dharmabum This is easily the worst adaptation of Greek mythology I've ever seen. It utterly fails as an adaptation of the original myth, inventing silly plot twists and reducing the 12 labours to... 3 or 4, I think. It makes up utterly needless things to try to integrate other myths in clumsy ways which bring into question the writers' having ever read the myths, like changing birds to harpies, lions to sphinxes, the Oracle of Delphi to Tiresias, and bulls to a pedantic version of Proteus, even integrating aspects, never seen outside of Sam Raimi's entertaining series, concerning his first marriage, to a woman with the co-opted name of one of the Furies so it sounds appropriate to the period.I could accept much of that, but it also fails completely in pure film standards; most painful is the dialogue, leaden, portentous pseudo-Shakespearean tripe. It is a poor re-interpretation of the myths, making a sad attempt at the kind of post-modern revisionism that Crichton's "The 13th Warrior" attempted in regards to the Beowulf legend, while still including the strictly mythological elements such as clear interference from the gods and magical super-strength. A sad, sad failure of an entertainment experience, who I'm sure many of the quality actors involved regret deeply.

nifabs I enjoyed this movie because it put a twist in the myth.I did not understand why at first but the twist works within reason...Hercules had "12 tasks or Labours" He borrowed Cerberus from Hades and returned the hound when he was done. His father (Zeus) took Amphitryon's form when he slept with Alcimene the departures are varied and complex but it all works...I love the special effects. The Nemean Lion, the Golden Hind, the sacrifice of Alcimene, the love of Amphitryon for Hercules. The fact that the gods never show themselves, this all adds up. There is a new flavour.Leelee Sobieski was a graceful Deianara because they cast against type. Your typical nymph would look like a bimbo but Leelee brings a simple charm to her role that's delightful to see.Paul Telfer looked good and brought ruggedness and humility in equal doses to the name. Timothy Dalton surprised me with the first good role in ages, I actually enjoyed seeing him in all his scenes, He was GOOD. Elizabeth Perkins was arch as Alcimene and that role will never be the same again.I thought Sean Astin was too close to SamWise in his portrayal but I think it will take a truly evil role or a total departure from character for us to see him as anyone else.The special effects were good and convincing in some cases bar the Hydra. But everything else won me over.I must be a sucker because I put aside my misgivings and watched this movie with an open mind; my only regret was I didn't see all 12 labours. It's not a mind-blowing epic, it's a small beautiful tale, simply to paint the human side of Hercules, he was a demi -god but did not achieve immortal status till he died.Good Movie, A Must Own

billardman85-1 The mini series Hercules on the SciFi channel was O.K. . The actors and actresses were fabulous; but the one thing I was was hoping for when I read the tittle was that they where finally going to show a movie with all twelve of the labors being done and completed but it wasn't. I wish some day they would create a movie that would have the person portraying the legendary hero Hercules to perform all 12 labors, that would be great; especially with today's computer graphics they could make it a really great movie. The one thing I also didn't not like is how they portrayed Herculess' power they mad him seem like a regular guy but truly he was suppose to much more when it came to his strength. For example when it came to when he was a teenager and tried to lift his mentor he couldn't.

babieelove1 I loved this movie and it will just keep surprising you! Leelee Sobieski and Paul Telfer light up the TV and the rest of the casting is amazing. Lynn Kressel, the caster of this also gets 2 + thumbs up!If you like Myth type movies, this is definitely something you are going to like! If you like these type of movies, you may want to check out other movies by Roger Young. He has directed movies/shows such as Moses, Dracula, and Jesus. Another reason to see this movie is to learn about the supposed story of Hercules. It also has great actors and actresses. I am one of the toughest movie raters ever and this one I give 2 + thumbs up!! The makeup, animations, costumes and more were all amazing. The crew for this movie did an excellent job! Grab some popcorn and sit down and relax with this amazing movie!