Percy Jackson and the Plot Thief
Posted on 17. Feb, 2010 by Nick the Geek in All, Dad, Husband, Youth Pastor
I watched Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief last night. If you are thinking about watching it, then I’ll do my best to avoid spoilers. It is a good movie but the basic plot is a rehash of The Clash of the Titans which is more or less the story of Perseus and some feats he accomplishes as told by various ancient Greek sources. Of course that is kind of the whole point so I guess it isn’t right so poke fun at the fact that this plot is totally hijacked. The obstacles that Percy must overcome, though, are not limited to those that Perseus faces. They mix in various encounters form Herculean and Odyssean myth. This makes the rehashed story feel more fresh and new.
It does do a pretty good job of blending it into a modern American tale though. Throughout the story various mythical creatures make appearances and most blend into their setting well. For example, ***Spoiler Alert*** Percy must overcome the cult of the Lotus eaters (from the Odyssey) in a Las Vegas casino. End Spoiler There are several other examples of these new versions of ancient myth set in America. Many are picking at American culture in a light and fun way so I really enjoyed the movie.
One word of caution. This is ancient polytheistic mythology. There is, in my opinion, no tie in to Christian theology. In the first 5 minutes of the film Poseidon comments to Zeus about them being omnipotent. This is a serious breach of the proper understanding of the word. Percy is not even remotely a Christological type and should not be thought of in this way. Paul, when addressing the scholars on Mars hill, does not try to use their myths to try and explain Christ. He uses the setting and their religious mind set as a point of common ground to introduce them to the One true God.
For strict entertainment purposes I feel that this was a good movie, but not something I would let my young children watch. It did have some scary moments and the theological perspective is not what I feel my kids are ready for. In a couple of years when I can sit down and talk these issues through with my oldest in a more logical manner then I wouldn’t see this as being problematic, but for a 6 year old it just doesn’t fly with me.
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The OC Josh
Feb 17th, 2010
If you enjoyed watching the movie, I would really suggest reading the books. The author is really good at tying a bunch of mythological stories together and the books have better plot development. But I agree that the CGI was too much for young children
Nick the Geek
Feb 17th, 2010
We are getting the books. My wife really enjoyed it and was practically begging for the books.
Nic at Nite
Feb 17th, 2010
Great minds think alike. I wrote a post referencing Percy Jackson.
http://nicodemusatnite.blogspot.com/2010/02/controlling-olympia.html
You’re a good father for doing your best to let your 6 year old wait to watch these kinds of movies.
nicodemusatnite.blogspot.com
Nick the Geek
Feb 17th, 2010
I read your post. It is good, you should definitely see the movie.
Also, thanks.
TJ!
Feb 17th, 2010
Would you consider taking fifth graders (10/11 year olds) to this movie?
I’m a teacher and I read the book to my students. I’m going to see it for myself in a few days but wanted to know your opinion on what age may be appropriate. In class we have talked about the Greek and Roman gods/myths in relation to Christianity. I teach at a private, Christian school, but most of my class do not come from Christian families.
Nick the Geek
Feb 17th, 2010
It really depends on the students. Most kids that age have been exposed to so much that this movie wouldn’t phase them even a little, but some students might get scared at some of the more intense scenes. With the Harry Potter movies, we let our kids watch up to the 2nd movie, but felt the 3rd movie wasn’t appropriate till they were a but older, and by the 4th and 5th movies I wouldn’t want to let me kids watch those until they were 12 or 13.
I think Percy is about a bit more intense than the third Harry Potter but not quite so much as the fourth if that helps you. Definitely pre-screen it.
TJ!
Feb 17th, 2010
Thanks for the reply!
Yes, I’ll definitely go see it before I indorse it in class! I like to do something with my kids and their parents sometime during the spring or summer as an optional outing outside of school context. It’s usually a movie and thought since we read the book, it would be fun. We’ll see. I like to watch it before hand, but also get some input on it from others before I present it to the parents. Yes, the intensity level compared to Harry Potter is helpful!
I do have a few sensitive kids who have grown up in godly homes. Sadly, most of the kids do not and are playing such violent video games and watching movies and TV shows that I won’t watch and are definitely becoming desensitized.
Again, thank you for your input!