Hercule et le labyrinthe du Minotaure

Hercules, married and a father of three, is settled down and longs for the adventures of his past, which leads to lots of flashbacks. Eventually he does get a chance for new adventure and heads off with Iolaus to fight the Minotaur.

This is the fifth and final of the Hercules TV movies before Hercules: The Legendary Journey was launched. In a way, it serves as a good primer for that series because it's basically a clip show. While I enjoyed the Hercules TV series, they did do a lot of clip shows where they showed past clips from episodes with a few new scenes to fill time. This was done to save money but still meet the ordered per-season episode count. Not sure what the excuse is here but it's probably about saving money as well. It's nice to see Michael Hurst back as Iolaus. His chemistry with Sorbo is great and the Hercules/Iolaus friendship provided the show with its buddy comedy heart. Tawny Kitaen's sexy as ever. Anthony Quinn appears as Zeus for the last time. A miniature Rose McIver plays one of Hercules' kids. The Minotaur looks pretty cool but the excessive flashbacks are annoying. It's the least of the five movies but still entertaining.

Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) is retired and bored with his life of farmer and family man, missing the action of his adventures. Out of the blue, his best friend Iolaus (Michael Hurst) arrives and they remember their adventures. When a stranger comes from the distant village of Alturia asking for help to fight a monster, Deianeira (Tawny Kitaen) convinces her husband that he should help the villagers since he needs action in his life. Hercules and Iolaus head to Alturia and soon Hercules learns that a Minotaur is underground threatening the villagers.

"Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur" (1994) is a movie that could have been great, but it is not. The recap of the four others movies is boring and unnecessary, reducing the adventure of Hercules in the maze of the Minotaur to a short story that deserved more. This is the last movie of the series of five and unfortunately deserves a lower rating. Now the adventures of Hercules has finally settled down. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Hércules no Labirinto do Minotauro" ("Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur")

Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur is a thrilling and action-packed film that takes viewers on an unforgettable mythological journey. Starring Kevin Sorbo as the iconic hero Hercules, the movie brings to life the legendary tale of the Minotaur, delivering a gripping and intense adventure.

The film's visual effects and set designs are mesmerizing, creating a captivating atmosphere that immerses viewers in the mythical world of ancient Greece. As Hercules ventures into the treacherous maze to confront the fearsome Minotaur, the tension builds, and the stakes grow higher with each step.

Sorbo's portrayal of Hercules is once again commendable, as he effortlessly embodies the hero's strength, bravery, and determination. The action sequences are well-executed, showcasing Hercules' physical prowess and intelligence as he navigates the labyrinthine maze. The encounters with mythical creatures and the intense battle with the Minotaur itself are exhilarating, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's pacing keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur is a worthy addition to the Hercules series, offering a gripping and immersive adventure for fans of mythology and epic tales. With its captivating visuals, intense action sequences, and a compelling portrayal of Hercules, this film is a must-watch for those seeking an enthralling and mythical journey.

You want regret watching any of Hercules's side kick movies. Considering the timing of production, these movies can be looked at as ahead of their time when it comes to graphics. Also, the cast whether main or subordinate are very appealing and you'll feel living in a world of fantasy connecting your background about the Greek Mythology to what you're seeing.

Hercules sits his kids down to tell them stories of his past, trying to recapture a little of his glory years. Yet deep inside he yearns to be going out on adventures. Michael Hurst is back as Iolaus, so it must be cause for celebration. right? RIGHT??!!? Wrong. Half the story is flashbacks to the other previous TV movies, thus making this one a tad lame to sit through, but sit through I must since it leads up to the great TV series. The parts that new are good but the flashbacks kill it and make this the least engrossing of the TV movies. Pity as this was the one that came closet to capturing the feel of the subsequent TV series.

My Grade: C-