Hercules (1997) User Reviews

The last of the new classics

[Lady Jasmine · 14 June 2002]

Although I know I have heaped praise on several other Disney films...Hercules stands out as my favourite among them all. After this movie the Disney features once again seemed to slip downhill. However I can watch this movie again and again, it has a spectacular Greek chorus, gospel type score, which will ring in your head for days (and you will like it!). The characters are all likeable, even the villain and it is absolutely hilarious!

I have never understood the panning this film got from Disney fans, as I have never comprehended what there is to dislike. The animation is beautifully done, although it is done in the style of Greek art, which may not be to everyone's taste (very similar situation to Sleeping Beauty which was disliked by some because it was animated in the style of a medieval tapestry), but it works wonderfully for the film.

Take a chance and watch it...and when you're done watching it for the sixteenth time, go out and buy the soundtrack!

Disney's funniest

[ntadema · 8/10 · 12 December 2000]

I'm shocked to see this movie with a rating below 7. As a big Disney fan, I'll go out on a limb and say this is one Disney's top 5. There isn't a Disney movie out there with wit as sharp as this one's with much of it probably lost on the audience guessing by the rating given to this movie.

"Meg" definitely emerges as my all-time favorite female Disney role. Breaking from tradition, her character is not all that lady-like in her biting wit and sarcasm, but it works, serving to make the movie funny and her character lovable despite working with questionable motives.

The set-up and plot is typical for the movie but the script, animation, and music are most original AND good. IF I had to register a complaint, I would say that it's perpetual humor kept the movie from being emotionally wrenching. However, this movie remains one of the most entertaining I've seen. 8.5/10

Hilarious, great fun for kids and adults.

[crazy_child_of_the_south · 17 June 2004]

I think this film is wonderful. It is sheer entertainment for kids and hilarious for adults.

I first watched this movie age 7, and i loved it...now i watch it again age 14 and I'm howling with laughter. The 'You wanna buy a sundial?' sequence renders me unable to breathe for laughter, whilst when i was younger it got not so much as a giggle.

As with all Disney films, the jokes are for the 'big kids' and the entertainment value is for the little ones.

This film has been criticized for not staying true to Greek Mythology. My response is, it doesn't matter. This a witty, sarcastic and enjoyable film. Accuracies play no purpose.

The characters are wonderful, particularly Phil and Hades. Also, Megara provides a feisty, totally non 'princessy' female character, which is wonderful!

Overall - 8/10

the best animation film of disney

[0U · 21 February 2020]

One of, if not, the best Disney films ever made. The vocal talents of James Woods, Danny DeVito, Tate Donovan, and Rip Torn are all spot on. The music isn't the best work Disney has put out, but the movie itself is downright amazing. The tale of a son trying to regain his heroism to return home is one that has been told before. However, the way this one is told just feels fresh and new. James Woods as Hades is perfect casting. It is on the level as James Earl Jones as Darth Vader. I can't imagine anyone else playing the role of Hades. Great job Disney on this perfection. If anyone likes Greek mythology then this is a great, kid friendly, version of it.

Enjoyable, but not Disney's best!

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 26 February 2009]

First of all, there are a lot of things I like about this movie. The animation, in general, is very nice to look at, and Charlton Heston's narration is very satisfying. And it is one of the funnier Disney movies with a witty and funny script. More pluses are a genius turn from Danny DeVito as the hilarious Phil, and a wonderfully sleazy James Woods as the hot-headed villain Hades( a great villain, might I add?)Rip Torn also has fun as Zeus, especially when his statue came to life. The incidental music is lovely as well. However, there are a few negatives. Hercules himself, both child and adult, is a little bland, but Meg manages to establish herself as one of the best female Disney characters. Also, there isn't much of a story. The prove-you're- a-hero formula was a little unoriginal for me. The biggest minus was the rather dull songs by Alan Menken. The songs, especially "Zero to Hero" were a real disappointment, as Menken had so much better work before this, namely Beauty and the Beast. However, Michael Bolton's rendition of Go the Distance(the only song I had no problem with)was a joy to behold, as was "I won't say I'm in love". It wasn't a good idea turning gospel, should've stayed with the classical. However, despite the flaws, I did enjoy Hercules, which is a 7/10. Bethany Cox

