Hercules ★★★½ 1997 (G) After a couple of animated downers, Disney's latest adventure goes for a happy heroic tone by taking on Greek myths. Baby Herc is the son of Zeus, who rules on Mt. Olympus. Hades, Lord of the Underworld, plans a takeover and learns that only Hercules' strength will stand in his way. Hades manages to kidnap the tyke and turn him mortal but when the teenaged Herc learns his true origins, he also discovers that if he proves himself to be a hero he can regain his immortality and return to Mt. Olympus. He's aided by his flying horse Pegasus, satyr-like trainer Phil, and smart gal Meg, while Hades has his less-than-bright minions Pain and Panic. Lots of fun and lots of merchandising (even the movie makes fun of the inevitable tie-ins). ♫The Gospel Truth; Go the Distance; One Last Hope; I Won't Say; Zero to Hero. 92m/C VHS, DVD.
Director:
John Musker, Ron Clements;
Writer:
John Musker, Ron Clements, Bob Shaw, Donald McEnery, Irene Mecchi;
Cameo:
Alan Menken, David Zippel; V: Tate Donovan, James Woods, Danny DeVito, Matt Frewer, Bob(cat) Goldthwait, Susan Egan, Rip Torn, Samantha Eggar, Paul Shaffer, Barbara Barrie, Hal Holbrook, Amanda Plummer, Carol(e) Shelley; Nar: Charlton Heston.
