Should we put our trust in a sequel that not many asked for?
Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) is now living the protected, yet training-filled life at Camp Half-Blood. But one day, Percy discovers that he has a brother, a half-human, half-cyclops named Tyson. Percy, at first, is very reluctant to this news, and shrugs him off. Just when things couldn't get worse, the wall protecting Half-Bloods at Camp Half-Blood is broken by the Lightning Thief, Luke. In order to save the camp, Percy must travel to the Sea of Monsters, and grab the Golden Fleece, the only thing that has the power to restore the camp back to normal. Joining him on his quest are Tyson, his Satyr guardian Grover, and his friend Annabeth.
This sequel to the 2010 fantasy adaptation is surprisingly filled with strong morals. Characters willingly put their lives on the line without hesitation, and bravery and humility are well-touted. Dysfunctional family relationships and their emotional consequences are solidly show and friendship, teamwork, and perseverance are also present. The films' fairly predictable screenplay is boosted up with these sometimes inspiring messages.
The acting is nicely-done, with Lerman bringing heart and an interesting tone to Percy. Brandon T. Jackson, Levin Ramblin, Stanley Tucci, Jake Abel, and Alexandra Daddario also do a solid job. I also have to say the visuals were quite good, with excellently put-together 3D-like effects. The effects also carry just the right amount of excitement without feeling tiring after a while or garish. The action sequences are exciting and well-done.
As far as negative content is concerned, I noticed the film was relatively humorless. There were a few minor chuckles, but nothing worth laughing out loud. Considering the serious themes this movie pursues, this is not that surprising that one would imagine at least more than one moment that would give us comedic relief from all the (sometimes) fast-paced fights.
That being said, I enjoyed Sea of Monsters just as much as its' predecessor. This is an exciting fantasy that's interesting, fun, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Grade: A-
Content Problems Families Should Be Aware Of:
Language: Some mild language. "D---" is blurted out three times. Someone is called a "p---ant". In shock, Grover nearly calls Clarice a "b---" (but is stopped at the first syllable). Someone exclaims "oh my g--s". We also hear "freaking", "holy styx", and "do not screw this up for me!".
Adult Content: None really. In order to not be eaten, Grover cross-dresses as a cyclops chambermaid.
Violence: Various scenes of some mildly scary fantasy violence and action. A coccyx bull causes some destruction, nearly burns one character, and nearly finishes off Percy (Percy has a few bloody gashes on his face). A scorpion creature threatens many characters and does succeed in stinging one. A few other characters are nearly finished off towards the end. Percy impales a digitally-rendered character. A cyclops almost eats the characters. Satyr skulls are seen skewered on spears. A few scary monsters shown. Someone dies at the beginning.
Drugs/Alcohol: Wine is poured (it turns to water).
Other: In the same moment mentioned in the previous content listing, someone makes a reference to Jesus that may come across to viewers as either positive or offensive. Teenagers lie and deceive. Greek mythology and spirituality are the main focus.
