Movie Review: Hercules

                Disney is known for making fantastical children’s movies that are beloved by all. It continues this trend with its movie “Hercules”. Based on Greek mythology, “Hercules” is about the son of the God Zeus and his wife the Goddess Hera. Along with the appearance of other Greek gods, this movie is great for both children and any fan of Greek mythology. Hades, the Lord of the underworld, is planning to take over Olympus but needs to get rid of Hercules in order to do it. After turning him mortal, he sends him to Earth where he grows up and wants to become a hero. By teaming up with a satyr named Phil he begins his hero training and launches into an adventure to become a God and rejoin his family.

            The animation for this movie looks much different than the previous Disney films that have been released. With the film having Greek origins, the animators studied Grecian art to help inspire their characters designs and the design of the world it takes place in. It is very easy to see where this story takes place just through the designs.

            As with most Disney movies, “Hercules” has many musical numbers. The music, for the most part, is very upbeat and you’ll find it hard to resist the urge to sing along. Background music is very effective in the film and really helps give this movie that extra something. The music really helps to set the tone of certain scenes and is never distracting. Character’s singing voices match very well to their just spoken voices. Tate Donovan, voice of Hercules, does a marvelous job at his first time working as a voice over. His naivety and nervousness helped bring the character of Hercules, who is also quite naïve himself, to life. Hades, the villain, was played by James Wood who literally made the character his. He frequently adlibbed lines and made Hades a villain whom you hate but can’t help but love as well.  

            “Hercules” is one of Disney’s best films to date. It has beautiful animation, great voice acting and a wonderful story filled with adventure. This movie can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. While it’s aimed at children, there are plenty of jokes thrown in it that the adults will understand and surely chuckle at. This film is definitely worth seeing.