Hércules

I wish I had watched this series in it's first run, but I figured "Oh great, another badly done TV series" (I was still bitter about Aladdin and Gargoyles being cancelled). Then, directly before it went off the air I found these sound clips from the show that were so funny that I decided to watch it. I loved it. The show is full of vague references to Greek myths and plays. The more Greek you've been made to study, the more amusing Hercules is.

I remembered seeing this show as a kid, and I also remembered liking it. To this day at 19 I like how fun and cute it is, and I do consider it one of Disney's most underrated. The 1997 movie Hercules I admit is not one of my favourites from Disney, but it is a very enjoyable movie, funny with great vocal talent, and one that I have learnt to appreciate more over-time. I like this series even more. True, like the movie it is not true to Greek mythology, though I much enjoyed the facts brought forward for educational value, but it is vibrantly animated, has a catchy theme tune, has some interesting story lines and has some really funny and witty writing and jokes while leaving some moments of cuteness and sometimes poignancy. I loved all the characters, Hercules is for me much more likable than he is in the movie, while everybody else, some from the movie some not, fare even better with fun personalities. Hades especially is hilarious. The voice acting, I agree it is just a treat of a cast both on paper and in voice work, is just terrific, hard to pick a favourite. All in all, fun, cute and underrated, it may not be among Disney's very best but I can think of worse ways to waste my time with. 8/10 Bethany Cox

I never saw the Hercules movie but I have seen loads of episodes of the TV series and it is a very funny show which adults will appreciate as well as kids.

It's quite educational in the fact that you get to know a lot about Greek Mythology.

The most astonishing thing about it is the voice over cast with the likes of Tate Donovan, French Stewart, Sandra Bernhard and James Woods among the regulars. And an amazing guest star cast which has seen everything from Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jenifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow to William Shatner and Robert Stack doing voices.

To sum up a very witty show.

The television show "Hercules," based on the Disney film "Hercules," is perhaps worth watching just for the impressive cameos by actors.

Why a show like "Hercules" would ever attract so many talented actors and actresses is beyond me. Perhaps the sound studio was nearby when the actors were filming a movie, and they decided to stop in and spice up the show a bit. Either way, the kids who watch the show most likely didn't realize any of the actors. It's an adult joke, really.

As for the show itself...well...what have we come to expect from television spin-offs? Nothing much. Though, be careful. When you start tuning in to hear the actors, you can become attached to the show easily.

2.5/5 stars --

John Ulmer

Hercules hits all the typical Disney/kid-show notes, delivering moral messages and a lot of humor. Like the original Disney movie, but unlike shows like Aladdin and Little Mermaid, Hercules toss in lots of modern-day in-joking which keeps it somewhat interesting for the adults (like myself) to watch while the kiddies enjoy the show. There's also a lot of quality voice talent assembled here (how did they ever get James Woods??). Overall, this somewhat skewed look at Greek mythology is humorous enough.