Anyone else mark the resemblance to Robert Downey, Jr? I was quite distracted.
Hercules (2014), as the bold audience member might guess, derives from the Roman mythical character Hercules (Greek Heracles), son of king-of-the-gods Zeus and a mortal woman. This is but one of a large portfolio of films that have used him as the protagonist in their tales, or as a supporting character in other heroes’ adventures.
This one’s a bit different, though. With the notable exception of the portrayal of Hercules by Kevin Sorbo in the eponymous TV series, Hercules, the son of Jupiter, or Zeus, qualified at least as a demi-god, and despite, or perhaps because of, the many tragedies visited upon him by Zeus’ wife, Hera, who is insanely jealous of her husband’s mortal lover, as well as a host of accomplishments, Hercules is often headstrong, proud, and even petty at times, often to his regret.
But imagining Hollywood and wrestling star Duane Johnson as blindly arrogant is the sort of exercise sure to induce headaches, and, fortunately, Johnson doesn’t play Hercules with that in mind. For those familiar with Johnson’s work, this is an early example of his humble, laconic trademark, exuding, much like Sorbo, a quiet desire to learn and comfort, even as enemies fly across the screen after meeting his mighty fist.
In this story, Hercules and his entourage of friends he’s rescued from dicey situations are hired to save a kingdom from the depredations of a magician who can raise the dead.
There’s a wee problem, however, as the magician says he doesn’t do that.
And the king-to-be-saved seems ambitious to lord it over more than just his kingdom.
And the promised gold is awfully damn heavy, anyways.
Tongue in cheek fun and actually a bit inventive, it’s not a bad little tale. However, there are too many characters, which is not to say confusion reigns here, but most of the support characters have as much depth as does a cardboard box. A nicely decorated box, but I fear the script shorts the Hercules supporters in favor of the demi-god himself.
Who smiles and keeps on going.
If you stumble across this one stormy night, it’s not a bad way to spend the evening. You won’t stay up afterwards contemplating important philosophical issues, it’s true.
But you may fall asleep with a tired smile on your face.
