Written by Ron Clements And John Musker And Donald McEnery And Irene Mecci
Directed by Ron Clements And John Musker
Hercules: "I want to become a hero, a true hero."
I noticed that late 90's Disney movies were definitely gearing towards male heroes and their success rates were certainly interesting, box office wise. You had undeniable big hits like Aladdin and then you had something that was more of a smaller hit like Hercules.
On the conveyor belt of an imminent live action adaptation and celebrating it's 25th anniversary, this animated movie certainly shook things up a little. For starters, only Disney could get away with the portrayal of Zeus (Rip Torn) and Hera (Samantha Eggar) as loving parents to baby Hercules on Mount Olympus without making you want to side eye too much, considering that we're talking about Gods who were anything but the depictions they're given here.
Then there's Hades (James Woods), our villain of the piece and also Zeus's brother. It's quickly revealed in the movie that Hercules will pose a threat to Hades future plans to take over Mount Olympus so the Underworld God took the initiative to get his abused minions Pain (Bob Goldthwait) and Panic (Matt Frewer) to deal with the infant God.
Except again, this of course was a Disney movie so instead the duo rendered baby Hercules into a demigod and he ended up living on Earth with adopted parents and being something of a town outcast before realising his destiny. Yup, the dashing Hercules (Tate Donovan) wanted to be a hero and only a Satyr named Philoctetes (Danny DeVito) could get him into shape to become a hero. Oh and did I mention Hercules best friend, Pegasus (Frank Welker)? Every hero does need a flying horse.
Also what a hero needed was a village full of skeptical folk questioning his motives for wanting to be a hero, a series of challenges (Hydra, Titans, Cyclops, anyone?) and an anti-heroine love interest in the shape of Megara (Susan Egan). Add to that a ghoulish depiction of the three Fates working for the band guy of the piece and five singing Muses who chronicle the whole journey and you've got one hell of an adventure here.
Hercules love story with Megara and the latter's initial team up with Hades before switching sides was nicely done. They're a believable pairing who believably fall for one another that their sacrifices for each other make sense. The ending of their love story while following the Disney format nonetheless felt earned as Hercules ended his journey by finding his place on Earth, love and the true meaning of being a hero.
As for Hades, he's a delightful mix of Jafar, Scar and Frollo all mixed into one with even a bit of Gaston as well. I'm not the biggest fan of James Woods as a person but I can't deny that he put in an excellent performance here as Hades, playing brilliantly against Tate Donovan's handsome hero. Not to mention the comeuppance that Hades received in this movie was suitably fitting, given his penchant for making deals.
- Needless to say that Hercules got his own straight to video sequel titled, Hercules: Zero To Hero in 1999 as well as an animated series which ran for 52 episodes.
- Another sequel idea involving the Trojan War was pitched but cancelled back in 2006.
- Standout music: The obvious ones being Go The Distance, Zero To Hero, I Won't Say (I'm In Love).
- Chronology: Ancient Greece of course with a lot of creative licencing too.
Hercules might not be quite as iconic as some of the 1990's Disney movies but there's a lot to love with this movie from it's likable lead, campy villain, strong supporting cast, catchy songs and simmering love story. This movie definitely had plenty going for it.
Rating: 8 out of 10
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