What it's about:
The origin story of the mythical Greek hero.
Betrayed by the King, who is his stepfather, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. Through harrowing battles and gladiator arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to overthrow the King and restore peace to the land.
What the critics say:
It delivers what it promises, which is muscular guys in skimpy clothes fighting and howling, as well as some large-scale digitally enhanced battle sequences.
- A.O. Scott, New York Times
Other Hercules movies at least nodded at classical mythology. Harlin's boasts a Hercules in name chiefly and banks on moviegoers' ignorance.
- Martin Tsai, Los Angeles Times
You could ask for more -- an actual script, maybe? -- but Harlin covers most of the basics. Or, perhaps more accurately, he leaves them uncovered.
- Stephanie Zacharek, Village Voice
The film opens on a huge battle in the Greek city of Argos, but it often ends up feeling like the director bought it cheap at the high street namesake.
- James White, SFX Magazine
The origin story of the mythical Greek hero.
Betrayed by the King, who is his stepfather, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. Through harrowing battles and gladiator arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to overthrow the King and restore peace to the land.
What the critics say:
It delivers what it promises, which is muscular guys in skimpy clothes fighting and howling, as well as some large-scale digitally enhanced battle sequences.
- A.O. Scott, New York Times
Other Hercules movies at least nodded at classical mythology. Harlin's boasts a Hercules in name chiefly and banks on moviegoers' ignorance.
- Martin Tsai, Los Angeles Times
You could ask for more -- an actual script, maybe? -- but Harlin covers most of the basics. Or, perhaps more accurately, he leaves them uncovered.
- Stephanie Zacharek, Village Voice
The film opens on a huge battle in the Greek city of Argos, but it often ends up feeling like the director bought it cheap at the high street namesake.
- James White, SFX Magazine