DVD/Blu-Ray review: Renny Harlin returns to action epics, with "The Legend of Hercules"; written by Scott Gentry.

“The Legend of Hercules” (12)
Directed by: Renny Harlin.
Starring: Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins, Roxanne McKee, Liam Garrigan, Liam McIntyre, Rade Serbedzija, and Kenneth Cranham.
Rated: 12 for containing moderate violence.
Running time: 97 minutes. 
Out on DVD and Blu-Ray, from the 4th of August, 2014. 

Films based upon mythical characters or ancient histories are most definitely in this year. First we had this, “The Legend of Hercules”, then came “Pompeii” soon after in April and in August we’ll have Brett Ratner’s “Hercules”. A rivalry of two “Hercules” films eh?

The first of the trio above, “The Legend of Hercules”, follows the story of Alcides (Lutz), a prince who does not know that he is the son of Zeus, Hercules, and instead lives on earth with his mother, Queen Alcmene (McKee) and stepfather King Amphitryon (Adkins), the latter being an evil, tyrannical king. After discovering that his brother Iphicles (Garrigan) is set to marry his beloved (Weiss), Alcides attempts to flee along with the princess. As punishment, he is banished from the kingdom and sent to live out his remaining years as a slave. Upon being sold into slavery, Alcides embarks on an epic quest, in order to return to his kingdom and prevent an ill-fated marriage.

In a time where filmmaking is constantly evolving, it seems that Renny Harlin’s explosive retelling of the Hercules myth is not something which has evolved well, and has subsequently turned out to be a fairly disappointing affair. The main reason for the film’s failure is most definitely its script (written by Sean Hood, Daniel Giat), which makes no attempt to create characters who are interesting to watch or that can be cared about. This is in many ways a shame, as this low-calibre cast makes the best of a weak script, providing fairly decent performances; in particular McIntyre, who portrayed Spartacus in the series “Spartacus: War of the Damned”. The rest of the film is filled with less than impressive special effects, but are accompanied well by the choreographed fight sequences that have a spectacular “Gladiator” style, but are brought down by the lack of injury sustained by the characters. 

In regards to the special features, the DVD/Blu-Ray includes an insightful fifteen minute documentary on the making of the film, with various sections on the fight choreography, horse riding, and the design of the sets. A commentary with actor Kellan Lutz and director Renny Harlin is also available within the special features. 

Verdict

Harlin’s overblown film is occasionally enjoyable fun, but doesn’t keep the audience’s attention for the film’s entire running time. It isn’t worth the price of the DVD/Blu-Ray, but is perhaps worth watching on Netflix, when there aren’t any other film’s or television shows to occupy one’s time.

Film = 4.5 stars out of 10.
DVD/Blu-Ray extras = 6 stars out of 10.

Written by Scott Gentry

Film Rating Key
1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.
3-4 stars out of ten = Average.
5-6 stars out of ten = Good.
7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.
9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.