Recensioni degli utenti

I'm shocked to see this movie with a rating below 7. As a big Disney fan, I'll go out on a limb and say this is one Disney's top 5. There isn't a Disney movie out there with wit as sharp as this one's with much of it probably lost on the audience guessing by the rating given to this movie.

"Meg" definitely emerges as my all-time favorite female Disney role. Breaking from tradition, her character is not all that lady-like in her biting wit and sarcasm, but it works, serving to make the movie funny and her character lovable despite working with questionable motives.

The set-up and plot is typical for the movie but the script, animation, and music are most original AND good. IF I had to register a complaint, I would say that it's perpetual humor kept the movie from being emotionally wrenching. However, this movie remains one of the most entertaining I've seen. 8.5/10

I have seen many Disney movies, animated and not, and this one has more action than most, has no cute animals and is more humorous (ala Aladdin) than a typical Disney movie--Pixar films not included. This one also has a male lead (no princesses). If you are looking for typical Disney fare, then you may not appreciate this one. We enjoyed it thoroughly--from 4 to 40 years of age, male and female.

As for all the criticism regarding the liberties Disney took with Greek mythology, get a grip. I love Greek mythology too but hey, IT'S FICTION! It's not historical fact. Even the ancient tales themselves are not consistent, containing contradictions. There were many authors. But the characters are interesting, and Disney used some of them to create a good story for kids about an outcast looking for his place in life. It also explores what makes a hero a true hero (perhaps the more useful lesson of the movie). Yes, it's a shame they took so many liberties with this picture but it still encourages interest in Greek myth. Don't believe me? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were not historically accurate either but they got kids interested in the Old Masters!

8 / 10

First of all, there are a lot of things I like about this movie. The animation, in general, is very nice to look at, and Charlton Heston's narration is very satisfying. And it is one of the funnier Disney movies with a witty and funny script. More pluses are a genius turn from Danny DeVito as the hilarious Phil, and a wonderfully sleazy James Woods as the hot-headed villain Hades( a great villain, might I add?)Rip Torn also has fun as Zeus, especially when his statue came to life. The incidental music is lovely as well. However, there are a few negatives. Hercules himself, both child and adult, is a little bland, but Meg manages to establish herself as one of the best female Disney characters. Also, there isn't much of a story. The prove-you're- a-hero formula was a little unoriginal for me. The biggest minus was the rather dull songs by Alan Menken. The songs, especially "Zero to Hero" were a real disappointment, as Menken had so much better work before this, namely Beauty and the Beast. However, Michael Bolton's rendition of Go the Distance(the only song I had no problem with)was a joy to behold, as was "I won't say I'm in love". It wasn't a good idea turning gospel, should've stayed with the classical. However, despite the flaws, I did enjoy Hercules, which is a 7/10. Bethany Cox

I think this film is wonderful. It is sheer entertainment for kids and hilarious for adults.

I first watched this movie age 7, and i loved it...now i watch it again age 14 and I'm howling with laughter. The 'You wanna buy a sundial?' sequence renders me unable to breathe for laughter, whilst when i was younger it got not so much as a giggle.

As with all Disney films, the jokes are for the 'big kids' and the entertainment value is for the little ones.

This film has been criticized for not staying true to Greek Mythology. My response is, it doesn't matter. This a witty, sarcastic and enjoyable film. Accuracies play no purpose.

The characters are wonderful, particularly Phil and Hades. Also, Megara provides a feisty, totally non 'princessy' female character, which is wonderful!

Overall - 8/10

This is possibly my favorite Disney movie ever. With a razor-sharp wit, perfect comic timing and a fresh plot that transcends most other Disney fairy tales, this one's definitely a keeper.

