Troubled teen Percy Jackson’s (Lerman) life is turned upside down when he finds out his father is the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon.
Zeus, the ruler of Mount Olympus, suspects Percy of stealing his lightning bolt and the boy is given 14 days to return it before the Olympian gods wreak havoc on Earth. Percy is taken to a secret training camp for demigods (kids whose one parent is a god) by his best friend Grover (Jackson), a satyr, and one of his teachers, a centaur (Pierce Brosnan).
With Grover and Annabeth (Daddario), daughter of the goddess Athena, Percy sets off to free his mom from the clutches of Hades, god of the Underworld, and catch the true lightning thief.
The opening is rushed and some characters don’t fully develop but the movie never takes itself too seriously and the blending of Greek mythology and teen angst is fresh and entertaining.
There’s enough action, intrigue and humour to entertain the whole family during the long school holidays.
Bonus: featurettes and deleted scenes.
Fantasy adventure. 2009. 114 min. With Logan Lerman, Brandon T Jackson and Alexandra Daddario. Director: Chris Columbus. 13PG.
RATING: 3/5