Movie Review: Percy Jackson – Sea Of Monsters

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
Action [PG]
Logan Lerman, Brandon Jackson, Alexandra Daddario
107 min

2 out of 5 stars

By Edward Anthony Lim

As the son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson rules the seas — but fails to rule his own movie.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters follows young demigod Percy (Logan Lerman) and his friends across the seas in their bid to save Camp Half-Blood, the demigods’ home, after it is attacked by old foe Luke Castellan (Jake Abel).

The movie leaves much to be desired — its plot lacks depth and substance, and even its title is misleading as the sea is barely seen and there is only one — albeit huge — sea monster.

Much like its prequel, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, the movie follows the heroes from one place to another without explaining important details such as how Luke was able to find Percy on the island, which is claimed to be hidden and difficult to find.

The storyline also progresses a tad too smoothly. Not once did the young heroes get lost in unchartered territory or have difficulty finding Luke’s tiny yacht in the open sea.

Cheesy dialogue and scenes like the one with witches fighting over an eyeball might garner some chuckles, but the more critical viewers will likely find them annoying and excessive.

That being said, the film redeems itself whenever director Thor Freudenthal focuses on fast-paced action sequences. For example, although Percy could have singlehandedly drowned his enemies with one gesture (given his ability to manipulate water), he relied on a humble sword — resulting in more exhilarating, grounded fights.

Special effects also dominate the screens, with fight scenes involving grotesque, lifelike CGI creatures such as mechanical bulls, manticores, and cyclopes.

The subpar screenwriting of Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters might not immerse viewers in the fantastical world of gods and monsters, but the action will be enjoyable enough for an easy-going audience.