At first glance “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” looks as though it is just an attempt at duplicating the success of the Harry Potter series. Although this is obviously Fox 2000 Pictures’ intention, the film surpasses expectations in more ways than one.

Craig Titley, Eastern alumni, adapted the screenplay for the movie from the book of the same title by Rick Riordan. Titley and director, Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, had to make some changes to the book’s storyline when transferring it to Hollywood. One simple example of this is when Percy Jackson is 12 in the novel and is a high school student in the movie.

Percy is the son of a human mother and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Percy is known as a demigod, half-human and half-god. The film hints at this throughout the first quarter of the film, but Percy is not told who his father is until he visits the demi-god training camp for the first time. Percy is accused by Poseidon’s brothers, Zeus and Hades, for stealing the most powerful weapon in the universe, Zeus’ thunderbolt. Percy is than forced to prove his innocence the extent of the film.

The movie’s script is strong and well rounded. Each character shows an even balance of wit and comedic timing, which makes the movie flow well even through tough times, like when Percy loses his mother while fleeing to the world of the gods.

The movie graces over parts of the storyline without showing much emotion from any of the actors. Being as this is a children’s themed movie, it is understandable leaving out a heart-felt crying scene of Percy’s emotions. The movie lacks emotion altogether though.

This may sound dry and uninteresting, but the action sequences coupled with the visually compelling mystical worlds and creatures make the viewer forget the flaws quickly.

The film features appearances by Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, Joe Pantoliano and Catherine Keener, but none of these experienced actors come close to stealing the spotlight from

rising star Logan Lerman who plays Percy.

Lerman’s casualness lends itself to the role as an average high school student into a powers wheeling demi-god.

Percy is helped through his transformation by other demi-god friends such as Annabeth- the daughter of Athena- goddess of wisdom; and Grover- a satyr (half-human and half-goat creature). These characters are played by a superb young cast featuring Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T. Jackson.

Columbus shows the audience that he is comfortable with going big. The sounds are large filled with seat trembling bass. The special effects are shown but not exaggerated. The cinematography is above par as shown in scenes which show giant gods or enourmrous monsters with small frail teenagers in the scope of things.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” is unlike many trend-following movies. Whether it is an all-around family movie the viewer is looking for or an action movie to leave the viewer in “ohhs and ahhs,” this film stands tall in a shadow of doubts.

Brad York can be reached at 581-7942 or bayork@eiu.edu