Greek mythology is an intriguing and creative piece of ancient history. Citizens of Athens, Rome, and Delphi made entire temples dedicated to the gods they heard about in stories and songs. Today, we just see them as myths and tall tales from a distant past and nothing more. But what if we were wrong? What if we were wrong?  What if Zeus, Athena, Hermes and Hades are actually still up there controlling our fates?  Well, if they are real then so are their demigod offspring. People who are born of a human and a god. The movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians: the Lightning Thief is all about, what if people just like Hercules walked among us.

                The film focuses on a boy named Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) a 16 year-old boy who has led a troubled life. With ADHD and dyslexia, Percy feels like he is a nobody, until he discovers that he is a demigod and that his father is Poseidon, god of the seas. Under normal circumstances this would be a very cool piece of news to be told, unless that statement is being said by a flying monster trying to kill you because you're being accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. Now to prove his innocence, Percy must travel with his Satyr protector named Grover (Brandon Jackson) and he is also accompanied by another demigod named Annabeth (Alexandria Daddario). They must go on a quest to find the thief and return the lightning bolt to Mount Olympus before the winter solstice. If they fail to return it in time, another battle between the gods will begin and the entire planet will be their battlefield.

                The book series by Rick Riordan is extremely popular among young teenage readers, and it is understandably so. The storyline of ancient Greek mythology and our modern world twisting together is fascinating and engaging for young (and old) readers. In director Chris Columbus' hands however, parts of the story seem oversimplified and choppy. But despite this problem, I can happily say that the actors did very well with their roles. Lerman completely encompasses who Percy Jackson would be in real life, even by hardcore book fan's standards. The entire supporting cast plays their parts well and convincingly, even with Pierce Brosnan as a centaur.

                Percy Jackson is ratedPG for action violence and peril, some scary images and suggestive material, and mild language. The scary images might be a little intense for someone under ten. With scenes of hell and evil demons, it could easily give young children nightmares. The suggestive material is very minimal, except when the trio reaches Las Vegas on their quest, some of the women's dresses are very short and tight. The language content is mild but still a little excessive. It reminded me of the 90's film Heavyweights, a children's film directed by Judd Apatow. The language was not that bad, but it still sticks out in your head.

                I would recommend this film to someone who anyone who enjoys Greek mythology and an original story. As for the hardcore fans of the book series, be warned: you will get angry. Major characters are left out, characters are added in, and scenes are removed that were seen as pivotal in the book. I know it is hard but if you do go see it do not pick it apart. You will just walk out upset with Hollywood.

I give Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief two and a half out of five tridents. The actors sell a storyline that would
normally seem so far fetched and with such a successful book series to be based on, you'd think Chris Columbus would be more careful with and faithful to the story. With his poor directing and vision however, the gods may have a bone to pick with him.