Hercules
Directed by Brett Ratner
Starring Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane
Review by Jordan
note: this is my first review in about a month since taking a bit of a break, so I hope you enjoy the read, whether you agree or disagree!
NBC’s cult comedy series Community may have sold out a large portion of its creativity in grasping hold of a fourth season, leading to a 5th, but throughout it’s many inspired episodes are scattered nuggets of geek gold, endearing the show despite its downward turn. In a faux flashback episode showcasing moments in which the troubled Abed struggles in social life, he overhears the older, and less pop-culturally savvy Shirley praising the directorial and story-telling prowess of Brett Ratner, having just seen the undoubtedly underwhelming, flat Tower Heist and loving it. His direct response, which he repeats twice for good measure, is succinct and understandable, leaning over and pointing a finger at her and in a neatural tone stating: “you’re a bad person.”
Abed’s response to such flattery of a director responsible for the Rush Hour series, The Family Man and a segment of one of the worst movies of all time, Movie 43, would no doubt mimic that of active film fans the world over, which is why my next statement takes even myself off guard…
Hercules, his latest effort, is actually quite fun.
Sure, it isn’t made with the sure hands of a quality craftsman, being littered with narrative cliches and lacking in the scope it’s story deserved, but when the club is swung, the sword is wielded or the arrows fired in the heat of battle, a rousing aura of entertainment is nevertheless present and is charmingly coupled with a good dose of betrayal and revenge that is always needed in a historical/mythological piece such as this.
John Hurt as Lord Cotys, who purchases the assistance of Hercules and his crew to fight for his kingdom and those surrounding him against an approaching enemy force, appears to be having a bit of fun in his seemingly one-note role, his disheveled demeanor and gravelly voice always being welcome, and serviceable support is also found in the often shaky Ian McShane and Rufus Sewell. The true source of entertainment here however is The Rock himself, Dwayne Johnson, who boasts an almost unfathomable charm and though limited in acting ability remains captivating throughout. This isn’t the first time an otherwise questionable movie has benefited greatly from his presence, with other examples being Welcome to the Jungle (The Rundown), Walking Tall and Southland Tales, which each lift a gear whenever he shoots a frown or allows a smirk. One would imagine he would be a pleasure to work with, and I don’t say that just out of fear of the fact he could break my arm with the flick of his finger.
Will Hercules stand tall as a film for which Brett “The Rat” Ratner will finally score some hard earned respect? No. Respect in this instance can not be achieved so easily. It is however a rollicking adventure with enough bone-crunching battle scenes to keep the inner 13 year old happy, and given its open ending, quite possibly the first in an unlikely, though welcomed (by me anyway) trilogy.
Just saw Hercules last night. I was also surprised by the charm and humor within this film, but I think it couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be an intense action film or a tongue-and-cheek take on mythology. The push and pull between these two desires prevents the story from really taking off, but I agree with you about the aura of entertainment around Hercules as a whole.
Yeah it could’ve done with more action scenes in my opinion and slightly more originality, but I was entertained so I was happy.
Jordan
Welcome back! I could watch Dwayne Johnson in most things. He has a great screen presence. So I’ll check this out soon even though Ratner directed it!
Cheers! It really is surprising how watchable he is, although I guess wrestling does require quite a bit of acting so he had some practice.
Jordan
What I enjoyed about this film was the approach it took to the mythical aspects, gradually revealing how all the fantasy creatures and such all have real world explanations but that Hercules and his group have capitalized on and exaggerated the stories to enhance their own reputation. I thought that was a neat idea I didn’t expect from a film like this.
I too liked that idea, although I would’ve liked more of those flashback scenes. Hopefully a sequel fills in the gaps!
Jordan
Sometimes its nice just to be entertained..
Agreed.
I’m not sure I’d call him ‘captivating’, but his performance was decent for what it was. But the film was unclear what it wanted to be.
I can see where you’re coming from, but despite that it still managed to be solidly entertaining.
Jordan
Sounds like The Rock has been cooking up something nice, eh? š Ha, great work Jordan. Glad to see you’re back!
Adam.
Ha exactly right. Good to be back!
Jordan
Eh… it was okay but it felt like it went on forever.
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