To some, it’s an animated retelling of one of the most famous Greek myths ever recorded. To others, it’s a mythological musical reimagining of Superman set to a gospel-choir-inspired soundtrack. But to everyone, it’s simply known as Disney’s Hercules. the film is by far the most recognizable version of the character and without a doubt a shining entry into the Disney Renaissance. But is it truly as golden as Wonder Boy himself?
Granted, the film still to this day has its fans and admirers. But as any hardcore Disney buff will note, all that glitters is not gold. The question is, is Hercules really immortal?
Dated: Truth About Zeus
This one didn’t age well simply because its audience got older and expose themselves to more Greek myths. Anyone who’s ever picked up any text on the Greek pantheon will know that Zeus was not the wholesome family man that Disney portrays him as.
In fact, Zeus is more of a villain than his underworld-dwelling brother in most cases. That being said, a more accurate Zeus probably wouldn’t have a G rating.
Timeless: Herc’s Wide-Eyed Charm
There’s a reason Herc put the glad in gladiator, and it’s mainly for his cheerful and noble demeanor worthy of any fight-for-right superhero. There’s just something infectious about his bright eyes and inviting charm that keeps the audience invested and interested in his journey.
Of course, what else can you expect from one of Disney’s greatest heroes? He’s practically a walking sunbeam with superstrength, not that anyone is complaining.
Dated: Phil’s Lustful Appetites
Whether they are voiced by Danny DeVito or not, satyrs have always had a reputation of being a little more than frisky with forest nymphs and other feminine creatures in mythology.
The scene with Phil getting an eyeful of the nymphs on the island might have been harmless cartoon antics back in the ’90s, but it would raise a few eyebrows with certain audience members today. Not to say Disney would do anything incredibly racy, but this might make some people squirm.
Timeless: The Jokes
Hercules has some of the most underrated and underappreciated humor in any animated Disney flick. “Someone call IX-I-I!” “Thebes, the Big Olive itself…” and the lines about Narcissus and Oedipus are just a handful of lines and jokes that call this movie home.
The sense of humor in this film is such a different flavor compared to some of the studio’s other films of the decade. It’s definitely a choice fans would love to see in many of their modern features.
Dated: Certain References
Thanks to Robin Williams, any animated feature following Disney’s Aladdin is going to have some trials when it comes to breaking the fourth wall.
While Hercules isn’t exactly what some would call dated, some of its references due to show its age. Nods to movies like Rocky, Superman, and Clash of the Titans are all well and good, but quoting Midnight Cowboy and Chinatown might be a little out of touch.
Timeless: The Songs and Score
There are some things in this world that don’t seem like they would go together. As Disney has proven, Greek mythology and gospel music are also one of these pairings. This is primarily accomplished by frequent Disney collaborator and songsmith, Alan Menken.
Along with giving fans the soundtrack to films like Aladdin and Pocahontas, he also provided some of the most unforgettable pieces in this mythic flick. Talk about going the distance.
Dated: The Hydra’s CGI
To be fair, the hydra’s effects aren’t awful. For the time, the multi-headed monster was probably one of the most advanced things Disney had created since the wildebeest stampede in The Lion King.
However, every year the technology gets better and better. And every year, that purple Behemoth looks more and more like something out of a PlayStation 2 title. It’s not an eyesore, but it does stick out like a slew of serpentine heads.
Timeless: The Hero’s Journey
One thing audiences will flock to movie theaters to see over and over again is the Hero’s Journey, a narrative where a protagonist must overcome odds and obstacles to save the day. Hercules is that precise narrative in its basic form, but with a healthy injection of Disney magic.
Herc has to overcome physical, mental, and emotional struggles to achieve his godhood and eventually finding happiness in the woman he loves. Who doesn’t enjoy movies like that?
Dated: Some Mismatched Designs
Gerald Scarfe, the artist behind Pink Floyd’s The Wall, was responsible for the overall design of the film’s look, characters, and monsters.
Scarfe’s work resulted in some of the most unforgettable visuals in the film, but there are some that just don’t match up with the Disney aesthetic. Where Hades and the city of Thebes look perfect, creatures like the harpy and the hydra look like they belong in a completely different project instead of a Disney production.
Timeless: Hades
Hercules might be the star and the title of the film, but the main reason everyone watches it is for Hades. Hades is perhaps the most beloved modern Disney villain next to the likes of Scar and Jafar.
He’s slick, he’s smooth, he’s got a heck of a temper and a dry sense of humor most Disney baddies would kill for. Honestly, what’s not to like? He’s evil, but he makes being bad look oh so good.