You'll be enchanted right from the first number, in which the five Muses (from Greek mythology) set the stage of ancient Greece in a powerhouse gospel number which gives a whole new meaning to a Greek chorus. Recalling the three ladies in Little Shop of Horrors or Motown groups like the Supremes, the Muses appear randomly throughout the movie to narrate the story of Hercules with jazzy musical numbers that you'll be humming for days. The songs (by Alan Menken) are certainly a twist from the classic Disney musical, but there's enough variety to create a great, well-rounded musical. The writing is the wittiest in any Disney movie ever, with constant in-jokes and hilarious references to Greek mythology to reward the amateur scholar. The lyrics, too, are witty and full of tricky rhyme schemes that must have been a doozy to write but play out perfectly on screen. (You'll be flat-out awed by how many things rhyme with the phrase "gospel truth".)

Another of the highlights is the heroine, Megara or Meg. She's in no way a typical Disney princess. She's sassy, sexy, cynical and dangerous - and more winning by far than any warbling Cinderella or whiny little mermaid. The villain, Hades, is also a fun, witty character, although plenty dangerous in his own right.

Of course liberties have been taken with Greek mythology. The dysfunctional Olympian family has been cleaned up (No more Zeus having affairs or Hera trying to kill people) and the story has little in it of the original Greek legend. Instead, it's really an archetype, a modern retelling of all the Greek legends at once. Appearances are made by the Muses, the Hydra, satyrs, the Fates, Pegasus, the Titans, Narcissus, and of course all of the Olympian gods. Scholars may take offense, but since legends evolve and are to be taken with a grain of salt anyway, I didn't have a problem with it.

Yes, it's cheesy, just like other Disneys. But when nobody else is around, there's no resisting the corn. The third act is absolutely heart-wrenching, and even if it's over-the-top, it never truly goes over the top, and the constant bombarding of wit keeps things from getting too touchy-feely. Besides, tied together with a golden Disney score, who couldn't resist a dose of adventure, heartache, redeeming love, and most of all, heroism? Just let yourself be carried away to ancient Greece and you'll forget the movie's problems in a Pelyponnesian minute. As the Muses would say, that's the gospel truth.

Alright so I've been meaning to sit and watch Hercules for a while now and I'm glad that I did. I mean hey it's cliche & kinda basic and meant for kids probably but it's sweet it's a story I enjoy it also has a lot of actually unexpectedly funny one liners and scenes that have fun character interaction it also doesn't over stay its welcome without credits it's about an hour 27 so goes by pretty quickly tbh and it's nice I think I'd be kinda sucky if it kept going cause it really doesn't need to keep going. Danny devito did a great job ofc hades was really funny and oh my god meg 😍😍 bro meg is such a baddie bro imma keep it a buck like this chick got me folding like fresh laundry.

"Hercules" is a cracking Disney film and for once it's not just for the kids. The animation is more like the "old-school" Disney, before the cute, big-eye syndrome and the characters are hugely entertaining. It has sly humour and in-jokes, but what sets it apart are the songs; soul, RNB, jazz and not a drippy sugar-song in sight. Quality entertainment!

Very fun, warm, engaging. Maybe there were too many singing bits. Also, Meg is so overrated and I'm not sure what does Hercules see in her. All in all very fun to watch, definitely not bad.

One of, if not, the best Disney films ever made. The vocal talents of James Woods, Danny DeVito, Tate Donovan, and Rip Torn are all spot on. The music isn't the best work Disney has put out, but the movie itself is downright amazing. The tale of a son trying to regain his heroism to return home is one that has been told before. However, the way this one is told just feels fresh and new. James Woods as Hades is perfect casting. It is on the level as James Earl Jones as Darth Vader. I can't imagine anyone else playing the role of Hades. Great job Disney on this perfection. If anyone likes Greek mythology then this is a great, kid friendly, version of it.

Is "Herakles" one of Disney's most underrated movies? It sure feels that way.

It might not be remembered as fondly, or overused in their theme parks as the rest.. but it's one that has a lot of heart.

It is visually impressive and beyond beautifully drawn (those backgrounds!) with a classic and timeless presentation, some great songs, an entertaining villain that almost rivals Robin Williams'.