One of the best Disney movies, for sure

[funnycommentor · 8/10 · 18 May 2022]

The plot of the movie was very interesting, a very innovative Disney movie. The storyline was well-written, so interesting. The characters were very interesting and well-developed. The location of the movie was amazing, they portrayed ancient Greece, really well. Also, the theme of the movie, "Ancient Greek mythology" was very interesting and it was portrayed really well. There were some funny and iconic scenes. It was an enjoyable movie, that I would definitely watch again and again. In my opinion, it's one of the most innovative and most interesting films, by Disney. Moreover, the design of the movie and the effects were very well edited. Last but not least, I can't wait for the live adaption of the movie!

An Olympian achievement

[LeonStyloroy · 10/10 · 10 January 2008]

This is possibly my favorite Disney movie ever. With a razor-sharp wit, perfect comic timing and a fresh plot that transcends most other Disney fairy tales, this one's definitely a keeper.

You'll be enchanted right from the first number, in which the five Muses (from Greek mythology) set the stage of ancient Greece in a powerhouse gospel number which gives a whole new meaning to a Greek chorus. Recalling the three ladies in Little Shop of Horrors or Motown groups like the Supremes, the Muses appear randomly throughout the movie to narrate the story of Hercules with jazzy musical numbers that you'll be humming for days. The songs (by Alan Menken) are certainly a twist from the classic Disney musical, but there's enough variety to create a great, well-rounded musical. The writing is the wittiest in any Disney movie ever, with constant in-jokes and hilarious references to Greek mythology to reward the amateur scholar. The lyrics, too, are witty and full of tricky rhyme schemes that must have been a doozy to write but play out perfectly on screen. (You'll be flat-out awed by how many things rhyme with the phrase "gospel truth".)

Another of the highlights is the heroine, Megara or Meg. She's in no way a typical Disney princess. She's sassy, sexy, cynical and dangerous - and more winning by far than any warbling Cinderella or whiny little mermaid. The villain, Hades, is also a fun, witty character, although plenty dangerous in his own right.

Of course liberties have been taken with Greek mythology. The dysfunctional Olympian family has been cleaned up (No more Zeus having affairs or Hera trying to kill people) and the story has little in it of the original Greek legend. Instead, it's really an archetype, a modern retelling of all the Greek legends at once. Appearances are made by the Muses, the Hydra, satyrs, the Fates, Pegasus, the Titans, Narcissus, and of course all of the Olympian gods. Scholars may take offense, but since legends evolve and are to be taken with a grain of salt anyway, I didn't have a problem with it.

Yes, it's cheesy, just like other Disneys. But when nobody else is around, there's no resisting the corn. The third act is absolutely heart-wrenching, and even if it's over-the-top, it never truly goes over the top, and the constant bombarding of wit keeps things from getting too touchy-feely. Besides, tied together with a golden Disney score, who couldn't resist a dose of adventure, heartache, redeeming love, and most of all, heroism? Just let yourself be carried away to ancient Greece and you'll forget the movie's problems in a Pelyponnesian minute. As the Muses would say, that's the gospel truth.

God-like

[Polar Bear · 9/10 · 17 July 2000]

"Hercules" is a cracking Disney film and for once it's not just for the kids. The animation is more like the "old-school" Disney, before the cute, big-eye syndrome and the characters are hugely entertaining. It has sly humour and in-jokes, but what sets it apart are the songs; soul, RNB, jazz and not a drippy sugar-song in sight. Quality entertainment!

