Percy Jackson is our hero

For a family date night on Valentine's weekend we took the kids to see the new Percy Jackson movie - The Lightning Thief. Jeremy has been reading this book to the kids at night before bedtime for about a month. They finally finished the first book the night before we headed to the theater to watch the movie.

The kids were so excited to see their new favorite characters come to life on the big screen. (Lizzie and Jackson both did not want to go - they were trying to get us to split up - "You boys go see Percy Jackson and the girls will go see something else." Yeah, that didn't work.) Let me tell you, this movie did not disappoint.

They were hooked from the get-go. ALL of them were hooked - even Lizzie and Jackson who didn't really want to be there in the first place! The movie was quick paced and the many action sequences kept the movie rolling right along. This movie poster shows my personal favorite scene of the movie. When Percy finally realizes the potential of his powers - it was so cool!!

So, in the end, we all really liked the movie. Jackson still asks for it, "Mommy, we see Percy Jackson?" It was great family fun entertainment. A must see. Big screen or rental - whatever. You should see it!

Now, after having given a great review of the movie, there has to be a comparison between the book and the movie. We tried to warn the boys beforehand that the movie is NEVER exactly like the book. They understood, somewhat. While walking back to the car from the movie, we always give everyone a chance to say what they liked the best about the show. They each took a brief moment to say their favorite part and then the book/movie comparison began. They talked almost all the way home about the differences and omissions from the book. They went on and on about how the story was totally different and how it actually happened. (I was surprised that they were actually listening to the reading!)

Overall, we give it 4 1/2 pairs of Hercules flying shoes out of 5. It was great. As they say, Percy Jackson is the new Harry Potter. So, if you liked Harry, you'll also love Percy.