The Percy Jackson series is a good group of books. It's the kind of awesome boy adventure series that is a lot of butt-kicking fun, but also teaches kids a thing or two about mythology. Everything in the books is an allusion to Greek mythology.
Then came the movie, which I was really excited for. I mean, it's rare that a truly great series of books comes along. It's not so rare that Hollywood then turns that series into a movie - but I ain't care! And, mind you - I never assume that the movie will be just like the book. In fact, I'd rather the movie and book be different experiences, so that I can hold them in their own regard. All I ask is that the filmmakers maintain the integrity and feeling of the copied work and that some fan-favorite scenes and characters be portrayed accurately. This movie did nothing of the sort. Firstly, it abandoned it's core, already established middle-grade fan base by aging the kids and turning it into a movie for teens - an audience that most likely hadn't read the books. Then, they completely re-wrote the story into something that had not a hint of the original book. And, worst of all, the main mythological element/story was one that ISN'T EVEN A MYTH. Horrible.
Ugh, I hate that. I agree that the book and movie should not be identical (for example, the movie of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is very faithful to the book, and thus a little boring, while in Prisoner of Azkaban they added some of their own stuff, making it fun) but that sounds just awful! I've been debating reading this book series but whatever I do, I'll stay away from the movie!
ReplyDeleteThe series is really a lot of fun. For an adult reader, it's not GREAT - but you can see how it's an important introduction to mythology and literature to young minds.
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