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Based on the hit book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief introduces Percy, son of a mortal woman and the Greek sea god Poseidon, who has grown up concealed among normal American teenagers and ignorant of his parentage. When the god Zeus’ thunderbolt is stolen, Percy is suspected of being the thief. Chased by monsters out of mythology, Percy is led to Camp Half Blood, home to other offspring of gods and mortals. There Percy, his satyr protector Grover, and feisty warrior girl Annabeth team up on a quest to save Percy’s mother from the death god Hades, find the missing thunderbolt, and stop a war between the gods – a war that will devastate the world.

The Lightning Thief is filled with exciting fantasy action, though little of it rises to the level of serious violence. Swordfights, car crashes, battles with monsters like the dragon-like fire-breathing hydra, a gigantic minotaur, and the demonic Hades, occur frequently. At one point, the monstrous Medusa is decapitated, though no blood or gore is seen, and her severed head is used throughout the movie to turn opponents to stone. Parents should note that, though the film may sound violent, it is really no more so than the average superhero film – or the classical Greek mythology on which the Percy Jackson series is based.  

There is little other content in the film to concern parents. Percy’s stepfather slaps his mother on the rear, Grover is delighted at the prospect of spending time with the “daughters of Aphrodite,” and the goddess Persephone leers at Grover, but nothing overtly sexual occurs. Language includes uses of “God” and “ass,” and Percy’s quest to Hades is described as being on a “highway to Hell,” during which the rock song of the same name blares on the soundtrack. (Amusingly, the entrance to Hell is shown as being directly beneath the “Hollywood” sign in Los Angeles.)

There are several good messages in The Lightning Thief. Percy, who has been diagnosed as both dyslexic and having ADHD is shown to be special and gifted, but who simply has not discovered his talents. Percy’s devotion to finding his mother, his willingness to do the right thing, and the solid friendships he forms with Grover and Annabeth are all positive traits. And Percy Jackson also provides a fun and painless introduction to classical mythology for young fans.

Readers of the book series should be aware that, as is typical of film adaptations, some changes have been made; for example, at the movie’s pre-screening, several fans noted that the  characters in the movie are older than in the books, now shown being in their late teens.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: the Lightning Thief is an action-packed fantasy adventure sure to thrill teens, though its action may be too intense for younger children.  The PTC does not recommend The Lightning Thief for viewers under age ten.

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