Logan Lerman is perfectly cast as Percy Jackson. At first when the casting was announced for the first film in the series based on the books by Rick Riordan, it seemed like an interesting choice for Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.
But, he won over fans and the rest is history. He is beyond in his element in the sequel, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. Given that his character is the son of Poseidon, the fact that this adventure surrounds the sea has the Perks of Being a Wallflower actor firmly in his element for chapter two.
There’s one problem. As teased in the Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters trailer, our titular character is having a crisis of confidence. He feels that he is a “one quest wonder.” As the film begins, there are challenges at the facility where the demigods train. And Jackson fails to win any of them. Perhaps the doubt the voice in his head reflects is spot on.
When the supernatural barrier that protects their camp is broken, it means any who wish them harm can attack at any moment. A quest must be launched in order to find the secret to erecting that invisible wall once again. Given Jackson’s lack of success lately, Stanley Tucci’s Mr. D sends someone else.
Thankfully for fans of Jackson everywhere, he does not take that news sitting down. He forms his own team, consisting of his close friends Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) and Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario).
Rooted in mythology, the world of Percy Jackson is rich with the history of that world and it’s easy to see why it has resonated so well with the youngest of audiences. Watching children go through extraordinary circumstances and triumph on the other side is inspiring.
We just wish that the films paid a bit more attention to further explaining the mythological world of gods, but understand that would take away from the action, character and plot development. Perhaps, Percy Jackson will inspire a new generation to discover Greek mythology? One can hope.
Director Thor Freudenthal knows his audience and never lets his film stray from hitting the notes that play to a certain age group. Our Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters review finds that the film is not really for adults. It is more directed at kids in elementary schools. And for them, the film is pure nirvana.
For audiences outside that age range, the film is a bit clunky, but it is Lerman’s performance that truly saves the day.