Harry Potter fans will be put at ease until the next wizard installment now that Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief is in theaters.

Teenage boys realizing unknown magical powers may ring some familiar bells for fantasy film fans, but Percy Jackson’s clever mythological story integration differentiates the flick from other magical premises.

CAN HARRY POTTER DO THIS? Ordinary boy Percy Jackson discovers he has extraordinary powers in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.

Percy (Lerman) is a rebellious 12-year-old who feels different from his classmates. Although close with his mom (Catherine Keener), Percy’s sloppy and unhygienic stepfather makes Percy feel lost both at home and school. Surprise encounters with strange monsters soon lead to answers of Percy’s identity crisis: he is the son of Poseidon, and is destined for greatness.

Whisked away to a camp for fellow demigods, Percy learns that Zeus’ primary weapon, the lightning bolt, has been stolen, and he is the primary suspect. With a threat of war between Greek gods on the horizon over the missing bolt, Percy embarks on a quest with Athena’s demigod daughter, Annabeth (Daddario) and satyr Grover (Jackson) to clear his name before Mount Olympus and the world are destroyed.

This Greek mythology twist may seem cheesy, but stick with it.  Familiar stories of ancient Greek gods and heroes unexpectedly pop into modern day scenes to create a satisfying plot. The movie is exciting and fast-paced, so concerns of boredom in a children’s movie should be pushed aside.

Lerman expertly tackles the role of Percy Jackson.  It would be easy to overact with the many emotions expected from his character, but Lerman is subtle and realistic.

Many established actors have roles in Percy Jackson, which grants the film some deserved credibility. Appearances by Pierce Brosnan, Rosario Dawson and Uma Thurman illustrate creative indulgences by the actors in their mythological roles.

Columbus has reputable experience with fantasy flicks — namely the first three films in the Harry Potter series — and this background shows in Percy Jackson. The scenes move quickly as the quest’s mysteries unfold, and the parallels to Harry Potter in its special effects and plot presentation are hard to deny.

As a temporary escape from mid-term studies, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief provides an entertaining story with likable characters.  Let’s hope Columbus follows suit of his Harry Potter trilogy and makes sequels of Percy Jackson.