The hugely popular fantasy novel Percy Jackson and the Gods of Olympus has enjoyed great popularity since its first book was released in 2005. The first volume of this popular novel, “The Stolen Thunderbolt,” was adapted into the movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which was released in 2010 and is the subject of this writing.

A coming-of-age story based on Greek mythology

As the title suggests, the movie “Percy Jackson and the Gods of Olympus” is based on Greek mythology, and the story surrounding the main character, Percy Jackson, unfolds. Since it is Greek mythology, famous gods such as Poseidon, Zeus, and Hades appear in the film, and the scenes in which these gods appear in modern clothes in the contemporary American setting are pretty interesting. Furthermore, the demigods, half-human, half-gods that Percy meets at the training camp are also interesting to think about their connection since their parents are Greek gods. Famous demigods in Greek mythology include Hercules, Achilles, and Perseus.

In addition to the gods, there are many creatures from Greek mythology. Percy’s best friend, Grover, is a satyr, and the training camp leader is a centaur. The enemies awaiting Percy in this game are Greek mythological characters, such as Medusa and Hydra. The highlight of the film is how these characters from Greek mythology adapt to modern America and how they relate to the story.

These elements will make this film enjoyable for those who are familiar with Greek mythology, but those who have little knowledge of Greek mythology may have a hard time understanding it.

A general description of the Greek gods in this work

• Zeus
  • King of the twelve Olympians and god of weather and thunder.
• Poseidon
  • God of the sea and brother of Zeus.
• Hades
  • God of the underworld, ruler of the dead and the underground.
• Athena
  • Goddess of wisdom and strategy.
• Hermes
  • Messenger of the gods, goddess of travelers, merchants, and thieves.
• Ares
  • God of war.

The protagonist and his friends cross the United States.

Percy and his friends go from New York to California every degree via New Jersey, Tennessee, and Nevada in this film. This is genuinely a crossing of the United States. Three teenagers cross the United States in one car to enjoy it like a road movie.

The film begins at the Empire State Building in New York City. Percy’s adventures progress with iconic New York City landscapes, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New Jersey, the first place they head to after escaping from the training camp, is where they can experience American culture, including sports, music, and theater. Nashville, which follows, is a mecca for country music, a symbol of America. After that is Las Vegas, a prominent casino town. And the final destination is Los Angeles, where Hollywood is located. Through Percy and his friends’ journey, even those of us watching the movie feel as if we are touring the major tourist destinations in the United States.

This adventure is a significant element of the film, as the bond between the friends and Percy’s powers strengthens. The elements of Greek mythology were nicely involved here with the fishmonger’s main bullet. Still, the speed was too fast for me to enjoy the journey slowly. I heard it was challenging to combine travel and action in a movie that is about two hours long.

From Problem Child to Hero

One of the highlights of the movie “Percy Jackson and the Gods of Olympus” is Percy’s development as a troubled child in school with ADHD and dyslexia. Percy’s home environment could be better. Percy’s mother’s second marriage was treating him poorly. However, it turns out that Percy’s father is Poseidon and that ADHD and dyslexia are characteristics of being a demigod. Percy’s environment changes drastically when he learns of his origins, as he is suspected of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt and eventually grows up to become a hero.

This plot of a protagonist with ADHD and dyslexia becoming a hero was one of the main reasons why the novel version of the “Percy Jackson and the Gods of Olympus” series was so popular. Many people said they were encouraged by the fact that their traits, which they thought were negative, actually turned out to be positive and made them feel special.

Chris Columbus directed the film. He is the director of the “Home Alone” series, in which a troubled boy turns into a hero who protects his home from thieves in a unique way; “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the first two films in the “Harry Potter” series, in which Harry, an abused boy, is a wizard and grows up to be a hero who saves the world; and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” in which a young boy is a wizard who becomes a hero. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” which he directed and wrote the screenplay for” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

However, I felt the film did not focus on Percy’s original characteristics, such as ADHD and dyslexia. And I did not get the impression from Logan Lerman, who played Percy, that he was a troubled child. I would like to know if this area has an image gap. The movie “Percy Jackson and the Gods of Olympus” is based on Greek mythology. Still, it is a film that allows us to enjoy a great deal of modern American-ness. While it is a fascinating film, you may also glimpse why it is controversial. Why not see it for yourself and speculate?