#35 Hercules

Title: Hercules

Release Date: June 27th, 1997

Voice Cast: Tate Donavan, James Woods, Susan Egan, Danny DeVito, Rip Torn

Recap: Strait from Roman/Greek mythology, Hercules is the story of a demigod (the son of Zeus and Hera) who at a young age was adopted by two humans after Hades made an unknowingly unsuccessful attempt on his life. In his life on Earth, Hercules finds himself to be socially awkward due to his superhuman strength. He finally learns the truth of his parents, and goes to Zeus to become a god. Zeus sends him to Philoctetes, a retired trainer of heroes. Philoctetes finally agrees to help him, and the two set out to make themselves known. Enter Megara, a damsel in distress who is actually a servant of Hades. Hercules saves Megara, who then informs Hades that Hercules is well alive. Hades uses everything in his power to stop Hercules so that he can take over Mount Olympus, but soon Meg refuses to help him after falling in love with Hercules. That is when Hades realizes that Hercules' true weakness is none other than Meg herself.

Review: I don't know if you knew this, but Hercules was what prompted this project in the first place. I watched it back in June and thought it was so wonderful that I wanted to watch more Disney movies. 3 months later (unfortunately), here we are. So you already know this is going to be a good review.

I suppose I should start by saying that I love Greek/Roman mythology when simply compacted. Hercules is the epitome of great story-telling, and I could watch myth-based Disney movies like this to no end. What I love most is the modern twist Disney throws into the film, particularly in characters like Megara and Philoctetes (gotta love Danny DeVito). But the best part about the modernization of this story is not the characters.

Did you guess it? The music. Oh, oh, oh, the music. Plain in simple: "I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" is my favorite Disney pop song before. It's wonderfully composed, beautifully sung, and packed with romance. The Muses as back-up singers are delightful, not just in this song but in the score motif. "Go the Distance" is terrific, too. As is everything else, of course! Which is odd, considering most don't consider Danny DeVito to be too musical. (Gotta pay the troll toll... who'll catch that reference?)

In short, Hercules is flawless, and can be enjoyed by all. (Awwwwwwwwwwww.) It's good to see a good Renaissance film given the last two disappointments. I just hope the three that are left can be as good!

Under the Sea (Darling, It's Better!)