For centuries the dealings of the gods dwelling on Mount Olympus have captured imaginations. The myths recounting their actions have been passed down for generations, entertaining millions with their accounts of mayhem and mystery. We have stood in awe of Zeus's power, marveled at the undersea kingdom of Poseidon, and (sometimes) envied the fleet feet of Hermes. Now, these myths and their characters have been integrated into modern society in the new movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians. This film imagines what life might be like if the Olympian gods still existed and controlled our world, and it does so charmingly. Though a few negative elements worm their way in, the lighthearted nature of this film and the positive messages it presents will delight and enchant viewers. 

The plot itself, though not ingenious, is certainly charming. Percy opens with dialogue between Zeus, leader of the Olympian gods who apparently still rule the Earth, and Poseidon, the god of the sea. Through this conversation viewers discover that Zeus's precious lightning bolt has been stolen, and the thief (whom Zeus believes to be Poseidon or one of his accomplices) has only a few days to return these bolts lest a war break out between the gods.

Shortly after learning this, we meet a young high school boy unsurprisingly named Percy Jackson. Through several startling circumstances Percy discovers he is the son of the accused Olympian god, Poseidon. Zeus and the other Olympians believe this young man to be the “Lightning Thief,” so Percy must set out on a quest to prove his innocence, discovering along the way a few things about himself. While readers of the original book may be slightly disappointed at the few, inevitable creative liberties the producers take with the film, the discrepancies between text and movie do not lose the spirit or heart of the novel.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects about this movie is the many Greek and Roman stories woven throughout it, a thrilling and intriguing device for mythology buffs. As Percy and his friends go through their adventures, many of the dangers they encounter mirror characters or situations found in ancient myths. More than one viewer may find himself on the edge of his seat, recognizing situations from mythology and hoping Percy will not meet the same fate as his literary forbears. Surprisingly enough, the movie remains true to these stories, making Percy Jackson and the Olympians all the more enjoyable.

Many viewers have noticed this film's numerous similarities to the hit series Harry Potter. Both stories center on a young man discovering his surprising true identity. Both feature magical elements and fanciful special effects. Both are based on books and have the potential to develop a huge fan base — at least in the case of Percy Jackson, for Harry Potter has certainly already done so. However, Percy Jackson differs in many ways from the Harry Potter installments. Perhaps most prominently, Percy does not venture nearly so far into the realm of sorcery and witchcraft as do the Harry Potter flicks, preferring to remain firmly within the realm of mythical creatures and sword fighting. Also, this film's plot varies so wildly from that of Harry Potter that, though similar in genre, the films are hardly alike.

An interesting theme woven throughout Percy Jackson is the topic of self-sacrifice, a surprisingly deep motif in an otherwise lighthearted film. While other movies in this genre may promote less weighty messages, Percy Jackson takes the idea of selflessness and does it justice. Throughout the film this theme recurs. Perhaps one of the most prominent instances comes in the life of Percy's mother. Though she made some poor choices earlier in her life, she does everything in her power to protect her son, even marrying a controlling, demanding deadbeat in order to keep Percy safe (something hard to understand until near the end of the film). Additionally, when Percy and his comrades are travelling in the Underworld — the entrance of which is located, rather amusingly, in the heart of Hollywood — they discover the “pearls” they brought to transport them back to the regular world can only take three of them, not all four. Despite their terrifying surroundings, each willingly offers to remain in the Underworld, a noble display of self-sacrifice. Several other instances of this theme occur in the film, giving it a refreshing undercurrent of deeper meaning.

As is inevitably the case, some negative aspects accompany the positive ones in this film. One of the most discouraging things about the film is the manner in which it presents the divine rulers of the world. In Percy Jackson's universe, the mythical Olympian gods, so revered in ancient Greece, still preside over the affairs of the Earth. These figures are far from comforting, loving beings. Instead, they all possess major character flaws — constantly warring for power, committing numerous sins, and seeming hardly to care for the beings they rule. They set no moral precedent for their subjects and at times seem to resent or despise human beings. While the gods of this parallel world are depressing, they also offer hope for Christians. We will never have to wonder whether or not our God is working for us or against us or whether he loves us or simply wants to use us to further his own ends. Through its depictions of imperfect divine beings, Percy Jackson and the Olympians serves as a strong, encouraging reminder to thanksgiving for believers in the one true God.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians garnered a PG rating due to very infrequent profanity and sometimes intimidating mythical creatures which can frighten younger (and older) viewers. Despite these slight dalliances, Percy Jackson and his fellow characters collected four and a half out of six ELVES. The film's lighthearted action — interspersed with deeper, thoughtful themes — makes it an enjoyable movie for action lovers and myth buffs alike.

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