A great villain

[Judith-4 · 13 June 1999]

I don't usually like villains, even in Disney movies, because they're too scary, but I loved James Woods as Hades. He was so funny. I loved the way he called Megara "my little nutmeg." I also loved the way they depicted Thebes like New York and they called it "the big olive." I loved Meg's cynical and sarcastic attitude. Hercules himself was rather bland. I loved the song "Go the Distance." Paul Wylie skated to it and showed how powerful the song is. I really enjoyed this movie and I don't care if it departs from Greek mythology. It was really about our time anyway. I'd watch it again in a Pelopenisian minute.

the best since Aladdin!

[Indy-52 · 9/10 · 11 September 1999]

wow! This movie was really a pleasant surprise! I went to the theater expecting another below-par Disney film (like Pocahontas and Hunchback), but it turned out to be the most funny and enjoyable one since Aladdin (The Lion King was good, but there's just no contest between Timon & Pumbaa and the Genie )! And a good laugh from a Disney cartoon is just what i needed. You just must see this movie!

A Work of Heart

[jace_the_film_guy · 10/10 · 23 June 2023]

I didn't know if there would be a Disney movie better than "The Lion King" and then we re-watched Hercules. This movie is brilliant and textbook storytelling.

Every single character has clear motivations. What does Herc want? What does Phil want? Hades? Etc. There is no question why each individual acts a certain way because their motives are laid out.

At 93 minutes, this movie is the perfect length for the story being told. The story beats are paced precisely with every twist and turn happening at just the right time.

This is a Top 3 Disney soundtrack, with "Go The Distance" being the best Disney song ever written. I used to think that "A Whole New World" was that song, but I was wrong. "Go the Distance" is the GOAT.

Ultimately, "Hercules" is a work of art and (no joke) should be used in film school to teach how to construct a screenplay.

Best Character: Hercules (specifically young Herc) Best Quote: "A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart." - Zeus Best Scene: Herc starting his journey.

Best Song: "Go the Distance"

Note: Rhyming "Impossible" with "Gospel" is so smooth. It was the "Sky's the limit" and "Eliza's in it" of the 90's.

An amazing movie if we don't count historical inaccuracies

[John94 · 9/10 · 5 July 2022]

The movie was ahead of it's time in terms of production values for an animated movie (visual effects, art direction, action and most importantly humor and heart). The characters were also very interesting especially the amazing performance of Hades. My only grip was that we never saw Hades use his powers in a fight vs Hercules. He is in the top 3 Greek Gods along with Zeus and Poseidon. I remove one star for this and also because even though the film is its own creation the historical inaccuracies were so damn many (I am Greek btw). Nevertheless the movie is one of the best Disney animated movies for sure.

Hercules Hercules Hercules!

[questl-18592 · 8/10 · 21 January 2022]

I always feel like this is part of this small window of Disney animated movies that gets dropped from the public consciousness. There's that golden age of Lion King and Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast etc. Those early 90s movies that have earned legendary status. Pocahontas is problematic but then in comes Toy Story and the birth of Pixar and maybe that's what derailed these. But I just watched this and another from the same period and they're amazing and really going in fun new ways and I appreciate it. Meg is an amazing Disney "Princess" though that feels like the wrong thing for her. She's fiery and strong and I Loved it about her. Woods as Hades? Awesome. The music is great. The story about what it means to be a good person, to act in charity and not in hopes of reward is poignant and likely forever relevant.

Absolutely worth watching and thank you Disney+ for making it easy to check out. Don't sleep on these late 90s/2000s movies!

Hey mythology lovers, get a grip!

[rapier7 · 8/10 · 29 June 2004]

I have seen many Disney movies, animated and not, and this one has more action than most, has no cute animals and is more humorous (ala Aladdin) than a typical Disney movie--Pixar films not included. This one also has a male lead (no princesses). If you are looking for typical Disney fare, then you may not appreciate this one. We enjoyed it thoroughly--from 4 to 40 years of age, male and female.

