Review of Hercules (2014) by Rjmacready — 03 Aug 2014

Just when I think modern mainstream blockbusters have definitely run their course for me, along comes a movie to prove me wrong. Blends old-school storytelling and new-school pizzazz with an assurance which Peter Jackson couldn't quite pull off, and provides yet yet another argument why all decent, film-loving folk should gather in a public square to watch Michael Bay drawn-and-quartered or burned to a crisp on a flaming cross. Not sure I care that much for Brett Ratner's back catalogue, but he's certainly proved himself worthy with this one. As does the ever-charismatic Dwayne Johnson (who has all the charm of the pre-public-boob-fondling Schwarzeneggar, plus some genuine acting talent), and as for John Hurt...well, he has nothing to prove to any of us, hasn't for decades, but it's always wonderful to see him in a major role in a major Hollywood blockbuster every once in a while (and nice to see he's not dead yet, for that matter).

In all seriousness, this is a rival for the best sword-and-sandal fantasy movie since the John Milius version of Conan. Okay, so it's not quite as good as THAT spectacularly underrated piece of cinematic history...but it's pretty bloody good. And as always, endearing to see that the official "critic" community have proven themselves to be a bunch of joyless so-and-so's with absolutely NO sense of fun or adventure. No Oscars for this movie, then, bar perhaps some condescending acknowledgement of the admittedly spectacular CGI effects. Sigh...