Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters – Movie Review

Titans, cylops, demi-gods, and a new spin on a mechanical bull provide adventure and excitement in the second of the Percy Jackson series, Sea of Monsters. Competing to the best warrior with Clarisse La Rue (Leven Rambin), Percy Jackson’s (Logan Lerman) character warms your heart as he gives up his opportunity at first place during a competition to save a friend entangled in some rope. His sweet nature is becoming, especially when compared with Clarisse’s win-at-all-costs, must-be-the-best attitude. But really, what can else you expect from the daughter of the god of war?

Percy, son of Poseidon (god of the sea), meets his half-brother Tyson (Douglas Smith), who is not a half-blood, but a Cyclops (son of a god and a nymph). Tyson’s personality is even more gentle and sickly sweet, always looking at the bright side of things with one eye open.

Logan Lerman stars in Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters; Photo Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

All is well at the camp for the half-bloods, children of humans and gods, until the barrier surrounding their home is broken. This barrier formed when Zeus’ daughter Thalia was murdered by the Titans on her way into the camp. She sacrificed herself so her friends could make it to safety. In an effort to keep Thalia alive, Zeus caused a tree to spring from her lifeless form, and a protective barrier formed from the tree, surrounding the camp and the demi-gods who lived there.

During a typical midday meal, chaos erupts as the barrier is broken by a mechanical bull, which was one of the best special effects of the film. Fire-breathing, with numerous metallic weaponry, the bull is intent on destroying as many demi-gods as possible, and wreaks havoc on the camp until Percy figures out its weak spot. After destroying the beast, the owner of the bull reveals himself: Luke Castellan (Jake Abel), son of Hermes, the messenger god.

Logan Lerman and Alexandra Daddario star in Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters; Photo Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

In order to break the barrier, Luke poisons Thalia’s tree, creating a series of events, leading Percy to learn, and try to fulfill, the prophecy regarding the heir of the eldest gods. Teaming up with his pal, Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) the satyr, Annabeth Chase (Alexandra Daddario) daughter of Athena, and his brother Tyson, the group head off to find the Golden Fleece, which according to legend can heal Thalia’s tree and protect the camp.

Their journey takes them to the Sea of Monsters, where they battle mythological creatures as they attempt to save Thalia and keep themselves alive. With the amazing characters and beautiful scenes, Sea of Monsters would make a fantastic Disney ride.

If you have a pre-teen or teenager, this is a movie they will enjoy.

Logan Lerman, Douglas Smith, Alexandra Daddario and Leven Rambin in Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters; Photo Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

Christian Worldview –

Considering the premise of the movie is about Greek mythological deities, there is little reference to anything Christian. However, at the beginning of the movie, Mr. D (Stanley Tucci) is frustrated that his wine turns into water every time he pours a glass. Referring to Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine, recorded in the book of John, chapter two, he says something to the effect of “There was a guy who could do this in reverse. Now there’s a God!” The only other line regarding deity that could make a Christian wince was “When the gods wish to torture us, they answer our prayers.”

Aside from Zeus’ revenge on Mr. D, there are a couple other mentions of drinking—once when the group heads into a mock-Starbucks and Grover asks for the special “nectar,” which two characters are seen toasting with at the end of the film (no spoilers!).

The prophecy is given to Percy from an oracle, a she-skeleton-witch, who might scare younger audience members. There is no other mention of the occult in the film.

Logan Lerman stars in Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters; Photo Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

Biblical Discussion –

Proverbs 11:29 says “Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise” (NIV).  This is true in the case of Luke, who resents his father and tries to hurt his cousins, Percy, Tyson, and Annabeth. Similarly, Mark 3:23-25 
Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” he asked. “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart” (NLT).

A common theme throughout the film is the importance of family and accepting each other for who they are, not for what they look like. Percy talks to his father Poseidon in the water, but doesn’t feel that he’s listening. But when Tyson shows up, Percy doesn’t automatically take to him.

Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario in Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters; Photo Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

Even though Tyson’s cycloptic appearance makes many people uncomfortable, (Annabeth has personal issues with Cyclops in general), his positivity and excitement to have a brother (Percy) makes him a loveable character, and Percy must learn to accept his brother, or lose him. Conversely, Luke and his father Hermes (Nathan Fillion) have a broken relationship, which Hermes very much wants to mend.

Even when we disagree with our family, how can we remain close and connected? Is there a way to disagree without falling apart?

What are some ways a family can grow closer together? How many of them can you implement this week? Are weekly or monthly date nights something to consider?

Does your family have regular meetings or times of open discussion? What does that look like in your family?

To get more movie reviews from a Christian perspective please check out Bethany Jett’s review of Me Again

To learn more about the author, check out Bethany Jett.

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