As for all the criticism regarding the liberties Disney took with Greek mythology, get a grip. I love Greek mythology too but hey, IT'S FICTION! It's not historical fact. Even the ancient tales themselves are not consistent, containing contradictions. There were many authors. But the characters are interesting, and Disney used some of them to create a good story for kids about an outcast looking for his place in life. It also explores what makes a hero a true hero (perhaps the more useful lesson of the movie). Yes, it's a shame they took so many liberties with this picture but it still encourages interest in Greek myth. Don't believe me? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were not historically accurate either but they got kids interested in the Old Masters!

8 / 10

One person's myth is another person's miracle...

[AnnieLola · 8/10 · 15 September 2021]

In the grand Disney tradition of making free with literature and history to create an irresistibly entertaining movie experience, we have the lively "Hercules". Rendering the Olympian pantheon in rainbow hues is certain to please children, where austere white draperies and beige complexions have long been the norm onscreen. The whole is set in modern terms easily absorbed by the contemporary American audience-- it's fun!

One hopes that the younger set might be inspired to investigate the real mythology as recorded, and not assume they'd been adequately instructed in the subject by this highly revised version. Of course 'real' is relative, since any mythology deals with miraculous events that are not supported by the historic record. A good deal of Judeo-Christian biblical text falls under this designation; it must be taken on faith. But Judeo-Christian scriptures belong to active religions, and thus the events described are literally sacred. The religion of the ancient Greeks cannot be described as active, and thus is fair game for irreverent revisions that will offend very few beside Hellenist scholars.

Animated and live-action films that illustrate current religions, however, must adhere to tradition. Only look at the wealth of Hindu devotional films, visualized scriptures that provide ample evidence of the present-day believer's faith in the miraculous. Animated versions make these treasured tales of the gods more accessible to children. This is a living religion, with about a billion followers worldwide, and the third largest faith today.

But a 'dead' religion has virtually no one to protect its integrity, and so its miracles become myths, and its myths become infinitely flexible.

I suppose it's best for the tender sensibilities of children to present Zeus as a nice monogamous papa-god, whose only son was borne by his wife Hera. Later on his many outrageous infidelities, committed in various interesting disguises, can be revealed. They're certainly entertaining! And so is the Disney "Hercules".

Zeus! Your son has returned.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 7/10 · 30 December 2020]

Though 'Hercules (1997)' struggles to provide even one truly great song, the film is a colourful and enjoyable adaptation of Greek mythology. Its highlight is probably Hades, the easily enraged god of the underworld who's brilliantly voiced by a fast-talking and scene-chewing James Woods. The movie is mostly light-hearted entertainment; it has an underlying message, but it isn't as focused upon as in some of Disney's other fare. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. Sometimes, you just want your animated musicals to be fun. After a somewhat slow start, the movie picks up the pace and is engaging right until its finish. It also features a few well-achieved and, even, exciting set-pieces. It's a solid entry in the Disney archives. 7/10

Pretty damned good - but there is this ONE problem ...

[Spleen · 9/10 · 19 July 1999]

The Ancient Greeks and Romans were twisting the Hercules legend out of shape long before Disney got hold of it. So I'll skip the usual complaints about Hercules being Hera's son, there being a demon named `Panic' and so on. I can understand people objecting on these grounds; I think such objections are often justified, but misguided in this particular case; but there are arguments on both sides I would need to present if I were to discuss the case here - and so I won't. Let me just stipulate that fiddling around with classical mythology does not, in this case, matter. If you disagree - well, you disagree.

Alan Menken's music is hugely disappointing. So is Musker and Clement's handling of it - they once showed a great flair for staging songs, but here they seem, for the most part, uncertain as to how to work the material in. (A notable exception is `One Last Hope'.) On the plus side, animation has never been better. Disney hasn't had a villain so well animated since 1967, possibly 1961. (Look up the relevant villains, if you want.) Computer-rendering the hydra was I think a mistake, as computer rendering usually is, but that was a good scene, so I'll waive the objection. -Oh, yes: I should also put in a word for the general look imparted by Gerald Scarfe.

