Released in June of 1997, “Hercules” is the 35th animated movie in the Disney line-up and has become one of the most popular. With a storyline loosely based on Greek mythology, it’s a surefire hit, right? Well, it was with most people, but not with me. I’ll explain why later.
For a description of the film: Little baby Hercules was born to doting parents Zeus and Hera. His natural destiny is to be a god on Mount Olympus, but through a strange turn of events that you’ll just have to watch the movie to see, his divinity is taken from him and he must go to live in the world of mortals. However, in a rather Superman-like plot twist, he still has some power, and amazes friends and family with his strength. His arch enemy is Hades, master of the Underworld, and Hades wants to destroy Hercules. Maybe it’s because Hercules has better hair – Hades has flames instead of silken locks.
Hercules wants to gain access to Mount Olympus so he can resume his rightful place, but Zeus tells him that in order to do that, he must first become a true hero. So he hires a manager to arrange fights for him, and they start saving the world. But that’s not what Zeus meant. He must be a true hero deep in his heart, where it counts the most.
Along comes Megara, the love interest in the film. She sold her soul to Hades and must do whatever he says, and what he says is for her to get the dirt on Herc so he can bring the golden boy down. So with a little sashay of the hips she worms her way into Hercules’ heart to try to find his weakness.
We all know that the good guys always win in Disney films, so I need not tell you that Hercules saves the day and buys back Megara’s soul and they all live happily ever after. There are some touching Christian themes when Hercules comes before his father with unselfishness and humility and is told that he is now worthy to enter Mount Olympus. But I’m afraid I did have some issues with this film and I would now like to discuss them. You know I’m not shy about stuff like this.
First off, the film is pretty violent. I know that cartoons these days are, but that doesn’t mean I like it. There are a lot of fights, a lot of frightening moments, and I found it over the top for children.
Secondly, Hades is essentially the Greek version of the Devil, and so what we have here is people selling their souls to the Devil. That might not bother a lot of people, but to me, soul-selling = family entertainment? Not so much.
Again, I leave it up to you. My opinions are just that: opinions, and you might think this film is the greatest thing to come along since the invention of flypaper.
Tate Donovan, the voice of Hercules.
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