There’s a common sentiment in cinema that originality is king, and clichés are the enemy. We often groan at predictable plots and overused tropes. And then there’s “Hercules,” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This film embraces clichés with open arms, yet somehow, it manages to be surprisingly enjoyable. It defies expectations, in a way, by being exactly what you expect, and still delivering a fun ride.
From what I’ve gathered, “Hercules” takes a rather loose approach to its source material. Forget the traditional Greek legends of Zeus, Mount Olympus, and the mythical twelve labors. This Hercules is apparently based on a comic book, itself inspired by the classic tales of Zeus’s demigod son. My knowledge of Ancient Greece is admittedly rusty, and comic books are not my usual fare, so I can’t speak to the faithfulness of this adaptation. However, I can tell you that if you’re in the mood for undemanding entertainment, this movie hits the spot.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson steps into the sandals of the titular hero, and he brings his signature charisma and muscle to the role. Johnson isn’t exactly known for his Shakespearean depth, and “Hercules” doesn’t require it. His strength lies in his screen presence and ability to convincingly portray a powerful, yet likable, hero who smashes his way through hordes of enemies. He embodies Hercules with a cool confidence and charm that works perfectly for this kind of action-packed adventure. He’s not trying to win any acting awards; he’s there to entertain, and he succeeds admirably.
Hercules isn’t a lone wolf in this film. Unusually for a hero often portrayed as solitary, we spend a significant amount of time with his team of warriors. This band of loyal companions follows Hercules on his adventures, providing backup and comic relief. Yes, they are walking stereotypes – the grizzled veteran, the loyal sidekick, the fierce Amazonian – but they are entertaining stereotypes. It’s refreshing to see that even a demigod like Hercules needs his friends to get the job done. This camaraderie adds a layer of fun to the film, making it more than just a solo hero’s journey.
As for the plot? Let’s keep it simple. There’s a bad guy doing bad things, and Hercules and his crew are hired to stop him. Don’t expect intricate storylines or deep philosophical themes. “Hercules” is a straightforward action movie that prioritizes spectacle and entertainment over complex narratives. The plot serves as a basic framework to hang action sequences and Dwayne Johnson’s charisma upon, and in that regard, it does its job effectively.
The movie clocks in at a brisk hour and a half, which, in retrospect, feels a little too short. An extra twenty minutes or so dedicated to character development could have elevated “Hercules” from a fun B-movie to something more substantial, perhaps even approaching “epic.” One of the weaker aspects of the film is its CGI, particularly in the early scenes. Some of the visual effects at the beginning are noticeably subpar, resembling something from a student film project. Thankfully, the effects do improve as the movie progresses, becoming more polished and less distracting.
My viewing of “Hercules” happened under less than ideal circumstances. Home sick with a cold, wrapped in a blanket, I was in no mood for intellectual stimulation. I craved simple, escapist entertainment – something to switch off my brain and enjoy. “Hercules” delivered exactly that. If you find yourself in a similar state, needing a cinematic equivalent of chicken soup for the soul, then “Hercules Rock Johnson” might be just what you need to feel a bit better. It’s a fun, undemanding action movie that’s perfect for when you want to relax and enjoy some good old-fashioned heroics without having to think too hard.
