Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the newest series of books for adolescents to be given the Hollywood treatment and brought to the big screen. The first installment from the books written by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief brings and innovative and modern edge to the world of Greek and Roman mythology. Percy Jackson is a young man who is uncertain about many things his life: he has ADHD and is not sure how to deal with the symptoms yet, he does not understand why his mother married a crude and beer chugging jerk and puts up with his garbage, and he knows nothing about his father. One thing Percy is certain about is his affinity for water and the calming effect it has on his life. On a field trip to the city’s museum, Percy discovers there is a reason his life does not quite make sense, he is a demigod. The son Poseidon, god of the sea, Percy has been accused of stealing his uncle Zeus’ lightning bolt and the gods are mounting a war if the bolt is not returned. While Percy and his mother are trying to escape the city after years of anonymity, his mother is kidnapped and taken to the Underworld. Percy is then hidden at an out of the ordinary camp for demigods by his protector Grover who has been posing as his best friend. It is there that he learns of his true identity and the possibility of saving his mother. If he can locate three of the mythical pearls of Persephone he can use them to escape the Underworld and save his mother. Grover, his friend and junior protector leave the camp along with another demigod, Annabeth (who is the daughter of Athena, goddess of war and wisdom) who is wants to experience the real world join him in his quest. The three cross the United States looking for the pearls which are the key to freeing Percy’s mother. Their trek is dangerous as the entire mythical world chooses sides in the war of Zeus’ lightning bolt, which is the source of all Zeus’ power, all different wonders from Greek and Roman mythology come out of the woodwork in search of the bolt and whoever stole it.

This movie is full of action, special effects, and the integration of some of the most aged stories ever told and forms an epic all of its own. On the trio’s cross country trip they are plagued by furies, Minotaurs, and all sorts of siren songs in hopes to keep them from their goal. One such obstacle is Uma Thurman. She is “charming” to say the least as Medusa, the woman with a head covered in snakes that can turn someone to stone with one look. It would be difficult for any mortal not to come under her spell with her beauty! Pierce Brosnan, Catherine Keener, and Rosario Dawson all add to the modern touches on the old world of centaurs and satyrs. Tennis shoes with wings, a pen that is truly mightier than the sword and all sorts of other Bond-esqe gadgets add to the fun and fantasy of Percy’s world.

Although many comparisons can be made between the Percy Jackson stories and a different young man who discovers he comes from another magical world, The Lightning Thief casts a modern spell on the stories of ancient Greek and Roman mythology and makes them fresh again. This movie holds it own as a new series of action adventure that both the kids and parents will all enjoy seeing. It is fun, flashy, and full excitement for any young adolescent- boy or girl. The film makers and writers take cultural literacy to another level making the world of ancient mythology fascinating and electrifying. As the other legacy to children’s literature starts to wind down, Percy Jackson and the Olympians picks up the sword so to speak to entertain the next group of young readers and their parents.