'Hercules' A Review

Hercules is a swords and sandals action movie based on the graphic novel reimagining. The movie opens on a captive storyteller spinning the yarns of Hercules in order to intimidate the pirates who hold him hostage. Hercules descends upon the pirates in a thick fog and slays them. Only he is not alone he has a whole crew that helps him. In this incarnation Hercules is not the son of Zeus or a demi-god and his great feats were accomplished by a crew of friends and fellow warriors, his nephew storyslinger and relentless PR man cultivates the myth of Hercules in order to garner mercenary business. Hercules and his fellows are pressed into service by the King of Thrace in order to stop a bloody rebellion. But things are not exactly what they seem.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is near perfect as Hercules, his colossal physique pairs well with his understated charm, he brings a humility to this incarnation of Hercules which is unexpected and fresh. His wig, beard, and accent are at times verge into camp but not to a degree of distraction. Hercules's crew fills out the cast most notably by the ease, whit, and gravitas of Ian McShane and Rufus Sewell however Ingrid Bolsø Berdal puts in a good performance as the resident Amazon and Aksel Hennie gives a surprisingly engaging turn as silent, half crazed, child of war soothed by the friendship of his companions. The best part of the film is the comradery of Hercules band. There is a sense of friendship, fun, and togetherness that is catching. Unfortunately past the inspired casting the movie does everything else by the book.

The action of Hercules is serviceable but not new, the plot adequate but not adventurous. Lead by Johnson, with such a stacked cast, there is a lot of unactualized potential. There is a moment of brilliance towards the end where McShane is whispering to the chained Hercules prodding him to break free of his bonds. It is fleeting.

Rent It.