Not to mention I'm very partial to the CGI Hydra with a look that I don't think has ever been replicated as a mix between plastic 3D and hand-drawn. And not only does the straightforward Superman story while receiving enough surprising twists to remain interesting, it also gives us Meg with an "innocent boy and the savvy female" romance plot.

She's a breath of fresh air! Joining the more mature Esmeralda and Pocahontas. By being the woman sent to do a woman's job. A more complex romance, that isn't particularly smooth and ends up feeling deserved from all sides. As only someone good can see the goodness of others.. a Heroine, not a Princess. Broken and cynical, and beyond charming with that voice of hers (Susan Egan is a dish and a doll)! Showing love can redeem anyone, an arc not usually given to a woman. Reason why I love this movie.

Oh my gosh I can't believe that people are complaining about this movie. It is amazing with great art, jazzy music and awesome characters. I am 14 and first saw this movie at 5. I liked the movie then and absolutely love it now.

I love the songs and even though it is not true to mythology, so what?? It's a movie so get over it!! Shesh!! This movie has got heaps of bad reviews but has anybody looked at the good ones?? The characters in this movie are great. Hercules is great and Phil adds some laughs. The villains in this story add soo much humor. Hades, Pain and Panic add soo many laughs and James Woods is perfect for Hades who is one of the best villains yet!! Megara (or Meg) has to be the best heroine from all the Disney movies. For one she is not looking for love, is independent (she can tie her own sandals and everything) and can stand up to her boss. She doesn't let anyone push her around. I think that Susan Egan did Meg's voice perfectly.

Honestly I just want to say that this movie is great for both adults and children and the songs are unforgettable.If you haven't seen go to the video shop and rent it! You wont be sorry!!

No, it's not accurate to the original Greek myth of Heracles, but that isn't what keeps this film from being much good.

Hercules (1997) is a part of the second half of the oft-praised Disney Renaissance, a second golden age which ran from the release of The Little Mermaid in 1989 roughly until the release of Tarzan in 1999. Fans usually split this period into two parts: we have the Big Four from 1989 to 1994 (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King), called such because they not only innovated and revitalized Disney animation after the roughly two decade dark age following Walt Disney's death in 1966, but they were also major hits at the box office. The second half starts with the artistic misfire that was Pocahontas, a visually stunning but soulless film obviously made with the Academy Awards in mind. It was at this point that the "renaissance formula" began to become more obvious and stale. Yes, a few of the films were good (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan), but most were bland and safe wastes of time.

Hercules is as safe as these films got. I think only Fantasia 2000 (1999) was more of a disappointment in taking chances. The main character, his "I Want" song, and the supporting characters are all dull. The color scheme is wretched, just a potpourri of clashing neon colors competing for your attention. The whole movie feels like a less entertaining version of Aladdin (1992) honestly. The only redeeming elements are the hilarious villain Hades and the love interest Meg's song, "I Won't Say I'm in Love."

I'm glad others find merit in it, but for me, it's only a mildly pleasant mess.

Now, I'll admit that the music is not half bad. But as for the people who say that it's not important that it be true to the mythology, that's not what us myth-lovers are complaining about. At least for me. I don't know about the rest of them. I am complaining that with this movie Disney took a great story and Christianized it. They corrupted it, they took all of the decency out of it. This movie is to the myth what saccharine is to sugar. And I say that not only because artificial sweetener will never be better than the real thing, but because this movie is in fact nauseatingly saccharine in its "adaptation". Just a few ways in which this movie was Christianized and had all of the punch taken out of the real story: for one, Hera is NOT Hercules' mother, she is the one trying to kill him. But of course, in a Disney movie we have to have the happy family, right? And since we need a new villain, hm, let's see...why not just pin it on the lord of the underworld? Who, I might add, has no demonic connotations in Greek myth and whose only appearance in the Hercules story is when Hercules is tasked to bring Cerberus from Hades and back to the king alive. In the end of the real story, Hercules is driven mad by Hera and kills his wife, "Meg", and his entire family. This kind of interpretation makes me sick because it's just another example of society thinking that children can't handle anything remotely serious. But, to end on an up note, the music was catchy.

