Read Mixed User Reviews for Hercules (2014)

6

adpirtleOct 24, 2014

This certainly isn't a faithful retelling of the myth, nor is it a clever new take on the character. It is cheesy, predictable, and the effects aren't terribly special. That being said, I actually enjoyed this 95 or so minutes of popcornThis certainly isn't a faithful retelling of the myth, nor is it a clever new take on the character. It is cheesy, predictable, and the effects aren't terribly special. That being said, I actually enjoyed this 95 or so minutes of popcorn fluff, because that's all it ever pretends to be.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

JamesIrish68Aug 7, 2014

Ancient Greece with the Rock...I thought he was tremendous in the Scorpion King and expected more of the same here. I wasn't expecting it match 300....which in my view is a classic..but it could have been a bit better than it was..then againAncient Greece with the Rock...I thought he was tremendous in the Scorpion King and expected more of the same here. I wasn't expecting it match 300....which in my view is a classic..but it could have been a bit better than it was..then again it was clearly aimed at early teen audience who I'm sure loved it..but they are demanding with regards to CGI and that didn't always hit the mark..Two of the characters for me didn't work..The yappy nephew and the mute sidekick.....The damsel in distress princess wasn't that memorable either..Overall though it was good fun......… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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4

The3AcademySinsMar 24, 2018

A lighthearted, kitschy re-imagining of Hercules, this movie borders on the "it's so bad-it's good" territory. Weird special effects, hammy performances, it's the best produced B-Movie I have ever seen.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

CouchLickerJul 29, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is filled with moments where you think "I have seen this done better in ____."

The sword and sandal movies have started to rebirth after the popularity of shows like "Spartacus" and "Game of Thrones" and it's no surprise that screenwriters are turning to easy topics to turn into quick profit. Sadly "Hercules" falls into that category.

By no means is this movie BAD but it isn't an excuse to call it Good simply because it could be worse. I am completely on board with the whole realistic take on Hercules and having his deeds be what becomes the spoken legend of the man, but the movie have trouble deciding if Hercules is actually a demi-god or simply a really tough man.

We see him get hit by arrows, cut, stabbed, thrown, beaten, yet in the final confrontation, he has little to no signs of any physical pain. He hits his enemies over 20ft OFF their own horse and can kick a large wooden object a few yards at a high enough velocity to knock someone out.

This movie would've been amazing if they focused on his Trials and kept the realistic (non demi-god) aspect to it rather than a Braveheart meet Spartacus ripoff with a (predictable) twist of them turning against him.

I feel like they had an AMAZING cast choice with Dwayne Johnson, but if they would've stuck to a concept, and provided more of a story than Hercules overcoming a random army that he in turn trained, it could've been a memorable movie.

Story - 3
Acting - 6
CGI - 6
Action - 7
Rewatchable - 3… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

Just1nsaneJul 27, 2014

This movie has so much confusing parts. I really walked into that movie thinking im gonna see some gods maybe Hades maybe Cerberus NOPE!!!!! None of that at all its the rock with 5 stupid characters fighting some town because the rocks kidsThis movie has so much confusing parts. I really walked into that movie thinking im gonna see some gods maybe Hades maybe Cerberus NOPE!!!!! None of that at all its the rock with 5 stupid characters fighting some town because the rocks kids and wife die and hes dreaming stupid ass **** this movie should be in the list of a anticipated 2014 movie that sucked right along with godzilla....YUP!… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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4

tropicAcesJul 25, 2014

Look, going into a film directed by Ratner and starring The Rock as Hercules shouldn't put expectations too high, yet I was still expecting more than this. The story is lacking, the special effects aren't that special and the characters rangeLook, going into a film directed by Ratner and starring The Rock as Hercules shouldn't put expectations too high, yet I was still expecting more than this. The story is lacking, the special effects aren't that special and the characters range from underdeveloped to just plain boring (with the performances either bring hammy or awkward, especially a shrieking princess and her cockney-accent son). There's just much more brawn than brain here, and despite one fun action sequence, it was just too big a Herculean task for Jonnson to pull off [pats self on back].… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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5

sammurphy66Jul 25, 2014

Whilst Hercules does impress on a technical level - its bland storyline, poor acting, disjointed plot and overlong action sequences only helps strengthen the sour taste from previous cinematic entries of the title character.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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6

