by BRIANNA SICILIANO Photo/Video Editor
The newest addition to Hollywood movies about Greek mythology was finally released on January 10.
“The Legend of Hercules,” directed by Renny Harlin, tells the story of the Greek mythological hero Hercules (Kellan Lutz). The audience watches as the queen of Greece––Queen Alcmene (Roxanne McKee)– prays to her Greek gods and goddesses for help.
Queen Alcmene bears a son from Zeus, who is to be named Hercules. Unfortunately, her husband, King Amphitryon (Scott Adkins), decides that since the baby is not his, the child will be named Alcides and treated worse than their first born son, Iphicles.
For 20 years, Alcides is raised not knowing about his true identity. However, after facing a few challenges, Alcides finds the inner strength that he did not know he had.
Before being sent off to battle, Alcides’ mother tries to tell him the truth of his life. She informs him of his true name, Hercules, and of his biological father, Zeus. Stubborn-minded, Alcides refuses to believe his mother’s words.
At battle with the Egyptians, Alcides and his leading soldier, Sotiris (Liam McIntyre), are the only two surviving Greek soldiers. In order to stay alive, Alcides must say that his name is Hercules. At this point in the film, the plot begins to pick up the pace.
“The movie was not bad, but I think it moved too quickly at times. If it was not for the few corny lines and the fast battle scenes, I think the movie would have been a lot more successful in the first weekend at the box office,” says junior Hiral Patel.
Alcides accepts his name as Hercules and fights with Sotiris, hoping for their freedom. After proving themselves, the two Greek men excel in ways they never thought was possible.
“The Legend of Hercules” is not only filled with battle scenes, but a love story as well. Hercules is passionately in love with Princess Hebe (Gaia Weiss), and she loves him as well. However, Hercules’ brother and the biological son of their father, Iphicles, is next in line for the throne. Iphicles is supposed to marry Princess Hebe, and Hercules will do anything and everything in his power to make sure the marriage does not happen.
Once he defeats six strong warriors by himself, Hercules is provided with shelter in a nearby town. Eventually, the prince and king discover where Hercules is hiding, which cues the crucifixion scene.
Hercules is tied up in chains, repeatedly getting whipped, in front of the common people of the town. To cause more pain, Prince Iphicles murders an important family figure, Lucius (Kenneth Cranham). Out of pain and heartbreak, Hercules looks up to the gods and reassures his father that he believes in his lineage.
Gradually, Hercules is given strength from Zeus and discovers his true path in life. Not only does Hercules defeat his enemies, but he brings peace back to Greece and its people, along with getting his happily ever after.
“‘The Legend of Hercules’ is a movie that’s perfect for the people who love romances and actions. If you love one over the other, or prefer neither, then the movie may not be for you. Personally, I loved the movie and I cannot wait for it to come out on DVD,” said junior Giulietta Flaherty.
Are you into action or romance movies? If you are, why not give “The Legend of Hercules” a shot?
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