Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) and Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) in a scene from Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. (Photo courtesy 20th Century Fox)
Percy Jackson Opens Friday
The Lightning Thief mixes myth, magic, and modern times
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Rated PG
Released Nationwide February 12
Percy Jackson is a normal teenager with a rotten life. His parents are separated, and he has dyslexia and ADHD on top of that. Then one day everything changes for Percy.
To start it off, his teacher turns into a grotesque monster and tries to kill him. This is only the beginning for Percy, as he realizes that all the Greek gods, monsters, and heroes in the myths he has been reading are actually real.
Percy discovers that he is a demigod: half-human, half-god. His dad is Poseidon, one of the Big Three Greek gods, which also includes Zeus and Hades.
Zeus is the King of the Gods. His lightning bolt has been stolen and he's pointing fingers at Percy. Percy has to find the real thief and bring back the lightning bolt by the summer solstice or there will be a war among the gods.
Percy begins a dangerous, action-packed, fast-paced adventure with friends Annabeth and Grover to find the lightning bolt.
This movie is based on the first book of the five-book Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief stars Logan Lerman (who plays Percy), Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Pierce Brosnan, and Kevin McKidd. The PG movie opens nationwide on Friday, February 12.
Since this movie is based on Greek mythology and takes place in modern times, it is a unique experience.
"That was most exciting to me because a lot of movies have been based Greek mythology in the past," Director Chris Columbus told the Scholastic Kids Press Corps at a recent red carpet premiere in New York City. "But never has there been such a movie that takes place in modern times."
The killer special effects for the many Greek monsters (and there are many!) are one of a kind. This movie has amazing visuals and a great sound track. And it ends with a nail-biting finale that is a visual feast.
"Everyone will love watching this movie because it is fun, an exciting adventure," said Alexandra Daddario, who plays Annabeth. "It shows that you can be anything you want to be."
Lerman prepared for his character by reading the book, he said. He also had to prepare himself physically. He revealed that plans are in the making for a sequel to the movie based on the next book in the series.
Pierce Brosnan, who plays the role of Chiron, said that people will love the movie for the young actors, for the quest, and for the monsters and action.
The actors really lived up to their parts. The director did a terrific job and blended the ancient Greek mythology with the current times very well. Those who love adventure, action, Greek myths, and comedy should not miss this movie!
Gowtham Balaji reports from the red carpet premiere of Percy Jackson on the Scholastic Kids Press Corps Blog. And be sure to check out Kid Reporter Grace Choi's report from the set of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief!
For more information about the movie, visit its website, or check out the book.
You can also watch a video interview of author Rick Riordan by Scholastic Kid Reporter Quinn Jacobson about writing two books in the 10-book series of The 39 Clues.
NEWS FOR KIDS, BY KIDS
Get the latest on national and international events, movies, television, music, sports, and more from the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
- Teacher Store
-
Marley
The Teacher Store 
Marley
by John GroganMarley breaks doors, eats jewelry, steals underwear, and flings drool on every unsuspecting houseguest—and that’s just the beginning. Especially adapted for kids from the #1 New York Times bestseller Marley & Me, this humorous yet moving account of a hyperactive Labrador 's life with the Grogan family is an instant classic. Includes 8 pages of color photos from the movie!
$6.99
Paperback Book | Grades 6-7
Grades 6-7 $6.99
- Teacher Store
-
New Moon
The Teacher Store 
New Moon
by Stephanie H. Meyer"Which is tempting you more, my blood or my body?" Things are heating up between Bella Swan and her vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen, in this sequel to the immsensely popular Twilight. Then Bella is injured at her birthday party, and the Cullens' reaction to her blood sends Edward's family packing. Bella is inconsolable until she discovers that reckless behavior allows her to hear Edward's warning voice in her head. To keep him close, she decides to live as dangerously as possible, acquiring tw
$10.99
Paperback Book | Grades 9-12
Grades 9-12 $10.99
