The Thracian Wars

Hercules (2014) is part Greek mythology, part superhero movie. It’s actually based on a comic book I’ve never heard of by Steve Moore. Apparently he wasn’t happy about changes to his source material. Between the 2 Hercules movies released in 2014, Hercules is easily the more entertaining option. Unlike The Legend of Hercules, I actually wanted to see Dwayne Johnson as Hercules. A professional wrestler turned actor makes just as much sense as a bodybuilder. Though the Rock is naturally jacked, he still had to train for the role of a demigod. I’m just glad he has long hair, a beard, and doesn’t just play himself. Hercules (2014) was a financial success with better reviews, but it is notably the last movie directed by Brett Ratner before his downfall. What we got was a dumb fun adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Much like The Scorpion King, Hercules is a legendary fighter known throughout the land. Though the gods don’t appear physically, we do see Alcmene give birth to the son of Zeus and the serpents that Hera sends him. The Twelve Labors are mentioned and depicted to a greater extent through CGI. We see Hercules battle the Lernaean Hydra, wrestle the Erymanthian Boar, and attack the Nemean Lion that he wears as a trophy. Except the movie takes a confusing approach not to clarify whether Hercules is truly a demigod. His stories are exaggerated by Reece Ritchie as his nephew Iolaus of Athens. This version of Hercules became a mercenary after the murder of his wife Megara and their children. Russian model Irina Shayk doesn’t do much as Megara aside from getting away with PG-13 nudity. Hercules is joined by a band of mercenaries who all exist in mythology. Ian McShane gets a few laughs as Amphiaraus of Argos who can see visions of his own death. Rufus Sewell is opinionated thief Autolycus of Sparta.

Aksel Hennie doesn’t speak as Tydeus of Thebes since he grew feral during war. Ingrid Bolsø Berdal is Amazon warrior and skilled archer Atalanta of Scythia. They fight for gold and accept a job from the King of Thrace. After playing Zeus in Immortals, John Hurt plays the real life ruler King Coyts. In her first major role, Rebecca Ferguson plays his daughter Princess Ergenia who raises young Hercules fan Arius. Hercules trains an army in Thrace to fight against supposed warlord Rhesus played by Tobias Santelmann. It looks like they’re fighting centaurs, but it doesn’t always make sense. Peter Mullan seems antagonistic as Thrace army General Sitalces, but it turns out Coyts is the true villain. Along with Joseph Fiennes as Hercules supposed friend King Eurystheus. Cerberus is actually a pack of wolves, but Hercules breaking his chains is still pretty badass. Despite an unclear backstory, Hercules literally topples the kingdom. Hercules (2014) is exactly what you’d expect from Johnson, Ratner, and a comic based on Greek mythology.

Hercules in battle