Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  5 / 10

  Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief is absent of any thunderous shocks. It is what it is, a standard formulaic family fantasy adventure adapted from a series of books that were vastly superior. It's a challenge to differentiate any family fantasy from 'Harry Potter', although ironically is directed by Colombus who adapted 'The Philosopher's Stone'. The issue is that he doesn't change the narrative, it's nearly a carbon copy but with a different aesthetic. "Percy Jackson & The Harry Potter Thief". Zeus' lightning bolt is stolen to which an innocent Percy is accused of snatching it. His mother ends up in the underworld to which provokes our young Demi-God into finding three pearls and going after her. The lightning bolt isn't the focus here, and just acts as a plot device into motivating Percy to confront Hades. The Greek mythology is the primary focus and is the foundation of its aesthetic appeal. A variety of Gods and monsters are on show, brought to life by decent visual effects that keeps the story light and buoyant. The supporting cast members are the winners in this average flick. Bean is a commanding Zeus, Thurman revisits her inner Poison Ivy as Medusa and Coogan is a rock'n'roll Hades. The narrative is pretty basic. Three pearls act as three trials, from Hydra to consuming "space cake" lotus flowers (don't try these at home, kids). The script is damper than Poseidon's trident. There is a noticeable lack of emotion, particularly from the lead actors. Percy's mum is presumed dead, he automatically brushes that thought away and moves on training with Brosnan as a centaur. One of the members must stay in hell (the best sequence), a naive satyr predictably nominates himself and everyone says "ok" and continue on with their quest. Then there is an expected twist and no one cares. Kids with daddy issues. A screenplay so rushed and lacking of substance, that all one can do is just stare at Thurman's luscious snakes. In the end, it's fine. Two hours flew by faster than Percy's Pegasus shoes. Yet, the absence of substance and emotion will leave you thirsty.

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