The story, really, was a strong one. I have to say `really' because it's easy to come away with the impression that it was not, because of one tiny element: the big battle at the end. Hercules defeated the bad guys with ludicrous ease in a weak and perfunctory scene - it lasts just seconds. This is a serious problem in the work of Musker and Clements. If you look at `The Little Mermaid', `Aladdin' and `Hercules' you'll note that they all have a ridiculously large-scale set piece at the end which tends to prompt the reaction, `Yeah, yeah.' They'll HAVE to do something about this. For the story, was, as I say - look at it objectively and ignore the concluding battle - strong. And AFTER the battle, when Hercules ... Let's just say I found this smaller drama to be much more exciting, and certainly more creative.

So it wasn't quite what it could have been. Nonetheless I predict that `Hercules' will wear its years lightly; already, it is looking stronger, more muscular, and more likely to be immortal, than `Aladdin' ever did.

Somebody Call IX I I

[Slarkshark · 8/10 · 30 April 2022]

It took me 25 years to finally watch this Disney classic. I'm really not sure why it's evaded me all these years. I think the animation style didn't really draw me in for whatever reason. But it really is one of those classic 90's Disney cartoon films well deserving to be in the company of 'Mulan' and 'The Lion King'.

Some clever humor combined with an iconic voice performance by James Woods, 'Hercules' is essential Disney viewing that shouldn't be slept on for 25 years.

seductive

[Kirpianuscus · 14 April 2018]

After two decades, it remains one of the most seductive and provocative Disney film. for the humor for adults. for the adventures for kids. for the flavvor of "40-"50 musicals. for Hades . and, especially, for Megara. sure, the classic Greek mythology is the lead victim. but, after 20 years of innovation and so many blockbursters ignoring the accuracy of tradition, maybe, that is not a real significant sin. one of motifs - it has the innocence who is rare in present animation. it has the right dose of fun and challenge, a not complex story but one who preserves the flavor of old fashion fairy tales. and that is a profound good aspect. because it gives the right state of joy. and unique childhood emotion.

The BEST Disney movie I have ever seen!!

[black_white_clouds_r_pre · 10/10 · 18 July 2006]

Oh my gosh I can't believe that people are complaining about this movie. It is amazing with great art, jazzy music and awesome characters. I am 14 and first saw this movie at 5. I liked the movie then and absolutely love it now.

I love the songs and even though it is not true to mythology, so what?? It's a movie so get over it!! Shesh!! This movie has got heaps of bad reviews but has anybody looked at the good ones?? The characters in this movie are great. Hercules is great and Phil adds some laughs. The villains in this story add soo much humor. Hades, Pain and Panic add soo many laughs and James Woods is perfect for Hades who is one of the best villains yet!! Megara (or Meg) has to be the best heroine from all the Disney movies. For one she is not looking for love, is independent (she can tie her own sandals and everything) and can stand up to her boss. She doesn't let anyone push her around. I think that Susan Egan did Meg's voice perfectly.

Honestly I just want to say that this movie is great for both adults and children and the songs are unforgettable.If you haven't seen go to the video shop and rent it! You wont be sorry!!

Gods and Monsters: HERCULES is one of Disney's funniest.

[vip_ebriega · 10/10 · 3 January 2009]

My Take: The typical masterpiece Disney is capable of. Pure magic!

The gods must be funny in this hilarious animated smash from the ever-talented animation artists at Disney. HERCULES, which was released after the studio dared to venture into darker territory with THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, returns to the kind of light, fun-loving musical adventure. Despite being a magnificent instant classic of its own, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME proved to be too dark for the usual Disney routine. If that case so, HERCULES is a good throwback to the days of ALADDIN and THE LITTLE MERMAID. It may just be their funniest yet.

