PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF

+ + + ½

(Teen adventure)

Pre-teens and teens will find a new hero in Percy Jackson, a quiet-mannered high school kid who discovers that he is the son of the god of the sea, Poseidon.

Percy (Logan Lerman) is whisked away to Camp Half Blood, where he meets other young men and women who are the children of gods who have mated with humans (demi-gods). He is trained in combat, meets his match and eventually his love (Alexandra Daddario) and goes off on a quest to save his mother and the world.

If this sounds corny, it is at times, but it is also exciting, upbeat and original. It offers positive messages, good heroes and a crash course in Greek mythology.

The gods on Mt. Olympus are ready to go into battle. They have been led to believe that Percy has stolen the coveted lightning bolt, so they hold his mother hostage. Off he goes with Anabeth and his half-goat protector to convince the gods of his innocence and save his mother. There are spectacular special effects, great scenery, some funny lines and lots of action in this sweeping spectacle of a movie.

They encounter Medusa, with her snake-like hair and ability to turn anyone who looks into her eyes into a statue. They visit the recreated Parthenon in Nashville and a casino in Vegas, where they encounter more adventures before winding up in Hades.

It all comes down to a race against time and a major battle.

Percy offers more excitement than Harry Potter, and could be the next teen hero. They could do a lot worse. And along the way, they just may learn a lot more about Greek mythology.

Stay through the beginning of the credits and you'll be treated to a very funny scene.

Rated PG, with nothing to worry about except monsters that may scare the little ones.