The film begins with Percy Jackson, a troubled teenager who struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, attending a school field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. During the trip, Percy discovers that he has supernatural abilities when he vaporizes his math teacher, Mrs. Dodds, who reveals herself to be a Fury.
Shortly afterward, Percy’s best friend, Grover Underwood (played by Brandon T. Jackson), reveals himself to be a satyr and informs Percy that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and that his father’s lightning bolt, a powerful weapon, has been stolen. Percy is then taken to Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for demigods like him, where he meets other children of the gods, including Annabeth Chase (played by Alexandra Daddario), daughter of Athena.
Chiron (played by Pierce Brosnan), the centaur who oversees the camp, explains to Percy that Zeus (played by Sean Bean) believes Percy stole the lightning bolt and will declare war on Poseidon if it is not returned by the summer solstice. Percy, accompanied by Grover and Annabeth, sets out on a quest to find the bolt and clear his name.
Their journey takes them across the United States, encountering various mythological creatures and challenges along the way. They visit places like the Lotus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and the entrance to the Underworld in Los Angeles, where they encounter Hades (played by Steve Coogan), who accuses Percy of stealing his helm of darkness.
As Percy and his friends continue their quest, they eventually confront Luke Castellan (played by Jake Abel), a demigod and former camper at Camp Half-Blood who has turned against the gods and seeks to use the bolt to overthrow Olympus. Luke reveals that he was the one who stole the bolt and framed Percy, intending to use the ensuing chaos to his advantage.
In the climactic battle at the top of the Empire State Building, Percy fights Luke and manages to retrieve the bolt, proving his innocence. With the bolt returned, Percy prevents a war among the gods and gains the respect of his peers at Camp Half-Blood.
The film ends with Percy returning home to his mother, Sally (played by Catherine Keener), and stepfather, Gabe (played by Joe Pantoliano), knowing that he will continue to face challenges as a demigod, but also feeling more confident in his abilities and his place in the world.
“Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” is a thrilling and action-packed adventure that brings Greek mythology to life on the big screen. With its dynamic characters, exciting quests, and epic battles, it offers audiences a fun and entertaining journey into the world of gods, monsters, and heroes.