Sidewalks On The Corner

With his masterful hand, director Chris Columbus conjurers up ”Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief.” From the Rick Riordan series of novels come a mythical film with epic thrills.

Follow up:

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF
Director: Chris Columbus
Based on the novel “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, the first book in Riordan’s best-selling book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Cast: Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, Catherine Keener, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Kevin McKidd, Steve Coogan, Rosario Dawson, Melina Kanakaredes, Jake Abel

Studio Synopsis:
Trouble-prone teen Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out school – but that’s the least of his problems. The gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters seem to have walked out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology texts and into his life – and they’re not happy. Zeus’ lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now, Percy and his friends must embark on a cross-country adventure to catch the true thief, save Percy’s family, and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselves.

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF
During their transcontinental odyssey to save the planet, Grover (Brandon T. Jackson, left), Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) and Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) take in the wonders of Las Vegas.
Photo credit: Doane Gregory

J.P.'s Take:
I can remember reading about Greek mythology as a kid, which was always intriguing to me. I loved the intricate stories and unusual characters involved. I've never heard or seen it like this before. Director Chris Columbus and crew bring us a new spin on the old classic tale of Gods and Men. Those of you whom enjoyed classics like the Ray Harryhausen creations such as “Clash of The Titans” and “Jason and The Argonauts” are going to enjoy watching “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief.” It begins with the God Poseidon (Kevin McKidd) as he rises from the sea. His gigantic body frightens on lookers as he strolls across the waters, stirring waves. Poseidon then transforms into a mere mortal to meet with his brother Zeus (Sean Bean), who claims that Poseidon’s son Percy may have stolen his lightning bolt. Talk about a wicked case of sibling rivalry.

At first, Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) appears to be a normal teen with the usual problems of growing up. While he struggles with Dyslexia and A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Percy’s life goes quickly from reality to fantasy in the blink of an eye. Percy soon discovers that his father was Poseidon; he has fierce creatures attacking from every angle; his friend and instructor are not whom they claim to be; and other Gods are on the hunt for him. The half God/half mortal is also unaware that the fate of heaven and Earth rest in his powerful hands.

With a map and help from Luke Castellan (Jake Abel), son of Hermes, the adventure really begins when Percy, his best friend and protector Grover (Brandon T. Jackson), and Athena’s daughter Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) embark on a journey to stop a war between the Gods. They travel across the US in search of the Underworld, save Percy’s mom, and find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt before time runs out.

With incredible special effects, I feel the audience will be able to follow this movie, because the characters and the situations are enjoyable and suspenseful. The chemistry between the young actors is believable. Stand up comedian Jackson is hilarious with his lines.

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF
Percy Jackson prepares to give a final `heads up` to Medusa (Uma Thurman).
Photo credit: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox

“Percy Jackson” does boost an all-star cast. The lovely Uma Thurman is enjoyable as Medusa; comedian Steve Coogan is funny as Hades, Lord of the Dead and the Underworld; current fantasy-film mom Catherine Keener (“Where The Wild Things Are”) as Percy’s mom Sally; The Sopranos’ Joe Pantoliano as Gabe, Percy’s stepfather; Melina Kanakaredes as Athena, goddess of wisdom and Battle Strategies; Bean and McKidd as Zeus and Poseidon; Pierce Brosnan as Chiron, trainer of heroes, and, my personal favorite actress, Rosario Dawson (who looks really sexy in her outfit) as Persephone, goddess of Springtime / Queen of the Dead.

I felt the PG rating is somewhat misleading for this film, as did “Sidewalks” executive producer / creator Richard R. Lee, who I saw the film with. We both thought this is not a film to take children under 13 to because some of the scenes have freighting moments of death and destruction. Lee thought the fighting/escaping scenes, such as the teens leaving a Las Vegas hotel, were pretty graphic (i.e. hitting with pool sticks, major fists, and a speeding car about to run over security guards) and not the usual slap stick, cartoon-type violence, like throwing chips to the ground and the tugs slipping on them. One of the two scenes in particular I thought was pretty intense is where a Minotaur, a creature who is part man, part bull, attacks Percy, his mother and Grover as they’re driving along the highway to make there way to Camp Half Blood. The massive beast charges at their car, then knocks it across the highway as if he were playing with Hot Wheels. Another scary moment is when the trio travels to the underworld in search of Persephone, who is held against her will by Hades. This particularly scary depiction of hell, which I even found somewhat creepy, involves flaming souls and the old fire and brimstone. I have to tell you; this was far more eerie than anything “Harry Potter” invented.

Over all, we both thought that “Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” is a fun, wild adventure. As I said earlier, I loved the special effects, which didn't take away from nicely told story. However, if you think this is a child's movie, I must warn you it's not. You may want to watch it first.

Watch our three-part interview with the cast of "Percy Jackson."

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J.P. Langston is a member of "Sidewalks Entertainment" team primarily as a videographer. He loves movies, especially sci-fi horror and action comedies. Some of his favorite films include "Blade Runner" "The Matrix Trilogy," The (original) "Star Wars," "Equilibrium," "Serenity," "Kill Bill Vols 1 and 2," "Appleseed," "Unbreakable" and "Sin City." He has a large DVD collection, which is still growing. Since reviewing films for "Sidewalks," he has been expanding his palette for all types of films.