Hercules
Released in theaters on June 13, 1997
Stream on Disney+
Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Rated G
There are myths and legends, but none like the Greek mythological demigod Hercules. Disney puts their own magical spin on the Greek gods, monsters, and heroes. Hercules is turned mostly human by Hades’ underlings in order for him not to mess up the Lord of the Underworld’s plans to take over Mount Olympus. What happens next is a series of great songs, gags, and a story about how being a true hero is not about being famous, powerful, or even having super strength.
Themes:
Greek mythology, immortality, gods, love, heroism, going the distance, adoption, tru heroes, hostile takeovers, death, training, working out, mentorship, learning, making deals, kidnapping, and fighting for a cause.
Language:
There are no curse words, but there is some name calling and phrases like, “kick some Olympian butt.” There are some religious exclamations that play on the idea of there being multiple gods. Characters say, “"oh my, gods!”
Stuff to be aware of:
I will break the “aware of” section into two parts. First, possible scary things to be aware of and second, sexual things to be aware of.
Possible scary stuff: Hercules fights a hydra a and chops of multiple heads to have them grow back. Slime, muscle, and bone can be seen when he head is cut off. There is a zombie/skeleton rowing the boat in the underworld. Cerberus, the big three headed dog, is in the Underworld as well. There is a cyclops that says, “me bite your head off.” In the Underworld there are lots of souls that swim around. The look like ghosts and spirits. During the final few scenes these souls drag Hades down into their swirling vortex.
There is also some sexual things and innuendo to be aware of. Meg is a bit seductive and shows some cleavage. Phil (the satir) chases after nymphs and girl fans making kissy faces and wiggling his eyebrows. Pain and Panic (the two demons) turn into a girl horse to lure Pegasus away. The split in half after seductively walking into a stable. Later Pain says, “my intentions were pure. I really was attracted to you.” Hades outlines Meg’s body shape with his hands and mentions, “I’m not throwing the right curves at him.
Overall:
I remember my parents taking my brothers and I to a drive in movie to see this for the first time. I loved it! I had the McDonalds toys and grew up singing the songs. Still to this day this is a Disney movie I enjoy. There are no princesses or wishes that come true, it is just a work hard and learn what makes a true hero kind of story. This has become a classic Disney movie and in my opinion deserves more attention than it gets.
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