THE LEGEND OF HERCULES: A Clear Myth.

The Legend of Hercules (2014) Directed by Renny Harlin

 

I have two main problems with this production; one, the writers have no knowledge in little caring for Greek mythology. They gone the names right, and that’s about it. King Amphitryon (Scott Adkins) was his mortal father, Queen Alchmene (Roxanne McKee) was his mother, his brother was Iphicles, (Liam Garrigan) the son of Amphitryon, and Hercules married Hebe (Gaia Weiss).  Hebe was actually Hercules’ third wife, and his half-sister, the daughter of Zeus and Hera.  Here’s she has been demoted to a mere Princess of Troy. The twelve labors are gone; the only one intact is the slaying of the Nemian Lion.  Here Hercules serves time in the gladiatorial arena.  Worst of all, Hera, Hercules’ nemesis, is his patron.

 

Basically, someone watched Gladiator and said, “You know what this movie needs? Some mythology and someone in better shape than Russell Crowe!”

 

Which brings me to my second complaint; the story line is weak, and poorly done.

 

Now there are some nice elements to the movie. I like to see Kellen Lutz in a starring role. He has the right look for a sword and sandal hero, and his acting is coming along nicely.  He certainly better than most bodybuilders turned actor were in their first few roles.  And his acting wouldn’t even be noticeable if they hadn’t included Liam McIntyre (as Sotiris) ; McIntyre’s personality blazes off the screen, leaving those around him somewhat pale in comparison.

 

I like that this epic does not have stupidly inappropriate clothing. It looks like the proper time period.  The popularity of “300” proved you really can’t go wrong objectifying male semi-nudity. This film makes excellent use of the casts better asset (and pecks, and abdominals.)

 

However, even Kellen Lutz does not have a pretty enough body to make up for poor storytelling. It’s a little too over the top, too soap opera, and too re-worked.  No one fulfills their proper roles; Iphicles was not a jerk in the myths, and Hercules was never a King. His role was as slayer of monsters not Liberator from oppression. The writers were thinking of Spartacus, so much so they hired him (Liam McIntyre is Spartacus in the most excellent series).

 

I hope Kellen Lutz and Liam McIntyre will parlay this film into bigger roles; I doubt it will happen. This film is a snooze fest, which is a true pity.  I blame it on the director; he is so hit and miss. He can make both “Deep Blue Sea” and “Cliffhanger”.  Sadly this is more of the latter.