Film Review: Kellan Lutz as ‘The Legend of Hercules’ a Summer Blockbuster Action Wannabe

CHICAGO – Big-budget Hollywood is struggling to find new stories, which is why we sometimes see the same ones two, three or even 10 times. Sometimes they’re days or months apart. And sometimes they shouldn’t have been made in the first place and just were to profit from a beloved story or hero.

Rating: 1.0/5.0

Here’s a thing that sure makes you go hmmm. The plot synopsis for “The Legend of Hercules,” which stars Kellan Lutz of “Twilight” fame and opened on Jan. 10, 2014 from the producers of “The Expendables,” is:

“The Legend of Hercules” is the origin story of the mythical Greek hero. Betrayed by his stepfather (the king) and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom.

The plot synopsis for “Hercules,” which stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and opens just 6 months later on July 25, 2014, is:

Hercules – the Greek demigod – has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord.

Read Adam Fendelman’s full review of “The Legend of Hercules”. [20]

This month’s Hercules is helmed by director Renny Harlin (“Die Hard 2,” “Cliffhanger”). He’s one of the most successful Finnish film directors in the history of Hollywood – who you’ve never heard of. July’s Hercules comes at us from a more recognizable name: Brett Ratner (three “Rush Hour” films, “Red Dragon,” “X-Men: The Last Stand”).

Despite taking fight sequence and cinematographic inspiration from films like “300” and “Gladiator,” “The Legend of Hercules” fails as an epic action film because of its low-cost acting, a stiff and cheesy script, an underwhelming visual feast and pre-pubescent character depth. It’s a summer blockbuster film wannabe that opened in January instead to recoup the piece of its $70 million budget that it can.

Continue for Adam Fendelman’s full “The Legend of Hercules” review. [20]

Kellan Lutz stars in “The Legend of Hercules”.
Image credit: Summit Entertainment

Continue for Adam Fendelman’s full “The Legend of Hercules” review. [20]