Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is based on the first of a series of books by author Rick Riordan and is aimed at young teens, particularly boys. The series proposes that the Greek Gods are alive and kicking in the modern world, more specifically operating out of a new Mount Olympus in Manhattan.

Percy Jackson, the titular character, is the son of the God Poseidon and a mortal woman, and is known as a half-blood or demi-god. Once he comes of age he is exposed to this mythical world that regular people cannot see due to a mist covering their eyes. Shipped off to Camp Half-Blood for the summer he meets others of his ilk and then becomes embroiled in a prophecy that will determine the fate of the world.

The whole thing may sound clichéd and simply a re-hash of Harry Potter but the book's author has embedded enough Ancient Greek Mythology into the story and infused it with both fast-paced adventures and genuinely funny moments that it is hard not to love.

Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films and Home alone has adapted the book to screen and succeeded in bringing the feel of the books into cinemas. Given Columbus' pedigree he is no stranger to the target audience of this story and like his first Harry Potter film, he takes a rather literal view of the book, and doesn't infuse too much of his own vision into the film. That is bad on one side, he sets up the world rather too obviously but also quite a good thing for fans of the book, the plot unravels much as the book does.

The characters are much as you would expect and the film-makers have done a good job casting the trio of young leads, though fans have already expressed their opinions about changes in the ages of the characters and the look of both Grover and Annabelle. The supporting cast really sets the film apart with Uma Thurman, Steve Coogan, Rosario Dawson, Sean Bean and Pierce Brosnan in highly charismatic roles on both sides of the Greek Mythology. When on screen they shine with experience and bring a level of credibility to the film that young unknown performers simply can't achieve.

The conclusion is very wet but highly spectacular and effectively rounds out the story but also sets the scene for the next film. As with many contemporary franchise movies, you are reminded not to leave before the end of the credits!

Overall the film is well paced and provides two hours of solid entertainment. There is enough here to warrant a second look and interested viewers are encouraged to refresh their memory about Greek Mythology in order to enhance their viewing experience. Better yet, read on into the series of Percy Jackson books to discover how this prophecy plays out. Its like Clash Of the Titans for kids.