Forrestgump1Jul 31, 2014

When the self proclaimed Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson graces the silver screen. in Brett Ratner's adaption of the Steve Moore comic, showcasing the titular character that is Hercules. I almost believed every second. Perhaps if not for the overlyWhen the self proclaimed Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson graces the silver screen. in Brett Ratner's adaption of the Steve Moore comic, showcasing the titular character that is Hercules. I almost believed every second. Perhaps if not for the overly dramatic battle sequences, cornballish one liners, and some CGI heavy effects that could use some work. That being said, if not for Johnson and Ratner, we probably would be looking at a far worse version of the Kellan Lutz driven vehicle that opened back in January.

Johnson is the lion-sheep head wearing mercenary in full forced-a hired gun, but also a tabloid of the gods. The answer is that is he human? or god? He travels in style with the realm of a C.S Lewis novel at his side. (Yes, this was a reference to Narnia). Lured by riches, and seeking revenge for the unspecified death of his family.

At the film's best it reminded me of Zack Snyder's 300, while of course THIS film is rated PG13, so the blood spewing will be put to a minimum and Johnson who has brought life to many franchises including; "GI Joe" and "Fast and Furious". Is right in the typical macho wheelhouse he is normally accustomed too. When the big ferocious muscle induced hero is fighting the bad guys it all feels right. Brett Ratner (Rush Hour films) knows how to shoot some inept stylized action sequences, which I was engulfed entirely. However after the second battle (Which clocks in at about ten minutes) I was feeling a little fatigued.

Then, when the somewhat predictable finale the film follows--they expect the audience to be shocked as if we didn't see this coming. Most fans will bypass this flaw, I just kind of shrugged my shoulders and accepted it. The best scenes are the one's when Hercules has too ask himself who he is, and what he is there for. You probably saw this in the trailer "I AM HERCULES!!!!!" he shouts to the screen. Somehow during that scene my heart was beating pretty profusely. So, to some extent, the film had an effect on me.

The latest adaptation of "Hercules" was much better then it probably could have been (this is not saying much). I can almost guarantee that it will wash the tireless taste out of the forsaken "Legend Of Hercules" out of your mouth. I did actually enjoy the film when it all boils down. Probably because there is just enough plot to inch the film along, and more than enough battle escapades to at least distract me from the much bigger picture, which is probably a horrible film.

B-

By: Nate Adams

Directed By: Brett Ratner
Rated: PG13
Runtime: 96 mins
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: July 25th 2014

Thanks For Stopping By ®… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

NeekReviewsAug 3, 2014

I just took my 13 year old nephew to see this film last night and as soon as I left the theater I was trying to figure out if I liked the movie or not. In this review and others to come, I will always say that the movie lives and dies withI just took my 13 year old nephew to see this film last night and as soon as I left the theater I was trying to figure out if I liked the movie or not. In this review and others to come, I will always say that the movie lives and dies with the villain. Sometimes the villain can carry a movie to greatness, and sometimes it can hinder the movies progress. This was one of the latter times. First off, when we left the theater, my nephew asked me if I liked it and I told him I was unsure because I loved the supporting cast and the Rock is always fun to see on screen, but I didn't like the villain all that much. His reply sealed it for me when he said...who was the villain.

As I said, I thought the cast that supported the demigod was great. Rufus Sewell and Ian McShane added much of the needed comic relief, but Aksel Hennie's berserker was a little too much for me. Over all, the cast was the strongest part of this film aside from Dwayne himself.

In movies like this when we don't get to see the growth of the villain, it does a great disservice to the audience. I get why we didn't with the "saw that one coming" twist mid way through, but still, it just didn't work in this film. And what made me the most upset was towards the end, I felt that I was being manipulated, almost forced into hating the villain as he was saying things that would make anyone wanna pop him one. I want to hate the villain on my own terms, I want to come to the end of the film and feel vindicated or saddened at the death of he or she...but here...I couldn't have cared less what happened to him.

