Percy Jackson & the Olympians: Lightning Thief: Review By Fallenlords

What a revelation, a film aimed at a younger audience that didn't pull any punches or treat it's intended audience as a bunch of idiots. This film is something of a master class in movie making, that anybody who makes a film should sit down and watch (prior to making their own film). It has all the ingredients that make a film 'enjoyable'. Good actors, a smattering of top name stars, great story, stunning visuals (done in context), nice one liners with humor in the right place and teenagers that looked like they could handle themselves.

Fair enough I doubt this film is going to win that many awards, or win an Oscar for best actor. But this film encapsulates everything that movie making should be about - enjoyment. Producing a film that tells a story and tells it in an entertaining way, how many times do directors forget films should be about entertainment....

For once I can't fault anything, but this film was a total surprise. I was expecting it to be a kids film but it has a much broader appeal. Anybody that likes fantasy of any kind should enjoy this without any doubts. I was expecting to hate this film with a passion, but right from the start it hooks you and keeps you hooked right until the end. By the way, keep watching as the credits role because there is an interesting part at the end.

The idea for the film of merging modern day with Greek Mythology I found fresh, interesting and well done. It's an idea that could of easily fallen on it's face if it hadn't been handled correctly. But the co-existence of the two worlds was in effect quite seamless in the way it was portrayed. One concern I did have was combat. When you have kids waving swords around defeating giant creatures it takes some believing. But in this film the actors looked more adult and the combat wasn't so much about strength it was about ability.

Hats off for the casting, the three main characters could of so easily been annoying. But for once we have a main character who is asking the question 'what just happened?'. We have a sidekick humorous character, who is actually quite funny and does some funny things. Then we have a female 'love interest' type of character, who holds her own and doesn't come across as if she is there to be politically correct.

This film is about the whole experience and I wouldn't single out any one thing or person. This to me is what film making is about, everything coming together to produce something special that takes you away into a world of fantasy and make-believe. For me a very surprising 5/5 on all fronts.