Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief
Director:Chris Columbus
Cast: Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, Catherine Keener, Sean Bean, Steve Coogan and Uma Thurman
Releasing in cinemas: 11 February 2010
Rated: M
Perseus in the Underworld
Mums and dads may need to brush up their Greek mythology as when the kids come home from seeing Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief. You’ll need to know Poseidon wasn’t just an ocean liner turned turtle at notable inconvenience to passengers, for example. Having a modest allegiance to Harry Potter, this expensive adventure romp with tongue-in-cheek lashings of Greek legends isn't free of cockamamie moments but ends up a specular action event with loads of happy appeal for teens and probably parents too.
Based
on the popular Rick Riorden book which cheerfully mixes Greek mythology
with modern day American life, and directed with considerable flair by
Chris Columbus who previously had experience in Harry Potter adventures,
standing him in good stead. Everything works in harmony and with a ‘spot
the star’cast, Columbus hardly misses a beat.
One Hollywood style wild and stormy night Poseidon (Kevin McKidd), god of the sea, emerges from the ocean depths to confront Zeus (Sean Bean) who's justly upset as somebody stole his lightning bolt; the most powerful weapon in the world. Zeus suspects Poseiden’s teenage son Percy (Logan Lerman), who lives with mother Sally (Catherine Keener) and deadbeat stepfather Gabe Ugliano (Joe Pantoliano). Percy - unaware he’s Perseus, the demi-god son of Poseiden - soon finds out on a school field trip to an exhibition of Greek antiquities. He's guided into his strange world of gods and heroes by a centaur, Chiron (Pierce Brosnan), who also doubles as a master at Percy’s school.
After training at Half Mortal Camp in the ways of a demi-god hero Percy, accompanied by satyr Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) and aggressively sweet Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) (daughter of Athena and threat to Xena Warrior Princess), set out to save us all; or more specifically his mother who’s stuck down in the Underworld with despicable Hades (Steve Coogan) plus of course finding the real lightning bolt thief. In a wild trip across America to locate three pearls necessary for the visit to the Underworld, the heroes encounter among other legendary monsters the feared Medusa (Uma Thurman) and in Las Vegas a casino of Lotus eaters. Then they're on their way to the Underworld to rescue Sally from the clutches of Hades.
Leading the cast is personable Logan Lerman (3.10 to Yuma), this charismatic young actor offering a vibrant performance. A shaggy Pierce Brosnan (Mamma Mia!) brings an air of gravitas to his Chiron half-horse-half-man creature, broken only by the zippy line ‘I’ve got a horse’s arse’. As a high camp and memorable Medusa turning people to stone, Uma Thurman cheerfully flaunts her snake-writhing hairstyle and fashion sunglasses. Steve Coogan (Night at the Museum) makes a stylish Hades, while Rosario Dawson (Death Proof) as Persephone vamps it up beautifully in a cheeky cameo. Catherine Keener (Capote) is always reliable, while Alexandra Daddario (Bereavement), Sean Bean (National Treasure), Joe Pantoliano, and particularly Brandon T. Jackson (Tropical Thunder) make the most of their screen time.
You should enjoy the impressive set pieces - the stunning vision of the Underworld and the inspired scene with the ferryman; lofty Olympus set somewhere above the Empire State Building (shades of King Kong); the colourful Lotus Eaters’ Casino where nobody wants to leave. An especially sneaky touch is having the entrance to the Underworld beneath that big Hollywood sign. CGI monsters like the Furies and the Minotaur have just a breath of Pan’s Labyrinth; well conceived and suitably scary. Cinematography is always of a high order and special effects are commendably seamless. Surround sound is used effectively throughout. By the way, sit through the end titles - there’s a stinger scene not to be missed. This is an imaginative, exciting adaption of the book, smartly paced and performed.
John Bale