Review of Hercules (2014) by Quincytheodore — 03 Sep 2014

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson certainly has flair for on-screen presence, he embodies the character with amazing physique and intense commitment, but sadly the script material is drab and uninteresting, one that’s inferior to TV show, the likes of Spartacus or Rome. It attempts to humanize Hercules, presenting the man behind the legend, which is quite admirable compared to other grandiose renditions that share the same title or action movies in general that depict superhuman characters. Unfortunately, the plot is highly predictable and aside a few decent skirmishes, it doesn't offer anything notable.

The story portrays Hercules as a mercenary, although his previous acts and original are usually shrouded by excessive storytelling, which serendipitously benefits him. Along the way it delves deeper on the titular personality, shedding bits of mythical tales to reveal the actual man. This concept is sound, although neither pacing nor screenplay manages to reach that level of accomplishment. In short, it's rather boring. There are far too many similar elements from other adventure movies, even from Johnson's own Scorpion King from last decade, and it's not presented in better fashion. Humor and banter rarely hit the mark, thus making the story build up from first acts stagnant.

Johnson as the star is an imposing figure, often instilling larger than life persona. How he succeeds in pulling off the worthy Hercules look is half the movie already, and to his credit, Johnson has the heart aside from the brawn. The rest of the cast are fine addition, Hercules' ragtag band of mercenary fits the bill, while John Hurt and Ralph Fiennes round up as the kings. Unfortunately, there's little engaging interaction and what transpire is pretty straightforward. Scenes flow with barely any momentum, they are very slow and plagued by average stereotypical situation.

Action does happen, even if some spark of brilliance is only sighted for few brief moments. Although scale isn't as big and choreography is average, the battles are still serviceable. Use of CG, and 3D for that matter, is a bit underwhelming. For the beasts are apparently artificial, and as far as debris go, throwing them into audience's eyes is far too outdated underhanded tactic. The movie does take advantage of the mature rating to deliver more visceral combat, it may not be complex, but it has impacts for most part.

The intention of displaying more human side of Hercules is noble, however with such thin content, the movie is hardly equipped for such profound task. Dwayne Johnson could probably give more to the role, but he is definitely an appealing personality suited to be Hercules. Sadly, there's not much else to the movie.