Although I know I have heaped praise on several other Disney films...Hercules stands out as my favourite among them all. After this movie the Disney features once again seemed to slip downhill. However I can watch this movie again and again, it has a spectacular Greek chorus, gospel type score, which will ring in your head for days (and you will like it!). The characters are all likeable, even the villain and it is absolutely hilarious!

I have never understood the panning this film got from Disney fans, as I have never comprehended what there is to dislike. The animation is beautifully done, although it is done in the style of Greek art, which may not be to everyone's taste (very similar situation to Sleeping Beauty which was disliked by some because it was animated in the style of a medieval tapestry), but it works wonderfully for the film.

Take a chance and watch it...and when you're done watching it for the sixteenth time, go out and buy the soundtrack!

Though 'Hercules (1997)' struggles to provide even one truly great song, the film is a colourful and enjoyable adaptation of Greek mythology. Its highlight is probably Hades, the easily enraged god of the underworld who's brilliantly voiced by a fast-talking and scene-chewing James Woods. The movie is mostly light-hearted entertainment; it has an underlying message, but it isn't as focused upon as in some of Disney's other fare. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. Sometimes, you just want your animated musicals to be fun. After a somewhat slow start, the movie picks up the pace and is engaging right until its finish. It also features a few well-achieved and, even, exciting set-pieces. It's a solid entry in the Disney archives. 7/10

wow! This movie was really a pleasant surprise! I went to the theater expecting another below-par Disney film (like Pocahontas and Hunchback), but it turned out to be the most funny and enjoyable one since Aladdin (The Lion King was good, but there's just no contest between Timon & Pumbaa and the Genie )! And a good laugh from a Disney cartoon is just what i needed. You just must see this movie!

In ancient Greece, Mount Olympus, the home of the Gods, celebrates the birth of Hercules (Josh Keaton: Teenager, Tate Donovan: Adult) the son of Zeus (Rip Torn) and Hera (Samantha Eggar) the king and queen of the Gods. Hades (James Woods), God of the dead and the underworld jealous of Zeus' power doesn't join in the celebration and plots to overthrow Zeus and the Gods in 18 years using the Titans, destructive beast Zeus imprisoned eons ago, as the means of their destruction. Hades is told by the Fate Sisters that should Hercules intervene his plan will fail so he sends his henchman Pain (Bobcat Goldthwait) and Panic (Matt Frewer) to Olympus to abduct the infant Hercules and give him a potion to turn him mortal and kill him. The plan nearly succeeds but Pain and Panic are unable to give him the full potion when farmers Amphitryon (Hal Holbrook) and Alcmene (Barbara Barrie) find the baby and adopt him as their own. When Hercules comes of age having been an outcast due to his great but uncontrolled strength, his parents tell him of how they found him with a talisman bearing the symbol of the Gods. Hercules sets out to the temple of Zeus and upon learning his heritage and that he must prove himself a hero to regain his lost Godhood gets the help of burnt out trainer of heroes Philoctetes "Phil" (Danny DeVito) to become a hero. However unbeknownst to Hercules, Hades plan is moving towards execution with the reluctant help of Megara (Susan Egan) who Hercules falls in love with.

1997's Hercules was the 25th Disney Animated feature released and yet another entry into the Disney Renaissance and loosely (very loosely) based on the Greek Myth of Hercules. Salvaged from a rejected pitch involving a comedic take on Homer's The Odyssey, animator Joe Haidar suggested reframing the focus to Hercules. Little Mermaid and Aladdin helmers Ron Clements and John Musker having unsuccessfully tried to greenlight their passion project of Treasure Island in Space (which would eventually become Treasure Planet) since the 80s were rejected once more by chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg despite the duo's success critically and commercially with Aladdin and the two turned down the opportunity to adapt Edgar Rice Burrough's A Princess of Mars. Katzenberg eventually struck a deal with Clements and Musker that if the two were to produce another "commercially viable film" he'd greenlight Treasure Planet and the two accepted the Hercules project out of other possibilities such as Don Quixote, The Odyssey, and Around the World in Eighty Days. The film's often considered one of the lesser films of the Disney Renaissance that while enjoyable didn't really tap into the level of cultural consciousness the same way films like Aladdin, Lion King, or Beauty and the Beast had. While Hercules may be slight, it is enjoyable and amusing.

