Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars in the title role as the legendary son of Zeus—Hercules.
The given name for Greece’s divine hero, this version is more true to form than the Arnold Schwarzenegger version (“Hercules in New York”) in 1970 or even Disney’s animated cartoon under the same name in 1997.
This time around it’s the bald-headed Johnson in full headed wig as this film version of the mighty Hercules which is more akin to gritty world of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” as we are initially presented with one very tired demigod who has returned from his legendary twelve labors only to find his family murdered and himself thrown into an unwinnable battle for not only his life but that of all of Greece hanging in the balance.
This is a different Dwayne Johnson that we have seen in the past, a man who has been slowly working his dramatic acting craft, working up the ranks from minor to now headlining action hero role—much as he had to do in the wrestling ring for the World Wrestling Federation—and is now well at ease in front of the camera.
We are all the better for it.
This is a fun summertime movie and what makes Hercules work is not just the muscled-bound alpha male in the title role but surrounding him with a talented cast including John Hurt (“Alien”), Ian McShane (“Jack the Giant Slaver”) and Rufus Sewell (“Dark City”). The cast may not be at the tip of your tongue but you will instantly recognize them in their previous “B” roles and director Brett Ratner (“Tower Heist”) makes the most of them–thankfully so that we are not just watching a 98-minute weight lifting film of Mr. Johnson in the gym.
Hence the rub of this film is its brevity. We are forced like toothpaste being squeezed out into the premise of Johnson as the strongest mortal ever and then it’s over in a flash. Ratner could have easily given up another 20 minutes from the cutting room floor for some more gentle touches of Johnson who surprising enough can actually act and not just grunt for the camera.
Alas, it was not meant to be.
Instead “Hercules” moves at a breathtaking speed–with lovely exterior locations in Croatia as Johnson’s Hercules is fated to become a “sword for hire.” One would suppose that when you have nothing left to live for and walk around wearing the head of a lion that you killed with your hands, working for your dinner is not a bad job, if you can get it. Silly? Yes!
Then again, it’s Hercules folks. You know. Strongest man there is or ever will be. Put Hercules in a wrestling ring with Superman and guess who walks out the winner? And he ain’t wearing tights.
Traveling back into space and time and projecting yourself into a mythical world of demons and monsters certainly isn’t easy but Johnson makes it work and brings along the audience for the ride. For me though, it was getting used to the bald headed one with a full head of hair that will take everyone a few minutes getting used to.
A warning to parents: the violence in this movie is extensive—especially when Hercules and his buddies have to take on several hundred living dead (sorry neither slouching nor moaning) and the violence is a bit extreme, so leave the kiddies home.
“Hercules” is a fun romp and makes one long for a trip to Athens.
Frequent Flyer mileage, anyone?
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