Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

The teenage protagonists in "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" battle physical, mental and emotional challenges: ADHD, dyslexia, paralysis and parental abandonment among them. They soon learn, however, that the very setbacks they have been dealt will enable them to be stronger than those with carefree lives. In other words, everything happens for a reason.

The underlying message of "Percy Jackson," director Chris Columbus' adaptation of Rick Riordan's popular middle-grade book series, and is encouraging for youths who feel out of place in their world. Who doesn't want their boring school field trip to turn into a battle of good vs. evil? As the title character, a bright-eyed demigod (half god, half mortal) who must save the world while exploring his newfound powers, Logan Lerman is convincing in times of bravery and confusion. Alexandra Daddario brings a young "Kill Bill" vibe to her portrayal of Annabeth, daughter of the goddess Athena, exuding a tough vulnerability without being overly sexualized by the filmmakers (though I could have done without her molded leather armor). Brandon T. Jackson's satyr channels a young Orlando Jones in the best possible way, and Jake Abel's smooth-talking charmer brings to mind a "Risky Business"-era Tom Cruise.

It's a good thing the youthful cast is excellent, because the dialogue is often cheesy. Uma Thurman and Pierce Brosnan especially have to deal with punny clunkers in scenery-chewing cameos. Combined with the fun special effects, though, the stilted lines give off a 1980's kids movie vibe. There should be more of those, no?

DVD special features include five deleted scenes and two featurettes.

Movie: 3 yaps

Special features: 3 yaps