Opening in conjunction with the Winter Olympics opening ceremonies in Vancouver, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” brings classical Greece to modern times in a very different way from the Games. It earned a number two U.S. opening spot last weekend, bringing in $31.1 million. 

Much like the Harry Potter series, “The Lightning Thief” thrusts its hero into the midst of a magical world within our own, with mortals coexisting unknowingly with strange beasts. It’s like “Men in Black” with B.C. aliens. Into the delicate balance between the top three gods, Zeus (Sean Bean), Poseidon (Kevin McKidd) and Hades (Steve Coogan), comes a “lightning thief” who steals Zeus’ lightning bolt, the most powerful weapon in the universe. When Zeus pegs Poseidon’s unsuspecting—and innocent—half human/half god son as the culprit, the count-down begins for Poseidon’s son Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) to find the lightning bolt or allow a war that would destroy the world.

The film focuses around the most epic road trip of all time, starting in New York City and moving to a Spartan wilderness camp where young demi-gods play full-contact capture the flag, complete with swords and any special powers inherited from Dad or Mom. From there, Percy, his satyr protector Grover (Brandon Jackson) and Athena’s daughter Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) embark on a journey to rescue Percy’s mother (Catherine Keener) from Hades, who is holding her as a bargaining chip to get the lighting bolt. Along the way they face some of the baddest creatures that the Greek bards conjured, including a hydra and Medusa (Uma Thurman). They make it to the Underworld a little wiser—only to receive a shock about who really is the lightning thief. (more…)

Over the course of the last few days emails have been coming my way about the new Chris Columbus film “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief.” Something about a reference to President Obama being a demigod. When our colleagues over at NewsBusters picked up the story this morning, I emailed the film’s screenwriter Craig Titley, one of the most amiable guys you’ll ever meet, and asked him about it. He immediately agreed to do an interview on the matter and so here it is:  

BIG HOLLYWOOD: First off, thanks for agreeing to do this. And many congratulations as the screenwriter of “Percy Jackson” – a big studio movie that opened on thousands of screens across the country today.  

You and I have known each other a long time and I couldn’t be happier for you or … more surprised. When it comes to movies you are the most agnostic, apolitical guy I know. I haven’t seen the film yet, but are the reports true? Does one of the characters compare President Obama to a demigod? (more…)