‘Percy Jackson’ has light touch

By Rick Bentley

The Fresno Bee

“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” — just like the 2010 release “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” — continues to fill in that action-film void between little kids and savvy teens. It’s a segment of the moviegoing public that often must settle for lackluster offerings like the “Wimpy Kid” series.

To entertain that target group, this offering is a balanced blend of the kind of action that’s found in “The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” series and a touch of the teen angst that has made the “Twilight” series so popular.

That combination makes the film, based on the book by Rick Riordan, a fun, escapist summer movie. Not every demographic will embrace it, but it should find a solid audience with younger movie fans. Older moviegoers who are tired of this summer’s action films with dark tones can find some light relief with Percy and the gang.

Percy (Logan Lerman), whose father is Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology, must use his watery powers on a quest to track down the Golden Fleece. Its magical healing powers are needed to help ensure the safety of the non-humans and other creatures who train in a hidden forest compound.

As in the first film, Percy’s joined by the ever-positive Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) and his satyr buddy, Grover (Brandon T. Jackson).

Director Thor Freudenthal shows the wisdom of Athena as he sets a quick tempo for this tale taking the young heroes from battles in the woods to high seas adventures.