Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you like action movies.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 98 minutes (~1.5 hours)
“Hercules” is an action movie that provides an alternative interpretation of the myth of Hercules. It revolves around Hercules’ efforts to save a kingdom from tyranny, and the truth that he discovers about himself and his family as a result. It stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Hercules), John Hurt (Cotys), Joseph Fiennes (Eurystheus), and Reece Ritchie (Iolaus).
While this may not be the first movie adaptation of Hercules this year, it certainly stands apart from the regular adaptations of the myth, hearkening back to the tone of the 90s “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” television series with updated movie production values. It takes a very different approach to the myth, which, while not groundbreaking, is certainly a refreshing take on the story.
So what makes this rendition of “Hercules” so much more interesting to watch?
Tongue-in-cheek tone of the film
“Hercules” knows that it’s dealing with a larger than life story, and takes suitable liberties when it comes to the subject matter. It never takes itself too seriously, and thus brings across a sense of fun and adventure to the character, as opposed to the brooding, gritty versions we’ve seen lately. It might be a little campy, but always in a playful, entertaining way.
Elaborate action set pieces
A legendary warrior must be accompanied by legendary feats, and “Hercules” brings those antics to life in grand, glorious set piece battles. Each Act is bookended with spectacular battles. Each character is given his or her moment to shine with over-the-top stunts, showing us just why these characters are such sought after mercenaries. The fights are not sprawling wars, but rather individual showcases of memorable fighting skills.
Iolaus was a riot
Reece Richie plays an amusing, slightly self-deprecating take on the traditional sidekick of Hercules. As the bombastic and sometimes clueless Iolaus, he brings comic relief that always colours otherwise straightforward scenes. His boasts also act as a nod and a homage to other interpretations of the Hercules myth, which again helps to support the playful tone of the movie.
While the story and characters are pretty entertaining, “Hercules” suffers from some issues with the production quality.
CGI is clunky
It’s a good thing that the movie is, for the most part, focused more on the human characters rather than the mythological beasts. The computer rendered monsters look artificial and dated, and it’s especially jarring during the CGI-heavy fights. It shakes your suspension of disbelief at times, but luckily there aren’t too many mythical creatures here.
Old-fashioned music
You have to hear it to believe it. The score sounds like it was lifted from a 70s movie, with every plot development underscored by overly dramatic music. The soundtrack tries so hard to be a grand, operatic symphony that it ends up sounding exaggerated. It certainly helps set the campy tone of the film though.
“Hercules” is a lively, colourful romp through ancient Greece that acknowledged the source material for what it is (a myth), and rolls on with a larger-than-life mentality. It’ll doesn’t leave you with depressing, thought-provoking insights into human nature, but celebrates the triumph of heroism and human spirit. And at the end of the day, don’t we all like movies that exalt in the victory of humanity?
“Hercules” opens in cinemas 24 July, 2014 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo Movies Singapore.
Good review Marcus. It’s incredibly dumb, but I didn’t mind that. In fact, I had quite a bit of fun with it. Even if it was something directed by Brett Ratner, of all people.