Hidy-ho Disney Fans, below is my take Hercules, a fun, clever adventure about mythical creatures, finding our place and learning what it means to be a true hero.
Overall Grade: B+
Stars: 3
Story
When a young god is kidnapped from Mount Olympus and made human, he must prove himself a true hero to regain his god-status and rejoin his father Zeus. But lord of the underworld, Hades, has other plans. Using a sassy girl named Megara to help him, he forms an evil plan to trick Hercules into giving up his strength so that he can overcome Zeus and take Mount Olympus for himself. Little does he know, the strength of the heart is the most powerful of all.
Story Grade: A
Animation
As with many other Disney films, there is one computer animated scene that brings this movies animation to a new level. Early on in the film, Hercules finds himself up against a multi-headed dragon type monster. This scene is sure to please those with a keen eye for great animation.
Animation Grade: B+
Music/Songs
Although some songs did stand out, I was slightly disappointed with others which I found myself forgetting. The one thing that saved the music grade for this movie was the re-recurring melody used by the Muses throughout the movie. I liked this technique and found that it made everything flow more evenly.
Music Grade: B
Characters
You can find both stereotypical Disney Characters in Hercules as well as unique personalities, which I found to be a nice combination. For example, Pain and Panic are the obligatory silly sidekicks, yet we meet Megara, who stands out from the typical Disney Princesses with her sassy attitude and witty comments.
Character Grade: B+
Objectionable Content
How much objectionable content can be in a Disney animated feature you ask? Well I'm not one to judge if these truly are 'objectionable' so you be your own judge.
Language: The words 'suckers' 'geek' 'jerk' and 'freak' are used once each. Mention of the mythological Greek gods and goddesses and one exclamation of 'Oh my God' is screamed by Pain and Panic. There are some slightly scary scenes for younger children and very mild 'Disney-type' sexual situations and references.
Overall Review: One thing that I have to say surprised me is how wonderful a love story there is between Hercules and Meg. Both are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and give their lives to save each other. I certainly recommend this movie, and I actually just bought it for myself the other day. Hercules truly is a hero for the ages.