The movie is a twist on the tales of Greek Mythology, namely the story of the title character (voiced by Tate Donovan), who happens to be the son of the great god Zeus (voiced by Rip Torn) who is robbed of his godly powers and turned mortal... sort of by the evil Lord Hades (voiced with maniacal glee by James Woods). Unfortunate for the hot-headed, comical Lord of the Underworld, Hercules maintained his god-like strength, making him look like a freak in the eyes of everyone else. So young "Herc" set on a voyage to find his true identity and reclaim his destiny as a god on Mount Olympus. Aiding as his mentor is a tough-mouthed satyr named Phil (voiced by Danny DeVito) and his magical bird-brained Pegasus, while also tempted by a lovely maiden named Meg (voiced by Susan Egan), short for Megara, who may just have a weakness for his "Wonder Boy"'s charms.

The magic of Disney's timeless animation is still stirring and imaginative, but the voice cast have never been more appropriate. James Woods was born to play the villain Hades. He basically steals the scenes he's in, if not the whole movie. He may be the bad guy, but you'll like hims so much, he's good! Other than Woods is Danny DeVito, who imbues his familiar voice and personality to his character Phil and comes up with a character that even adults will love. Then there are the lovely singing muses, who tells the series of events through winning musical numbers (reminiscent to the Greek Chorus from LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS). The songs by the way are written none other than brilliant lyricist Alan Menken (ALADDIN), here whipping yet another magnificent strain of brilliant songs. Mythology fans, film fans and musical fans rejoice! Here's the gods to deliver all your requests. Gather the family together!

Rating: ***** out of 5.

Zero to hero

[Calicodreamin · 8/10 · 28 September 2021]

A classic 90s animated film that withstands the test of time. The songs are catchy and the storyline is more than not based on real mythology. The animation is stunning and the voice actors absolutely nail their characters. "Uh... Guys, Olympus is that way"

It all depends on your perspective,...

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 10 June 2007]

Whether or not you like this movie really depends on your perspective. For the casual viewer, it's an entertaining film, though few would place it among Disney's best. For obsessive history teachers like myself, the film is so problematic that enjoying the film is next to impossible, as the film bears very little similarity to the Hercules myths. In fact, when the film debuted, I remember hearing about protests in Greece because many felt that Disney's "fast and loose" attitude towards the source material was cultural offensive. I can understand and appreciate this, though frankly, sometimes I wish I weren't as well-versed with history and could just turn off my brain and enjoy the film from a completely mindless perspective. Sorry, but if historical accuracy means anything stay away,...but at least the films are better than the Steve Reeves films or the god-awful Trans-lux cartoons of the 1960s!

Amazing

[gianmarcoronconi · 10/10 · 15 September 2021]

Amazing cartoon about Greek mythology with a morality based on love and self-discovery. Very funny and with iconic and wonderful characters, entertaining at stratospheric levels, to watch at least once with the whole family.

Good, but not well-researched

[griffin84 · 22 October 2003]

I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology, so even though I really liked this movie, I couldn't stop knit-picking all the little details that Disney screwed up. Here's just a short list:

1) Hercules wasn't Hera's son. In fact, she hated him!

2) Amphitryon, Hercules's foster dad, wasn't alive. Zeus came to Alcmene in the form of her dead husband's spirit.

3) Hercules wasn't a god. He was the son of a god (Zeus) and a mortal (Alcmene), making him a demigod. However, he did gain access to Mt. Olympus following his death.

4) The titans were not the monsters depicted in the movie. They were the Gods before the Greek Gods came on the scene, though it was after Zeus came along that they lost most of their power and got smaller jobs.

5) Hades was never `sentenced' to be the God of the Underworld; he asked for the job. Zeus even tried to persuade him not to do it.

6) Hercules never rode Pegasus; that's a totally different legend.

OK, I'll admit that I'm anal-retentive about the facts, but honestly, I really did like the movie. James Woods was hilarious as Hades (I couldn't stop laughing, he obviously had a lot of fun doing his lines), and Megara has got to be my favorite Disney heroine ever. This is definitely a movie for all ages; as long as you can get the Greek mythology fans to shut up for five seconds, you'll enjoy it.