This is not a movie that disappoints on all levels. It was a genuinely fun watch and I hope there's a sequel in the works. Johnson's portrayal of Hercules is bad-ass, likable and charismatic and reminds me of Kevin Sorbo in Hercules: Legendary Journeys for some reason.
Give it a go. From what I have heard people have not been receiving it so well which is why my comment seems defensive, but I think the camera visuals as well as the pace of the film was on point!
"I thought heroes fight for glory. But mercenaries fight for gold."
Remember my review of "The Legend of Hercules" ? Probably you noticed that I wasn't really impressed by it. First, there was no sign of the "Twelve labors" in this film. And it was a hodgepodge of topics from various films. It looked a bit like "Gladiator" mixed with "Pompeii" and "300". And also, Kellan Lutz didn't have enough charisma to become a mythical figure like Hercules. That's why I was so curious about this version with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. And although it's not exactly a masterpiece, it still could captivate me. First of all there was a small part dedicated to the labors and also because of some memorable moments.
What intrigued me the most was the fact that one questioned Hercules's status as a god in a subtle way. I doubted at some point whether he really was a descendant of Zeus or simply a mortal provided with the necessary muscles and fighting skills. It seemed as if he wasn't immortal : "Cover up, before your loyal army sees you bleed like a mortal". It was as if he used that unique status to scare off opponents ("The more they believe Hercules is truly the son of Zeus, the less likely they are to fight") or to use this infamous reputation as a lure for new clients. The opening scene with Hercules being assisted by his companions to hunt down a band of pirates, gave the impression as if he couldn't single-handedly get the job done.
Okay, maybe it was the intention to make "the mystery Hercules", invincible son of Zeus, more mysterious. Johnson plays a heck of a Hercules. That's an indisputable certainty. His impressive torso and superhuman biceps filled with swollen veins make him a fearsome and imposing demigod. "Conan" will always be associated with Schwarzenegger. Believe me, "Hercules" will be the same for Johnson. An ideal role written especially for him. It's just pure joy to see this semi-barbarian screaming out loud while rushing towards his opponents, frantically waving with a huge mace. With crushed and split skulls as a result. The level of adrenaline is skyrocketing during the great battles.
Of course you could say that they've borrowed from other classics. It's just like "The magnificent seven". A group of professional mercenaries taking upon themselves the arduous task of training a group of non-military citizens in martial art. Obviously, this army of simpletons grows out to be the most ruthless killing machine ever. In recent years we've been spoiled with epic battles as seen in "300" and "The Lord of the Rings". Unfortunately, the battles here aren't as overwhelming as the latter. And you can also feel a bit of the atmosphere from the movie "Gladiator" in this mythical spectacle.
But unlike "The legend of Hercules" you can see some old timers at work here. Like John Hurt who plays the part of Lord Cotys, king of Thrace. He wants Hercules and his henchmen to defeat a violent warlord. And Ian McShane and Rufus Sewell play respectively Amphiaraus and Autolycus, two companions of Hercules. Each of them are veterans who bring some drama into the story. And there's also some humor to enjoy. The funny dialogs between the group members you definitely can call successful. Fortunately they didn't end up with a type of Bud Spencer parody full of silly jokes. The final result is a perfect balance between light-hearted humor and spectacular action. So if you're a fan of straightforward action with a humorous wink, you'll like this Hercules !
Even after parking your brain in neutral it still doesn't quite work as a popcorn movie for me. The visuals, CGI, and fight choreography is all passable but there's nothing here we haven't seen done better in other ancient flavored action movies.
I was not expecting a good movie out of Brett Ratner, but I was surprised that this was a good movie and an entertainment time.
Dwayne Johnson is fantastic he is a very likeable actor and person and he was fantastic here.
A good twist, fantastic actions scenes, a good time for sure.
3.75/5
The only reason I watched this movie was to see The Rock lay the smack down. It barely delivered and I'm sure I will have forgotten most of it by the end of the week.