The movie takes a more exaggerated style this time around in comparison to the previous efforts of the studio with Hercules boasting a lighter more comic tone and also having cartoonist Gerald Scarfe as production/character designer. Hercules undeniably looks unlike most of the other Disney Renaissance films and if you were to show stills from Hercules alongside other stills from Disney Renaissance films of the era I'd wager most people would be able to identify this film strictly on art style alone. The movie thematically is more or less an expansion of Aladdin but with pretty much every character acting and animated as if they were The Genie. Much like Robin Williams' genie that boasted anachronisms and pop culture references at 60 miles per minute, Hercules has the Genie's DNA baked into other characters, set design, and even its core narrative which also deals with similar themes of the true core beneath the veneer. The movie's a very strange mixture of the Christopher Reeve Superman films, Sylvester Stallone's Rocky, and the 90s idolization of Michael Jordan and its pretty blatant about it with analogues for Brando's Jor-El, Burgess Meredith's Mickey, and the "Air-Herc" product placement and it ends up making this movie not just a weird mash-up of two iconic 70s films but also a weird time capsule of the 90s.

There's a number of things I think do work in Hercules such as the animation while weird is still stylish and energized, and the voice performances from Tate Donovan as Hercules, Danny DeVito as Phil, and Rp Torn as Zeus have some great moments, but it's James Woods as Hades whose slick fast talking manipulator that periodically bursts into fits of (literally) explosive rage makes him not only intimidating but very funny as a villain and while not the best Disney villain he's certainly one of the funniest and most memorable. The movie isn't really as character based as prior Disney animated films and it's presented as more of a screwball comedy with a romantic subplot with Megara and I think that's probably why the movie didn't really endear itself to the same level other films from this era of Disney did. Even during the climax featuring Earth shattering stakes, it's still trying to be humorous and even a death scene doesn't carry the weight it should because the animation style and tone doesn't lend itself to drama as well as comedy. The music is one of the more middling aspects of the film. "Go the Distance" and "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" are memorable if just okay, but most of the music in a strange creative choice is done in the form of Black Gospel and while it's a fine style on its own, the fact these songs are done by non-characters (the muses) talking about things we really should've seen makes them feel interchangeable and also very similar to each other so they just kind of blend together.

Hercules is a bit of a mess as a movie and it's ironic that Katzenberg's desire to make a film of as much commercial viability as possible lead to one of the lower grossing films of this era of Disney. It didn't bomb or anything making $250 million against its $85 million budget, but considering that was down a good $100 million from the controversial Hunchback of Notre Dame not great all things considered. I do revisit Hercules on occasion but If I were to rank top 10 or 20 Disney animated films I'm not confidant this would even place.

The movie was ahead of it's time in terms of production values for an animated movie (visual effects, art direction, action and most importantly humor and heart). The characters were also very interesting especially the amazing performance of Hades. My only grip was that we never saw Hades use his powers in a fight vs Hercules. He is in the top 3 Greek Gods along with Zeus and Poseidon. I remove one star for this and also because even though the film is its own creation the historical inaccuracies were so damn many (I am Greek btw). Nevertheless the movie is one of the best Disney animated movies for sure.

Call me bias against Disney, but I really enjoyed this film.

