Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

Greek Gods and iPods, Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief brings ancient Greek mythology back into the 21st century. Early in the film we learn that one boy, Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), who appears to be a normal teenager with some learning and behavioural disabilities, is descendant to the god of the sea, Poseidon. The film is loosely based on the book written by Rick Riordan while Craig Titley wrote the screenplay adaptation. The movie is good for adults and young people as there was witty dialogue and action without a lot of gore.

The plot really gets going when it's realized that Zeus' lightning bolt has been stolen. All eyes are on Percy. Before he even knows who he really is the teen is attacked twice by angry monsters from Mount Olympus and the Underworld. Quickly, Jackson is whisked off to a special camp for all the demigods (half-blooded children of a human and a God). In this camp Percy learns a lot about who the important people in his life really are, and to say he was shocked is an understatement.

The teen demigod's number one mission is to save his mother, Sally Jackson (Catherine Keener) who was taken to the underworld with Hades. Within a day Percy finds out who he is, what his mother has sacrificed to keep him safe all these years, and that his father is one of the most powerful Gods. The only way for Percy to get his mother back is to find the true lightning bolt thief, get the bolt, and return it to its rightful owner. But in a battle larger than the heavens and Earth, this is no simple task for Percy and his two friends Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) daughter of Athena, and Grover (Beandon T. Jackson) who is a satyr.

The three teens embark on an adventure to find everything they need in order to save Percy's mom and get the lightning bolt. They have no idea what kind of beasts and angry gods they'll run into along the way. The young cast is wonderful and even included big names like Pierce Brosnan and Uma Thurman.

This is a great story, especially for younger people. Percy has attention defecit disorder and dyslexia but these handicaps turn out to be very positive characteristics in the end. Anyone who has similar learning disabilities or behavioural difficulties can relate to Percy, who is a real hero in the story. The graphics were well done and battle scenes literally out of this world. It's worth the price of admission if you're into fantasy and looking for a light-hearted action flick.