A Comedy So Big No Theater Can't Hold It!

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James woods, Susan Egan, Rip Torn, Samantha Eggar, Lillias White, Bobcat Goldthwait, Patrick Pinney, Paul Shaffer, Hal Holbrook, Barbara Barrie

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"My friends call me Meg; at least they would if I had any friends. So, did they give you a name along with all those rippling pectorals?" – Megara to Hercules

Why watch this? A fine animated version of the life of mythical strongman, Hercules!

Plot Summary: As only Disney can, this kid-friendly, musical journey takes us into Greek mythology. Hercules is born to gods Zeus and Hera. Hades, God of the Underworld and the lad's uncle, sends his hench-creatures, Pain and Panic, to poison the future protector of Mount Olympus. However, before the child drinks the last drop, human parents show up and adopt Hercules. There is one problem, he's no longer immortal, yet he has retained his god-given strength. Years later, the teen "Herc" heads out on a hero's journey, meets a beautiful girl, and reconnects with his childhood friend, a satyr (half-man, half-goat) nicknamed Phil.

   Dad's Preview: Hercules hits many reliable Disney notes: great characters, funny moments and snappy musical numbers. However, it struggles a bit to live up to it's incredible predecessors (The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), The Lion King (1994)). James Woods received universal praise for his sarcastic portrayal of Hades - he steals every scene. There certainly is enough to entertain your family for one evening. 

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena Vista Pictures Distribution