Wow it's been a while since my last movie review. There's been quite an influx of movies that strike my fancy lately - and even better that there're still more to come (I am excited about the Alice In Wonderland movie).
So anyway, I managed to watch Percy Jackson the other day with a friend - I went to watch it regardless of the negative review from my best man (whose movie reviews normally synchronise with mine pretty well). So I went in and tried not to be too excited, regardless of its awesome trailer, and pretty much my expectation was actually met.
To call the movie "bad" might be a wee bit too harsh, there are some "nice" moments here and there - but overall it's very bland. I find myself uncomfortable sitting in the cinema - not because of the chair (that only happens at the Empire Cinema), but because I feel like I wanna pause the movie for a while, go out, get maybe some snacks, go around for a bit, maybe nap, then resume the movie.
Unless you're 8 years old or are just very easily amused with hocus pocus - then you'd probably find the movie extremely appealing.
I have huge doubts that the Percy Jackson series would garner as much popularity and success such as Harry Potter. At least Daniel Radcliff could actually live up to his role as a lead, Percy Jackson's actor, Logan Lerman, did not. Looks aside, his acting in the movie was very mediocre - in fact very weak in the Lotus eater scene. And I always feel that the choice of a lead actor in a movie plays a huge role in injecting interest in a movie. It is their job to engage us viewers to the movie - a quality I feel Logan lacks (unless you're easily charmed by his Zac Efron/Chace Crawford good-looks). His acting was just not believable, but then, he's only 18 and one can only hope with more exposure, he could well polish that talent and not just be another pretty face.
Plot-wise, I am quite surprised that the movie is almost completely different from the novel. I am normally disappointed with the Harry Potter movies because they tend to cut off relevant bits and pieces off, for Percy Jackson, on the other hand, it's almost as if they decided to re-write the plots.
In terms of story - I'm not quite sure about this, 'cuz I might have to re-watch the movie in order to fully comprehend this particular part - there are some mythological inaccuracies, or at least it is mythologically misleading. Correct me if I'm wrong, but during the museum scene, did the movie suggest or imply that Percy was based on Perseus? Because if it did, the beheading of Medusa and the usage of her head as a weapon AND not to mention the whole "I used to date for father" thing stand parallel with the actual greek myth - however - in the actual myth, Perseus is not the son of Poseidon, he's the son of Zeus.
In the book however, it is explained - well at least according to wiki - that Percy's mom named him Percy after Perseus - who happens to be the only demigod whose life did not end in tragedy.
Overall, the movie failed to capture me as a viewer. If there's a sequel, I would probably only watch it because of the fact I like myths and/or just to see whether or not Logan Lerman has stepped up his acting skills as a lead actor. I do, however, like the whole modern setting of the movie.
Next review: The Wolfman.
love,
Muaz Al Rashid
精彩的部落格 要繼續加油 ..............................
ReplyDeleteI loved the Percy Jackson novels, and was SO disappointed by the movie. You were very right in saying there were mythological errors and so many plot errors it was a completely different story except for the names.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest problem was the fact that they changed Zeus's law, from being that the Big Three (Zeus Hades Poseidon) couldn't have kids to no body could see their kids. that was a huge let down.
and mythologically, my biggest tiff was that Persephone was in the Underworld. according to myth, every summer Persephone is with her mother in Olympus, NOT IN THE UNDERWORLD.
I liked your review, because I so agree.
Compared to the novel, the movie is way off! In the movie, they put Luke as the one who wants to throw Olympus off power (well he wants that in the book too, but then, its Kronos that is leading it). There's also the fact on the Great Prophecy. It says one of the child of the Big Three once, they reach the age of sixteen, they will make a choice to either save or destroy Olympus. But in the movie, Percy was at least sixteen, most likely older. It makes me wonder if there is a sequel.
ReplyDeleteI have read all 5 Percy Jackson books and found them more appealing than the Harry Potter books, although I love those too, but was very disappointed in the movie. There were so many things that were forgotton, skipped ahead to or replaced. One thing that extremely bothered me was Annabeth's character. I believe she showed NO resemblance to Annabeth's personality, and was not a believable character. While Percy's character was charming, I don't believe he fit the role of Percy either, and finally neither did Grover's character. I think the movie producer/director/writers need to review the books and try again.
ReplyDeletei love him and think about him to after i watch the movie
ReplyDeleteThere is only one thing better than shopping in Hong Kong, and that's eating. From small noodle joints to upscale French restaurant, you will locate all sorts of restaurant, eating hall and snack stall on earth in Hong Kong. Here I found small amount of Hong-Kong-styled snacks online (yummiexpress.freetzi.com). This is definitely a good choice before I have $ for another trip.
ReplyDeleteI found the movie soooo bad. If you liked the movie and you havn't read the book, imagine if you had your favorite favorite book turned into a natural disaster.The first thing and one of the things that most bothered me was the ages. If they all already passed sixteen, bye bye last Olympian! Another thing that disturbs me is Annabeth's hair and how she is so attracted to Percy. First off,Annabeth's blond curly hair is one of the things that makes annabeth and percy perfect for each other. Second, percy and annabeth are starry eyed about each other when they first see each other. But in the book, annabeth likes luke and percy really doesn't care about annabeth. The acting was terrible, especially for sally, percy, and annabeth. Grover was NOT supposed to be so outgoing. Speaking of that, ALL the characters were off. Annabeth is supposed to be interested in architecture, not some warrior girl who is taking the place of clarrise. Percy is not shy, or cute, or a 12 year old who says embarassing things sometimes, instead he's some smart alick logan lerman. They were missing a lot, i mean A LOT of scenes.
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