I was a bit worried that it'd be a bit cheesy, with the young male lead having a hair cut rather like that kid in High School Musical, and the references I've seen in the media to this franchise being the "new Harry Potter". Now, it's not that I hold all that is Harry Potter dear, but that I have studiously avoided those books, movies, and didn't relish being tricked into delving in the world of teenage wizards. And thankfully, I wasn't!
I'm not sure why I appreciated a story about Greek gods and mythology more than the idea of wizardry (or those bloody elves and hobbits), but I did. It was clever, the sound effects were fantastic, and in amongst (surprisingly bloodless) battles and beheadings, and a trip to Las Vegas, and Hell, it is witty and actually rather charming. I probably won't rush out and read the books, but I will not mock my friends who do!
Yes, it starts out with a boy who doesn't fit in, with an absentee father, but don't expect any real life-lessons from this one. On the surface, sure, it's about fighting for what you believe in, loyalty, betrayal, war, and all that jazz. But once discovering his heritage and powers, things do come pretty easy for Percy and his mates. But that's OK. This is not deep meaningful cinema - it's an entertaining, non-challenging way to spend a couple of hours (perhaps with your kids, if you're that way inclined), and maybe kick-start or revive an interest in Classics.
Percy Jackson opens in New Zealand on February 11. Check your local cinema for session times and ratings. For more details about sessions, the case, and for other reviews, check out View Auckland's page for the film.
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