The Hercules Story

Clam Shell Shows Wear

Hercules, despite not being the egregious foul it appeared to be in theaters, stands up as an entertaining spritzer of an animated feature. The continual peppering of in-jokes and cultural references becomes less irksome on video, and the lack of majesty or awe invested in the beloved Greek legends also seems less of an error. On the plus side, the bounciest Alan Menken music since Little Shop of Horrors adds to the entertainment value.

With Zeus's blood in his veins, young Hercules's amazing strength makes him an outcast, leading him to train with a satyr named Phil to become a hero. Along the way, Herc meets Meg, a common mortal who falls hard for him. They both find themselves against the jocular Hades, who must destroy Hercules to take over Olympus.

The hydra, a computer-animated set piece for this little number, is a no-chance attempt to beat the wildebeest herd from The Lion King. While it may not reach the same level of awe and majesty as the beloved Greek legends, Hercules stands out as an entertaining and lighthearted animated feature that delivers a solid dose of in-jokes, cultural references, and catchy music.

The continual peppering of these elements becomes less irksome on video, as the viewer can better appreciate the film's overall charm and entertainment value. The lack of grandiose elements in the portrayal of the Greek myths also seems less of an error, as the film embraces a more playful and accessible approach to these iconic stories.

Hercules's amazing strength, a result of his divine lineage, sets him apart from his peers, leading him on a journey to become a hero. This journey is punctuated by his meeting with Meg, a mortal who falls for him, and their shared struggle against the devious Hades, who seeks to destroy Hercules and take over Olympus.

The hydra, a formidable computer-animated creature, serves as a set piece for the film, but it fails to match the sheer grandeur and impact of the wildebeest herd from The Lion King. Nevertheless, Hercules manages to stand on its own merits, delivering a highly entertaining and lighthearted animated experience that resonates with audiences.

Overall, Hercules may not have the majesty or awe of the beloved Greek legends, but it more than makes up for it with its charming characters, infectious music, and a continuous stream of in-jokes and cultural references that keep the viewers engaged and entertained throughout.

product information: