Hercules (1983) – Review

Where to watch Hercules

1 1/2 Stars

Hulking mesomorph Lou Ferrigno, grunts and flexes his way through the title role in this ridiculous space epic. Hercules appears to be a Conan-clone but this Cannon Films production owes as much to Star Wars and Superman than Schwarzenegger’s barbarian. Ferrigno battles various villains and monsters in his quest to rescue a princess. The absurd screenplay is a mockery to Greek mythology, and the film is rife with effects more suited to a SCI-FI picture.

Hercules has always been somewhat of a sympathetic character whose strength brings great tragedy and misfortune to his life. After the loss of his parents, the strongman sets out to complete the 13 obstacles as a rite of passage. It’s a great story but this incarnation chronicling the exploits of the legendary character is brimming with hammy acting, bad dubbing and special effects that aren’t so special.

The production designs resemble some sort of space disco and the costumes are recycled from countless sword and sorcery movies. After the second ineptly choreographed battle sequence the film becomes tiresome despite the noisy banging and clanging of the relentless duels. The dialog is mumbo jumbo and the cast stumbles their way through this nonsense. Followed by a sequel, reusing much of the same footage in 1985.

Director: Luigi Cozzi
Stars: Lou Ferrigno, Sybil Danning, Brad Harris