Hercules (2014)

***
UK Release Date: July 25th 2014

Having endured his legendary twelve labors, Hercules, the Greek demigod, has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord.

Director: Brett Ratner (Tower Heist, Rush Hour Trilogy, X-Men: The Last Stand)

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane, John Hurt

Always take a Brett Ratner film with a very large pinch of salt. He may have found success with the Rush Hour films, but X-Men: The Last Stand was a complete shambles. Thankfully (in a way) Hercules sits somewhere between the two. 

Hercules is neither abysmal or excellent. It's good. Just good. It aims to be entertaining, and that's exactly what it does. The back-story sticks to the legend and the myth pretty closely, but more could be said about the rest of it. Were we expecting to see the twelve labours in action? Yes. Seeing Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) as a hired mercenary? Not so much.

At least Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson puts on a rollicking show. I've heard through word of mouth that this film 'is more about The Rock than it is Hercules'. How that is, I do not know. Yes The Rock has a significantly large role (I wonder why that is?). Actually it focuses entirely on Hercules and his merry men (and woman). 

The battle scenes in Hercules are intense and gripping. CGI is used well here, with the 3D aspect complimenting. The production is flawless, with the costumes, locations and scenery helping us feel like we're actually in their time and space. Brett Ratner has punched above his weight. Let's hope it continues with his next project.