Add your comment
Comments 1 - 15 of 15
oleole90
Turn off your critic mode, sit back, relax and enjoy. Not as lame as the rating suggests.:)
Jace Lightner
This is not a movie that disappoints on all levels. It was a genuinely fun watch and I hope there's a sequel in the works. Johnson's portrayal of Hercules is bad-ass, likable and charismatic and reminds me of Kevin Sorbo in Hercules: Legendary Journeys for some reason.Give it a go. From what I have heard people have not been receiving it so well which is why my comment seems defensive, but I think the camera visuals as well as the pace of the film was on point!
ikkegoemikke
"I thought heroes fight for glory. But mercenaries fight for gold."Remember my review of "The Legend of Hercules" ? Probably you noticed that I wasn't really impressed by it. First, there was no sign of the "Twelve labors" in this film. And it was a hodgepodge of topics from various films. It looked a bit like "Gladiator" mixed with "Pompeii" and "300". And also, Kellan Lutz didn't have enough charisma to become a mythical figure like Hercules. That's why I was so curious about this version with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. And although it's not exactly a masterpiece, it still could captivate me. First of all there was a small part dedicated to the labors and also because of some memorable moments.
What intrigued me the most was the fact that one questioned Hercules's status as a god in a subtle way. I doubted at some point whether he really was a descendant of Zeus or simply a mortal provided with the necessary muscles and fighting skills. It seemed as if he wasn't immortal : "Cover up, before your loyal army sees you bleed like a mortal". It was as if he used that unique status to scare off opponents ("The more they believe Hercules is truly the son of Zeus, the less likely they are to fight") or to use this infamous reputation as a lure for new clients. The opening scene with Hercules being assisted by his companions to hunt down a band of pirates, gave the impression as if he couldn't single-handedly get the job done.
Okay, maybe it was the intention to make "the mystery Hercules", invincible son of Zeus, more mysterious. Johnson plays a heck of a Hercules. That's an indisputable certainty. His impressive torso and superhuman biceps filled with swollen veins make him a fearsome and imposing demigod. "Conan" will always be associated with Schwarzenegger. Believe me, "Hercules" will be the same for Johnson. An ideal role written especially for him. It's just pure joy to see this semi-barbarian screaming out loud while rushing towards his opponents, frantically waving with a huge mace. With crushed and split skulls as a result. The level of adrenaline is skyrocketing during the great battles.
Of course you could say that they've borrowed from other classics. It's just like "The magnificent seven". A group of professional mercenaries taking upon themselves the arduous task of training a group of non-military citizens in martial art. Obviously, this army of simpletons grows out to be the most ruthless killing machine ever. In recent years we've been spoiled with epic battles as seen in "300" and "The Lord of the Rings". Unfortunately, the battles here aren't as overwhelming as the latter. And you can also feel a bit of the atmosphere from the movie "Gladiator" in this mythical spectacle.
But unlike "The legend of Hercules" you can see some old timers at work here. Like John Hurt who plays the part of Lord Cotys, king of Thrace. He wants Hercules and his henchmen to defeat a violent warlord. And Ian McShane and Rufus Sewell play respectively Amphiaraus and Autolycus, two companions of Hercules. Each of them are veterans who bring some drama into the story. And there's also some humor to enjoy. The funny dialogs between the group members you definitely can call successful. Fortunately they didn't end up with a type of Bud Spencer parody full of silly jokes. The final result is a perfect balance between light-hearted humor and spectacular action. So if you're a fan of straightforward action with a humorous wink, you'll like this Hercules !
More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
danisanna
A little cheesy but in all a decent adventure film. I enjoyed it.Malena
I actually enjoyed this movie against all odds! the plot was good and the actors as well! the bit of humor was also very entertaining.DisneyStitch
Even after parking your brain in neutral it still doesn't quite work as a popcorn movie for me. The visuals, CGI, and fight choreography is all passable but there's nothing here we haven't seen done better in other ancient flavored action movies.Joker of Gotham
I was not expecting a good movie out of Brett Ratner, but I was surprised that this was a good movie and an entertainment time.Dwayne Johnson is fantastic he is a very likeable actor and person and he was fantastic here.
A good twist, fantastic actions scenes, a good time for sure.
3.75/5
Flops
The only reason I watched this movie was to see The Rock lay the smack down. It barely delivered and I'm sure I will have forgotten most of it by the end of the week.aKIDOn
I didn't go in expecting much, but it was o k.The battle plans were a good Touch up.
6.5/10
audiopile
Other than witnessing the invention of the lawnmower, there was nothing good about this film. Even considering its genre this was subpar.meysam_a
This film has ruined so many things and tried to make the story logical, yet I appreciate it. Also, CGI rocks!MrDoog
Had very low expectations yet this movie still disappointed.There's very little good to say about it, it just wasn't a fun watch.
arrbrr
IMAX 3D of this movie rocked!chunkylefunga
Well that was disappointing.ghillli
Movie don't have much of a story,but I saw good 3D