This one is worth a rent, but no need to rush to your local theater to catch it on the big screen. Thanks to the supporting cast and the performance of the Rock, this guy dead lifts an almost 7, but ends up with a 6.

- James Von Doom… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

TVJerryJul 25, 2014

Dwayne Johnson plays the mythical muscleman, but in this case he's just a mighty mortal with good PR. He heads a small band of mercenaries who are hired to quell a war in ancient Greece. This is basically a by-the-numbers action flick (BrettDwayne Johnson plays the mythical muscleman, but in this case he's just a mighty mortal with good PR. He heads a small band of mercenaries who are hired to quell a war in ancient Greece. This is basically a by-the-numbers action flick (Brett Ratner directed after all) with lots of passable combat…no magic and no Greek gods. There's nothing original or special about the script or the skirmishes, but it doesn't suck.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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5

foxgroveJul 25, 2014

It all starts so promisingly with remembered stories of some of the famed labours of our eponymous hero. However, after a quick introduction to the man god's background and a whiplash bout of special effects this settles into a trainingIt all starts so promisingly with remembered stories of some of the famed labours of our eponymous hero. However, after a quick introduction to the man god's background and a whiplash bout of special effects this settles into a training exercise for two rather un excitingly staged battles. Further damage is inflicted by a script that insists on having both Rufus Sewell (who is rather bad actually) and Ian McShane spew forth a lot of unnecessarily sardonic humour. Things do liven up somewhat when the villains are unmasked and Hercules gets to perform his last labour. Overall though, aside from having superior visuals, this is not really any better than the year's earlier sword and sandals opus 'The Legend of Hercules'.

At the end of this mercifully short epic Ian McShane proclaims ( In a sly dig?) 'The truth about Hercules, I prefer it to the Legend'. I say on this evidence we don't need either of them. Perhaps the film we are waiting for is the one that presents us with those 12 labours. Now that may be worth contemplating.… Expand

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

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6

phildogJul 25, 2014

Surprisingly good. Dialog could use some work, but great action scenes and comedy. It knows what it's going for, and hits the spot. Taken as it is, not what you thought it would be, it's a past halfway decent movie.

3 of 13 users found this helpful310

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5

fantasyAug 2, 2014

Lighthearted action popcorn movie made to appease the professional wrestling fans as they make a mockery of the legendary Greek God Hercules. How The Rock manages to keep a straight face in this laughable lame script is beyond me. A niceLighthearted action popcorn movie made to appease the professional wrestling fans as they make a mockery of the legendary Greek God Hercules. How The Rock manages to keep a straight face in this laughable lame script is beyond me. A nice way for the teenage boys to spend a rainy afternoon. The shame of it is The Rock is really not a bad actor and deserves a script better than what he is given to work with. At least he got a paycheck.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

theofficeAug 3, 2014

Definitely not a bad movie. But overall I really feel it was a big missed opportunity because of what people typically think of when we see "Hercules". I wished the plot would have been more focused on mythical creatures and superhumanDefinitely not a bad movie. But overall I really feel it was a big missed opportunity because of what people typically think of when we see "Hercules". I wished the plot would have been more focused on mythical creatures and superhuman strength and greek gods. That being said I do like Dwayne Johnson and thought he did a good job here with great action scenes... just a uninspired story. Overall was hoping the movie would be more epic.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

kamgeforceOct 24, 2014

Painfully average in every way... The story, dialogues, acting, soundtrack, all of it is incredibly plain and boring. The cheesiness and stupidity of some scenes made me cringe several times during the projection. The movie has some of thePainfully average in every way... The story, dialogues, acting, soundtrack, all of it is incredibly plain and boring. The cheesiness and stupidity of some scenes made me cringe several times during the projection. The movie has some of the most ridiculous and laughable battle scenes I´ve ever seen, 5 years old child could come up with better choreography and strategies. What I will say is that Dwayne is as Hercules believable but thats pretty much it. Dont waste your time and watch the trailer instead. All the good scenes are in it and it has better music and even story :D… Expand