Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief -- Image via Reelmovienews.com
Logan Lerman (“Jack & Bobby”) stars as Percy Jackson in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief based on the novel by Rick Riordan. Zeus’s master bolt has been stolen and it is up to Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, to find the Lightning Thief before a war erupts amongst the gods.
I’ve always liked a good book to movie adaptation, but I find myself at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to this film. To say this film took creative liberties is a bit of an understatement. Was it a bad film? No, it wasn’t. It was entertaining and those who haven’t read the book would probably enjoy it. Those who have read the book and intend on going to see the movie; if you have a mental checklist of key plot points – you might have to stop checking off that list at maybe #4.
It is actually surprising to see a movie stray so much from the book it is based upon especially when it comes to key plot points. Sometimes plot changes may make a film better but in terms of this film, it was almost a different story altogether. Most of the characters from the book show up on screen but when the movie took a detour from the book (in terms of plot), things were just odd. Not to say it was bad, just different. After finishing the book I am curious to see if they were going to make a movie sequel, what would be the direction of the film seeing as there was no build up for sequel. Also with all of the plot changes, the on-going story may be difficult to bring back on track for a pending sequel.
What worked?
When the movie stayed true to the book, it was alright. Even though they changed the ages of the characters for the screen adaptation, the cast worked well in this film. The actors/actresses that portrayed these characters certainly had the spirit of their characters that translated well from page to screen.
What didn’t work?
Stepping aside from the obvious plot changes from the book. The pacing of the film was a bit odd. The transitions of the film were a bit choppy also the story didn’t really evolve on screen well. There is suppose to be build-up to the identity of the Lightning Thief, but the film lacked that aspect and the motive behind the theft is kind of lame. The movie wasn’t a “fail” per say, but the writing failed to portray the story.
Final Thoughts:
I’m sure the studio behind this film wanted it to be a hit, however, the changes to the story didn’t really help the movie become more grand but instead it fell short of it. Christopher Columbus did a phenomenal job directing the 1st and 2nd Harry Potter films, however, it’s his job to bring the script to life. So if the script had the problem in the first place, then the final product may not live up to people’s expectations. This film is suppose to be an adaptation of a book, and if they stuck to the blueprint this probably could’ve been a better movie. If I were to grade this film, I would give it a C. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.
For more information on the movie, visit the Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Official Website.
i like this movie
I watched the movie for the first time after finishing all the harry potter books. My view of the movie at that point in time was that it was excellent.
I thought that the Percy Jackson series seemed like another great book series to read after Harry Potter.
I started reading the book and was shocked to find that the movie and the book was completely different. Except for the title, hero names and first 1/3 of the movie everything else was different.
Another great book series stuffed up by movie makers…
This has not made me stopped reading the other books which are all excellent!
Hear hear! I know the movie was not quite the adaptation people expected but the book series is much better. I personally really liked book 3 and 4. “Titan’s Curse” and “Battle of the Labyrinth”.
Same! I am like Thalia Grace down to almost the last detail, and to hear that they are going to try and get Demi Lovato to play her? I am threatening not to watch the movie!