7/10

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars in the dream role he always wanted to play; Hercules. The second version of Hercules in 2014 is much better than the Remy Harlan version by leaps and bounds. The biggest problem with Brett Ratner’s version of Hercules is that it plays it a little too safe with little risks for the audience to enjoy an original telling of the tale. That’s not to say that Hercules isn’t entertaining because it is. It has lots of fast paced action scenes, great characters who i will get to later, beautiful cinematography, and a lead star that can make any role charasmatic. The best thing about Hercules may be how well it meets its goals. It’s not the definitive look at ancient Greek demigods, but it is smart, exciting escapist tale that won’t disappoint Johnson’s fans. It’s very nice to see that The Rock isn’t alone in making this movie a success. There is a supporting cast that the audience can really get behind. Newcomer Rebecca Ferguson is not only gorgeous as the arrow shooting Ergenia, but she is also a female that little girls can watch the movie and believe in. She is sexy, smart and dangerous. I would take her in any battle ever. Ian Mcshane is absolutely the best character in the film bar none. He steals Hercules with his blend of smooth talking humor and the motivation for Hercules to always fight at his strongest. I will go as far as to say Mcshane’s role as Amphiarus is one of my favorite of the 2014 movie year. He is just that good. The only minor problems i had with the movie aside from it being played safe, is the pacing issues and the backstory of Hercules 12 challenges. The pacing begins to show especially towards the middle of the movie when we have already seen two heart pounding war scenes. It slows down with dialogue that does nothing except paint the legacy of Hercules even more. The backstory is the problem i really had with this film. It talks of the 12 challenges that Hercules had to go through for his freedom, and tells us how he met every one of his men and women he fights with in these challenges. The problem is that we see him fighting and doing these challenges, but we never see where these soldiers come in. The audience is left to paint the picture of trying to figure out how these people helped Hercules gain his freedom. These are really minor problems in an otherwise entertaining tale of one of the most storied characters in the fantasy genre. I did catch the movie in 3D, and i can say that there are many reasons to pay the extra to catch this one in 3rd dimension. I am usually not a supporter of 3D film because i feel like it is a waste of money for a couple of in your face objects. Hercules uses old school 3D tricks to not only put you in the action, but cast you as throwing the spears. If weapons in your face isn’t enough, the surrounding of falling ash and dirt clouds are enough to really make you do a 2nd take. There are two ways i can really recommend this film. If you have the money and want to have fun watching a movie without using a lot of your brain, catch this and catch it in 3D. It’s totally well worth it. But if you have your doubts and can’t bring yourself to spend that much money on this film, i would definitely rent it when it comes out to DVD. If it’s between this and the January The Legend of Hercules, i say you go open arms into this one, and leave Remy Harlan’s in the trash where it belongs. Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Hercules isn’t great cinema, but the movie is “rock” solid (pun intended).