HERCULES (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Hercules—a very good film for children—contains feisty characters and an action storyline that moves itself along with alacrity. This is a good child/adult share. The dialogue is good.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Charlton Heston begins the story with a short narration. Then, five muses (voiced by Lillias White, Vaneese Thomas, Cheryl Freeman, Roz Ryan, and LaChanze), who are emblazoned on a Grecian vase, tell the narrator that he tells the story in the wrong tone. The muses proceed with the narration and break out in singing and dancing that lead the audience from a Grecian prairie to a mountain and then up to the sky where Goddess Hera (voiced by Samantha Eggar) holds Baby Hercules. She places Hercules in his crib; Zeus (voiced by Rip Torn) admires his son, and Baby Hercules picks Zeus up by Zeus’ finger. Zeus comments to Hera how strong Hercules is and the movie is off and running.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ron Clements and John Musker for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Ron Clements, Alice Dewey, John Musker, and Noreen Tobin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Hercules (voice of Tate Donovan), Young Hercules (voice of Josh Keaton), Young Hercules singing (voice of Roger Bart), Phil (voice of Danny Devito), Hades, Lord of the Underworld (voice of James Woods), Meg (voice of Susan Egan), Pain (voice of Bobcat Goldthwait), and Panic (voice of Matt Frewer).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Great animation and storyline for this child/adult share Disney film.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers