Though reviews do not always equate success, few fully accepted the first attempt at adapting Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson book series wholeheartedly. The films garnered solid box office for the children’s entertainment market, and the first one was a passably entertaining experience. However, we will quickly dismiss these two movies thanks to Percy Jackson and the Olympians. For the intended audience and beyond, nearly everyone will sing this new show’s praises as it faithfully translates the beloved books into great TV.
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Plot
Percy Jackson is a regular 12-year-old boy until he learns that he is the son of Poseidon. As a demigod, Percy wields superhuman powers and must live in an ill-fitting midpoint between worlds. The god Zeus unceremoniously accuses Percy of stealing his famous thunderbolt, leading to the boy’s entry into his new life as he tries to clear his name and balance forces in Olympus.
Readers and Newcomers Alike are Welcomed by ‘Percy Jackson’
With this new Disney series, faithful Percy Jackson readers finally get justice for the failures of the movie adaptations. From the debut episode onward, Percy Jackson and the Olympians grips the viewer with a novel-like investment that many reviews compare to the experience of the books. Riordan’s involvement in creating and writing for the show, balanced by Black Sails writer Jonathan E. Steinberg, makes the transition from page to screen far more enjoyable, meaningful, and tonally fitting than the films.
By design, everything in Percy Jackson and the Olympians fits its intended purpose perfectly. The young leading actor, Walker Scobell, is a far more age-appropriate match than Logan Lerman, and even setting looks aside, Scobell and his teen co-stars have all the right verve and gravity in their performances to suit the thrills and humor. A host of well-known adult actors making up the gods and creatures gives an equally entertaining experience to older viewers thanks to Jason Mantzoukas, Megan Mullally, and a final appearance from Lance Reddick as Zeus.
Walker Scobell and Leah Sava Jeffries in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’
Exciting Direction Elevates Kid-Focused Plot
Though the CGI is seamless and the action is thrilling and suitable for all but the youngest of kids, the perfect presentation for children of the book series’ intended age group will not always work for adult viewers. Without kids, older viewers have plenty of other fantasy options that might suit their tastes better; luckily, anyone with age-appropriate children or looking for a nostalgic trip back into their childhood will find Percy Jackson and the Olympians a fun and worthwhile watch.
In the first half of the streaming series, directors James Bobin (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) and Anders Engström have added inspired angles and framing to the show to enhance it from Disney’s occasional cookie-cutter feel. In doing what Percy Jackson requires to turn the text into action, no one has dropped the ball here. Regardless of your age and familiarity with cinematic fantasy, Percy Jackson and the Olympians has set a new standard for pre-teen fantasy that rivals almost all of the output of Disney+ in 2023.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is streaming now on Disney+.
