Hercules

Back to the main review

What’s the Story?

Disney's HERCULES isn't as much a prequel to the popular animated film as it is a separate-but-related look at the Greek hero's life during his teen years, as he trains on the Isle of Idra. Joined by his friends Icarus (voiced by French Stewart) and Cassandra (Sandra Bernhard), Hercules (Tate Donovan) learns to balance his training sessions -- led by teacher Philoctetes (Robert Costanzo) -- with having fun with his friends. Of course, like any other teenager, Hercules faces moral challenges like telling the truth, sticking with difficult tasks, and dealing with bullies. And on top of all that, Herc's continually going up against his evil uncle, Hades (James Woods).

Is It Any Good?

Hercules isn't the first cartoon series to be spun off from a hit Disney movie, and it won't be the last. But with its strong voice cast (most of the actors from the film reprise their roles) and fun, sometimes laugh-out-loud storylines, Hercules stands out from the crowd. Kids will like seeing how Hercules becomes the hero we all know him to be -- and how the challenges he faces as a teen help him be a hero who not only has muscles, but also a strong heart full of integrity.

Although Hercules is a teenage character, his "typical" teen trials and tribulations are decidedly Disneyfied (in other words, no one's pressuring him to get drunk or have sex just yet), which makes this show fine for younger viewers with a more innocent idea of what teen life is like. Viewers of all ages will take away good lessons about being the best you can be.