Hercules (2014)
Writers: Ryan Condal and Evan Spiliotopoulos
Cast: Dwayne Johnson (Hercules), Ian McShane (Amphiaraus), Lord Cotys (John Hurt), Rufus Sewell (Autolycus), Aksel Hennie (Tydeus), Igrid Bolsol Berdal (Atalanta), Reese Ritchie (Iolaus), Joesph Fiennes (King Eurystheus), and Tobias Santelmann (Rhesus).
The film begins with the birth of Hercules (Dwayne Johnson), son of Zeus and Alcmene (Karolina Szymczak). Named to appease the goddess Hera herself, but instead displeased the goddess and planned to have him killed. Serpents slither there way to the young child, but he was strong enough to snap the necks of the vile creatures with amazing strength.
Hercules's adulthood went through the treacherous twelve labors, a Lernaean Hydra, the strong Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) continued on his journey and battled the Erymanthian Boar, killing it with his club. The Labor that gave him renowned recognition is the Nemean Lion, a creature that had a hide to strong for any weapon.
The one telling the story is a young man called Lolaus (Reese Ritchie), who happens to be Hercules's nephew, tied up hanging on the wooden pike, close to his groin. The invading pirates in Macedonia, their leader doesn't believe Lolaus (Reese Ritchie), and starts to burn the rope that holds his capture.
Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) alongside his friends, Amphiaraus (Ian McShane), Autolycus (Rufes Sewell), Atalanta (Ingrid Bolso Berdal), and Tydeus (Aksel Hennie), take out the pirates, the myth and mystery about the man who killed the lion has been revealed, his friends, family within is the secret behind the lore. Afterwards, Hercules (Johnson) and his followers go to a tavern and discuss plans about retirement, and dreams of the future. The gold they acquire, and how many missions needed to live off the lands without lifting a sword again, they talk of things that only make Hercules stare into nothing, his thoughts are not in the tavern, but of the unspeakable horror that occurred months ago, the death of his wife, his family killed by the three headed wolf, Cerberus. The vile creature attacked his wife and child, nothing was left, his memories hurt his soul, and what destroyed his name along with his family was the liar King Eurystheus (Joseph Fiennes), because of him i was exiled, the name of Hercules died with his family that night.
A woman by the name of Ergenia (Rebecca ferguson) walks up to the legends and tells the a tale of an evil Warlord who calls himself, Rhesus (Tobias Santelmann). The Warlord will destroy everything in his path, she needs Hercules and company to help her father's Kingdom before it's to late. The man called Hercules takes the mission, with or without his friends, something within tells the Legend to travel to the land of Thrace and help the people defeat the Warlord before the armies of lore continue to trample on innocent people.
Rant: Let me start by saying this film really was entertaining, unlike the other mythology films, this movie does it's job but with a very different twist, for example the film gives you images of creatures of lore, but when you get close enough they are transformed into a normal man, or what looks threatening may be something different up close. That part of the film i really enjoyed, the fact that you're expecting a fantasy type film is one thing, but when it becomes more, it gives me an impression that the filmmakers did think things through, it's the difference between a good film and a bad one.
The images that slide in between scenes are done smoothly, the backgrounds the characters are in, give that feel of an actual battle. Remember those other films that make you feel you're on a stage, it's almost as bad as the Star Wars Episode 1 green screen that really gave the impression of a fake background, with no passion or sense of reality, it's those shots that i have a problem with. I did not get the feeling of a false background, understanding that the battles are choreographed, and some films do need to use green screens, but in the case of Hercules, it was done well, the focus was the characters and the story, unlike star wars episode one, where the story fell apart, and the main event was the special effects that looked fake.
Cons: The only problem that i had was the miss use of the "F," word, it was out of place, and uncalled for, up until that part, the film was good. The use of the word is not my issue, it was how they used it, the language did not serve a purpose. The achievement which the filmmakers wanted did not get that main reaction, it wasn't funny, remember the Christian Slater in Robin Hood, where he yelled the "F" word, that scene worked, it was amusing, while out of place, the reaction was positive. The second problem i found in the story was the other folks were kinda idiots, if Hercules was cast out of his lands then why? didn't the folks in the tavern, or people in general act like he was a killer, instead everyone went on like nothing ever happened. The third and final issue i have is the main protagonist, Hercules wasn't challenged enough, yes he went through the Labors, but his challenges were simple, the battles seemed to easy for the hero, or Legend. Not that I'm complaining, the story is good, while the film in it's self was entertaining but the main guy's tasks were pretty easy. Look at the movie the "Gladiator," the protagonist had to fight his way to the top, he was created by his struggle, while in Hercules his struggle was the death of his family but yet, the main nerve what made him who he is was never struck. Flashbacks are good but used incorrectly which they did here, the story will suffer, and it did in some ways. Make the main character earn his way to the top, yes he completed the Labors, but if the Cerberus was his only flaw, then make that his undoing, let him travel but be called out as a baby killer, a thief, gold digger, make the Legend earn back what he has lost. The film did not go that route, it would've been a classic in the making if they did.
Overall this film is entertaining, and a must see for everyone who loves Greek mythology, it may not be a clash of the titian but never the less it does it's job, and delivers in some ways, Knowing Dwayne Johnson is Hercules made the film sky-rocket, that being said, remember the "Scorpion King," a cool concept of a film but the acting was as horrible as wrestling pay per views. But, indeed Dwayne Johnson has come along way as an actor. I truly recommend this film, do not check out the other Hercules film that was made, released at around the same time; The one with the actor from the Twilight series, you know the dude that was the muscle. Either way Hercules has some problems, but the film does deliver on the entertainment area, which it means you'll like what your seeing, and enjoying the story.
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