 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Hercules
- Review Date: May 18, 2003
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1997
Common Sense Media says
Lighthearted, but scary stuff is too much for littlest kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie about what it really means to be a hero is a shade darker than many other Disney blockbusters. There's a lot of gore and intense, scary stuff for a G-rated movie, including gruesome monsters and end-of-the-world images (floods, fires, ice storms, mass destruction) that might overshadow the more lightheated musical components. Some kids may also be confused or even upset about the underworld and what happens when people die.
What's the story?
According to Disney, Hercules was the adored son of gods Zeus and Hera, stolen by Hades, ruler of the underworld, and made mortal. He must become a true hero to become a god again so he can live with his parents on Mount Olympus. To do this, Hercules (voiced by Tate Donovan) seeks out a grouchy satyr (Danny DeVito), who trains him in fighting techniques and strategy. When he saves some children (so he thinks) and defeats the hydra (its many heads masterfully provided by computer animation), he becomes an instant celebrity, with action figures and "Air Hercules" sandals. He goes on to his other labors but finds that it's not enough to be a real hero -- that comes from the heart, not the muscles. Meanwhile, Meg (Susan Egan), who sold her soul to Hades to save the life of her boyfriend, must now try to find Hercules' weakness so that Hades can take over Olympus.
Is it any good?
Kids will need some preparation for this movie. Scant exposition is provided by the movie's Spice Girl-style "muses" (a sort of gospel Greek chorus that's fun to watch, but hard to follow). The role of the three fates, who share one eye between them and cut a thread when a human's life is ended, is particularly confusing. Meg is tougher and braver than the traditional damsel in distress, but still very much on the sidelines. The movie's other weakness is its lackluster score.
HERCULES' teenage protagonist may not be Disney's most memorable hero, but the movie's bad guy turns in a performance of astonishing verve -- as Hades, James Woods will join Cruella DeVille in the pantheon of unforgettable Disney villains. Sidekicks Pain and Panic (Bobcat Goldthwait and Matt "Max Headroom" Frewer) are wickedly funny as well.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about real-life heroes. What makes someone a hero? How does society treat its heroes? Why do we buy products endorsed by athletes (or movie tie-ins)?
Is
wanting to be a god a good reason to want to be a hero? Do we see any
evidence that Hercules (or anyone else in the movie) has much concern for the
well-being of the community?Does this movie seem scarier than other animated kids' movies? Why or why not?
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AGE
I love this movie! A little violent, but it's a true Disney classic! A lot better than Disney now. I especially love the song "I won't say I'm in love" and the muses.
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AGE
Less than faithful adaptation is still a good movie
This is absolutely NOTHING like the actually tale of Hercules. Hercules is actually the child of Zeus and a human woman, and Hera, who is mad at Zeus for cheating on her again, punishes Hercules by casting a spell on him that causes him to kill his family. To atone for this, he does these 12 tasks and yada yada yada. While this movie strays from the story on which it's based a little TOO much, it still is a fun movie. Watch out for violence though, Hercules decapitates a Hydra at one point.
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AGE
Hades' firey stuff may be scary for children. Megara acts kind of sexual to impress Hercules.
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AGE
Shame on Disney
My 2 1/2 year old wanted to watch this movie, so I sat and watched it with her. I turned it off less than half of the way through due to inappropriate scenes. There was a lot of crude behavior, especially of a sexual nature and was demeaning towards women. Also the "heroine", Hercules' love interest is an immoral woman. People are rude and mean, smoke, etc.
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AGE
Beware of the pit of death
I am 5 years old and the pit of death/souls scene scared me very much. I had nightmares and was freaked out and thought that it was real. I don't think this movie is for kids aged 5. (As told to my Dad who typed this).
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AGE
awesome!!!!
It`s an awesome movie though Disney did change the story a lot to make it for younger ages.
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AGE
LOOK lol
I love this movie...it may have some not so gud scenes but it teaches u leasons...if u really get into the movie....it shows how Hercules had to go through life and Hercules learns to not just care bout himself but about otha ppl
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AGE
GREAT MOVIE
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS MOVIE!i agree it isnt very similiar to the real story but its fun, and awesome. Hades is hilariouse and i love MEG she is awesome. and so is Pegasus. its a classic disney film and i love it.. so if u havnt seen WATCH IT!!!!
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AGE
not the true story
i liked it until i found out the real story of hercules how he became very savage and his father Zeus wanted to kill him
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Directors: | John Musker, Ron Clements |
| Cast: | Danny DeVito, James Woods, Tate Donovan |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 92 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 27, 1997 |
| DVD release date: | August 1, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | some scary scenes |
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