The main reason I like it? Megra and Hades, the 'villians' are a new type of character, sarcastic, brash and so damn funny the two characters are amazing. I really like the new heroine, Megra is so cool. "I'm a big strong girl, I tie my own sandals and everything." She has one of the best songs in the movie, but all the songs are really brilliant! This is an under-rated movie. I LOVE IT! I would recommend it to anyone, so what if it's not quite representative of the 'real' story, it's Disney! Hope you enjoy it too!

It is certainly not the strongest movie of the Disney Renaissance (or of Disney movies in general. But what it lacks in story and a main character, it makes up for with a few very good songs and one of the best Disney villains! I do recommend it for Disney and animation fans, though, it is unlikely to become your favorite animated movie.

The plot of the movie was very interesting, a very innovative Disney movie. The storyline was well-written, so interesting. The characters were very interesting and well-developed. The location of the movie was amazing, they portrayed ancient Greece, really well. Also, the theme of the movie, "Ancient Greek mythology" was very interesting and it was portrayed really well. There were some funny and iconic scenes. It was an enjoyable movie, that I would definitely watch again and again. In my opinion, it's one of the most innovative and most interesting films, by Disney. Moreover, the design of the movie and the effects were very well edited. Last but not least, I can't wait for the live adaption of the movie!

It really is that simple. The film has fun, enjoyable music, pretty animation, and a decent number of jokes to make you laugh, with likeable characters (especially its villain). But something about it just fails to stand out.

To get all the good stuff out of the way: I really do love the music. Gospel for a Greek setting might sound insane, but my goodness, do they make it work-so catchy. Its villain, Hades, is possibly one of Disney's best just by comedy alone. Nearly every line of his is funny and made hilarious by James Woods' perfect delivery. I really can't say anything remarkably bad about this movie. I like Meg, and I like Hercules. Danny DeVito's role in this movie is good too. Heck, I even like Hercules' animal friend Pegasus. But the thing holding this film back is what it doesn't do.

It just... doesn't have anything to say. Not that every film needs to tell me how to think or feel, but Disney is at its best-at least I feel-when it's trying to teach a lesson or say something about the world we live in. Disney's other Renaissance movies-namely Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Mulan-have a point, a reason to exist. But this is something you put on, laugh a bit, and then once it's over, you forget it.

That said, I'm one of the few who doesn't mind its historical inaccuracies. To those who need the horrific tellings of the original Greek legends-with murder or Zeus' several frankly awful deeds-those stories are still there for you to "enjoy." I don't think a Disney movie has much of a stake in history, nor do I think it should feel the need to be accurate to legend. It's not accurate because it's not trying to be. It's a fun movie that's using that tale as a reference point-a time and a place far away, an interesting backdrop.

But who knows? Maybe this film would've been more interesting if it were as violent as the real Greek legends. It would've definitely been a more memorable film, that's for sure."

1st watched 3/28/2009 – 4 out of 10 (Dir-John Musker & Ron Clements): OK Disney animated feature about the son of the great Zeus and his silly adventures. This a kind of wannabe A-list Disney movie with it's attempts at songs, sidekicks and silly romances but it just doesn't quite hit the mark despite James Woods doing a good job with the Hades role. The movie is about the birth of the young boy to Zeus and his wife, his loss of his godly position at the hands of Hades, and his attempt to become a mortal hero to win back his spot with the other Gods at Olympus. His road to hero-dom isn't easy as he's a pretty clumsy goof at first, but he's given a hero trainer voiced by Danny Devito who's kind of a short devil-like character(why he trained hero's I don't know??). He becomes a hero but supposedly still misses the heart necessary to get back to Olympia. This is gained, of course, because he goes googly-eyed over a women who is one of Hades's helpers and does stuff to get her out of his clutches(yeah I know, this doesn't make sense but it's Disney not Shakespeare). The movie is narrated by a 60's like Gospel group, who end every song with "the gospel truth." I'm sure this didn't make the religious right very happy about this movie(but they never really made movies for them anyway—but don't tell 'em). All in all, the movie is watchable but not the kind of Disney fare that we've come to expect from them. The same formula just not executed as well as some of their other movies.