Legend of Hercules, The (4/29/2014)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense combat action and violence, and for some sensuality.

Starring Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Roxanne McKee, Scott Adkins and Johnathon Schaech

Directed by Renny Harlin

Just what we needed, another lame Hercules movie.

In this original story THE LEGEND OF HERCULES, Kellan Lutz stars as the mythical Greek hero — the son of Zeus, a half-god, half-man blessed with extraordinary strength. Betrayed by his stepfather, the king, exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. Through battles and gladiator-arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to overthrow the king and restore peace to the land.

It’s clear to me that Renny Harlin is a huge fan of the 300 films. He tries really hard to re-create battle scenes in the 300 style, unfortunately he misses the mark by about a mile. Between the bad green screen shots, random slow motion shots and extremely cheesy 3-D effects, this film should never be grouped with 300.

Kellan Lutz and Gaia Weiss are both lifeless as Hercules, and his love interest Hebe. Scott Adkins tries his best to play a King Leonidas character, but never pulls it off.

Then there are the special effects, and they are well below average. There is a scene where Hercules fights a lion. The effects are so bad it reminded me of one of those cheesy movies that are on the sci-fi channel.

Great films have great characters, played by great actors involved in great conflict. This film has great mythological characters but average actors play these characters and they are involved in conflict that is so cliché it’s laughable and forgettable.

What was not forgettable was how bad this movie was. It’s a “coaster” for sure.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
A woman is impregnated by an invisible Zeus – it’s weird not graphic. A man and woman are seen lying on a cloth implying sex, but no nudity is shown.

This film has R level violence and brutality, but managed a PG-13 rating because it has almost no blood.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What are some words you would use to describe Hercules?


2. How did he show his strength?


3. How did he show his courage?


4. What are some ways that you show strength and courage?

Read Joshua 1:7-9

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”


5. What does God tell Joshua (and us) to do in conjunction with being strong and courageous? (starting with “Be careful to obey…” in verses 7 & 8)


6. Why can we be strong and courageous? (verse 9)


7. What is happening in your life right now that you need to be strong and courageous in?