etc.
The actors
Pierce Brosnan plays a prominent part. I won't give it away.
Brandon T. Jackson is Grover, Percy Jackson's bodyguard. He adds a lot of humor to the story. In a way, he reminds me of the taxi driver in Total Recall.
Alexandra Daddario (Annabeth) plays a much more likable character than Kate in White Collar, USA Network’s television series that we love. She is the daughter of Athena and is also a demi-god.
Logan Lerman is perfect as Percy Jackson. I don't know him from any other work.
Jake Abel is Luke and will feature in other films. He is the son of Hermes, and is also a demi-god.
Rosario Dawson plays Persephone. She is key to Percy's survival.
And don't forget Ulma Thuman as Medusa -- she makes the part. And there is some comedy in it too.
My take
Definitely 4 out of 4 star.
I think I'd like to read the books now that I've seen the movie.
Some of the special effects might be too scary for young children on the big screen. OTOH, no one has seen creatures like these, so we don't expect them in a dark alley -- though I was watching the lights coming home at 2 am.
It's definitely interesting to think that not so very long ago these gods and goddesses were believed and feared. I was wondering who thought of them in the first place, how did they evolve into a religion at the time.
I've been to Greece and seen what is left of the temples and thought of what they might have been like when brand new and people believed.
Have you seen it?
What do you think?
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
Related Posts -
Thinking about a couple of Bible verses I was thinking about this Bible verse the other day, and it began to open up to new levels for me. A couple of friends... -
Review: Secretariat Book Girl and I went to see this movie this morning. It was a grand movie. It was interesting to see the late 60's and... -
Review Arranged Arranged is one of those sweet movies that I just can't say enough good about. A friend recommended this movie to me, and she had...
Related Websites -
Idealism Versus Materialism Part 3 – What is Proto-Consciousness? What is proto-consciousness? In a previous post I compared the philosophies of idealism versus materialism and provided some examples of what the extreme views of... -
Biblical Contradiction: God does or does not accept human sacrifice: Biblical Contradiction Explained: God does or does not accept human sacrifices: God does accept human sacrifices: He said, “Take now your son, your only son,... -
Jesus Thought He Was God: Being Worshiped Jesus Thought He Was God: Being Worshiped The first commandment of Judaism states no one is to be worshiped except God. According to the laws...
- Friends & Family Barbie Vintage (Pre-1973) Dolls Dolls & Bears
- Brass & Woodwind Song Books Sheet Music & Song Books
- Note Books, Address Books Hello Kitty Sanrio, Hello Kitty Japanese, Anime Animation Art, Characters Collectibles
- Back of Book United States Stamps
- Easy To Read Rain Gauges Garden Decor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living

