Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

Why must all movies using the subject of Ancient Greek Mythology be so disappointing?!?!? A subject tnat holds so much promise is just never done right. But this film baffles me even more because it was based off a book, a fantastic book by the way, but the movie just didnt capture what made the book great.

Our Hero Percy Jackson is the unknowning son of the Sea God, Poseidon. Zeus' Master Lightning Bolt has been stolen and he suspects Percy did the deed and gives him 2 weeks to return it. So Percy and his companions embark on a journey across the country to retrieve the bolt and return it to Mt. Olympus, all the while "modernizing" the Anciet Greek Tales. Theres no point in detailing the whole plot, read the book.

Aside from the little changes in the book the main "unforgiveable" change is that they leave it a very important character, Ares - God of War. Leaving him out of the movie changes the whole dynamic because he was the driving force of the book.

The cast was great, they really brought out a lot of well known actors to play the Gods and villans. But even that could not save the movie for me. It just kind of seems to drag and it feels like it skips...because it does. Id put this right up there with this summer's FLOP blockbuster, Clash of the Titans. I still call for a new, big budget, version of The Odyssey...After these two, a really good Ancient Epic is needed.

The Lightning Thief, a suprising disappointment recieves 5 "Steve Coogan as Hades"...out of 10
Steve Coogan was by far the best part of the movie...as limited as his time was.

Pirate Radio (2009)

For any fan of British music from the mid-late 60's this movie is a must see. Even more so for the grown-ups who were raised on the music.

As appealing as the music and the plot is, what really drew me into this film was the ensemble. One of the finest casting jobs I've seen in a long time. Philip Seymour-Hoffman (Capote) to Nick Frost (Blood and Icecream Trilogy) as well as Bill Nighy who had a few cameos in the prior trilogy. With also Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords) and Rhys Ifans (The Replacements) and Jack Davenport (PotC - Commadore Norrington). I mean c'mon...this film is like a Fanboy's wetdream it's just full of Awesomeness!

Set during the 60's during the British Governments' attempt to ban Rock from the airwaves, many groups of DJs headed to the sea to broadcast the music they loved. Antics ensue after every attempt by the Gov't is thwarted by the Pirates. Fun is had by all and Romance makes its way to the sea onboard Radio Rock. All the while, neither side forgeting about the music as each side makes their last stand...for the sake of not spoiling cutting it short there.

Although sometimes the movie did get itself sidetracked with the Romance aspect it was still pretty damn good. Not a must rent but I would encourage any fan of the actors or music to see this as you wont be dissappointed.

Pirate Radio recieves 7 "Pete Townshend Smashes"...out of 10