Review: Hercules (2014)

I love going on holiday and finding a cinema (particularly in the States as the films are in the same language) because I always feel a bit lost if I can't go to the cinema.  So imagine my joy, to find that on Universal CityWalk a 5 minute walk from our hotel in Los Angeles, there was a huge cinema that also had an IMAX!! Happy Jenna!!

The first film we went to see on our travels was Hercules, (the Dwayne Johnson one) and genuinely wasn't expecting to enjoy it as I'm not a huge fan of Dwayne Johnson, but I was surprised.

This film has a really clever story that the 'Legend' of Hercules, is just that, a legend.  The myth of Hercules is kept alive by a group of 'swords for hire' who hide in the shadows and help Hercules to appear to be the son of a Demi-God.  Supported by the stories of his 'labours' told by his nephew Iolaus to ensure the legend continues, and guaranteeing them business.  That is until they are hired by the King of Thrace and his Daughter to stop a Warlord threatening their land.

I am surprised to say that I really enjoyed this film, the story was clever and not at all what I expected which made for a very good start.  They kept the comedy element present throughout, which made it really enjoyable watching and Autolycus' (Rufus Sewell) dry humour made me laugh out loud more than once.  Ian McShane's foreseer Amphiaraus had his own moments and stole many of the scenes he was in.

The three big battles were well done and not so quick that you can't see what's happening (a peeve of Transformers for me!) and still kept some of the lighthearted humour to stop it getting too heavy.  The overhead shots of the surrounding landscape set the scenes for the battles well and looked amazing in IMAX 3D (anyone who knows me, knows its a rarity for me to see a live action film in 3D).  I don't think this would have been the same in 2D, so i have to commend the choice to film it in 3D.

I also really enjoyed the end credits, I won't spoil it for anyone but it was very clever!

I was surprised (not sure if there are any other Australian Soap fans out there!) to see Daryll Braxton from Home and Away appearing as one of the Trace Army.  

Not what you expect and very entertaining.  Give it a go, you might be surprised.