Hercules(1997)
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Disney take on the Greek myth about Hercules, son of Zeus, being stripped of his immortality by underworld god Hades.
Certificate
Age group5–12 years
Duration89 mins
There are a lot of mythological inaccuracies in this film, though it's still quite good regardless. I felt that Danny DeVito couldn't sing, and they should've hired a different actor that could sing for when Phill has to sing (and yes, this is a musical). As a mythology fan, my favourite joke was when Hunkules (Hercules, Heracles) explains that he is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Phil laughs. Hunkules - as I am calling him to spare the little goblin in my head from getting angry - doesn't know how profoundly MEANINGLESS that fact is. Zeus has fathered many kids, illegitimate or otherwise, so it's like saying you're a descendant of Attila the Hun. See what I mean?
Fun fact, 1% of the world is related to Attila the Hun and you DON'T want to know how.
By the end Hunkules explains his love for another character called Megara (Meg, if she had friends) and how he wouldn't want to live without her. For some context, through trials and godly shenanigans Hunkules is now immortal, Meg isn't. And after explaining that he loves Meg, he is turned mortal. This decision confused me, why make Hunkules mortal? Why not make Meg immortal? Isn't Hunkules assuming that he'll die first? I felt that Hunkules' choice to sacrifice his eternal life for a mortal one with Meg was a bad one by Hunkules. They should've made Meg immortal if he loves her so much.
Hades was a good villain, with a good voice actor. Infact, when the movie was going over budget James Woods offered to refund his salary; Disney decided against this and finished the film anyway. Ultimately, the film made 2.87058823529 times its budget, so it all sorted itself out in the end after all.
You know what would be an interesting? If Hunkules kept his immortality, then they could've done a sequel loosely adapting the 12 labours of Heracles.
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