Hercules

Set in classic Greco-Roman or biblical times, the sword-and-sandal genre generally features a simplistic plot with a bare-chested muscleman hero, curvaceous women, and villains who are scheming royals/aristocrats. Following Steve Reeves's highly successful turn in Hercules (1958), a slew of films featuring the titular demigod have appeared over the years, starring Gordon Scott, Mickey Hargitay, and now Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. In this revisionist take, Hercules is a restless mercenary with a devoted nephew (Reece Ritchie) who serves as mythmaker, weaving stories to enhance his uncle's reputation as the son of Zeus. Hercules' crew also includes a droll soothsayer (Ian McShane), childhood friend (Rufus Sewell), Amazonian archer (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal), and shell-shocked mute (Aksel Hennie). Responding to a plea from lovely Ergenia (Rebecca Ferguson), daughter of King Cotys (John Hurt), Hercules and company journey to Thrace to train troops. Directed by Brett Ratner, Hercules is a frenetic but only fitfully fun popcorn flick that serves up a bunch of computer-enhanced battles. An optional purchase. [Note: Blu-ray extras include both the theatrical and extended cut versions of the film, audio commentary by director Brett Ratner and producer Beau Flynn, deleted/extended scenes (15 min.), the production featurettes “The Effects” (13 min.), “The Bessi Battle” (12 min.), “Hercules & His Mercenaries” (11 min.),and “Weapons!” (6 min.), an intro with Ratner and star Dwayne Johnson (6 min.), and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an unremarkable action film.] (S. Granger)