Of the two Hercules films released in 2014, this one is the far superior of the two. The other being the awful 'The Legend of Hercules', with Liam McIntyre as its sole saving grace. 'Hercules' was very flawed and was very misleadingly advertised, but it was decent.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is a charismatic and likable Hercules, and much closer to what Hercules should be like than the disaster that was Kellan Lutz in 'The Legend of Hercules'. He is not a "great" actor, but there is something appealing about him here, he does look more comfortable than some of his other performances (he has come on a lot since 'Doom' for example) and he has fun with his one-liners.

Rufus Sewell in a different role is amusing, and even funnier is a scene-stealing Ian McShane, although his material is basically a big running joke it's a very funny line and remarkably doesn't wear thin or become repetitive. John Hurt very rarely gives a bad performance, many performances of his are magnificent in fact, and while he has been better he is good here. Ingrid Bolso Berdal is a striking and strong presence as Atalanta.

Mostly, 'Hercules' looks good, looking more of a cinematic release than the straight-to-DVD-schlocky look of 'The Legend of Hercules'. It's beautifully shot and while one is reminded of '300' the editing is not as stylised or as indulgent. Costumes and sets are much more tasteful and easy on the eye. There is an appealing over-the-top-ness with the odd embracing of the cheese factor without being too ridiculous, and the darker moments do have tension and emotional weight. Love the chemistry between Johnson, Sewell and McShane, and it is definitely the film's strongest asset. What there is of the action is exciting enough, and the music is fitting and pleasant even if not mind-blowing.

Brett Ratner's direction is a bit routine however, and the story, while with good moments and at least it is clear what it's trying to be, is generic and over-familiar. The script is not as bad as that of 'The Legend of Hercules', but does feel underwritten and clunky, while of the characters the only really interestingly developed ones are Hercules and Amphiarius. The rest are stock, especially the villains, who are poorly played.

Joseph Fiennes in particular is catastrophically bad to the point of unintentional comedy. The special effects are a little weak as well, rather artificial.

All in all, nowhere near as bad as expected. Not in terms of advertising, it was actually pretty intriguing but those wanting a proper adaptation of the legend will find themselves short-changed (the only resemblance really is in name only),but more in correlation to how much 'The Legend of Hercules' stunk and there was the worry that 'Hercules' would be as bad or worse. Luckily, while still heavily flawed, it is much better. 6/10 Bethany Cox

It's 358BC. Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) is a world wearied mercenary with his nephew Iolaus spreading his legend of the Twelve Labors. With seer Amphiaraus (Ian McShane),sharp-tongued Spartan Autolycus (Rufus Sewell),mute Tydeus and Amazonian Atalanta, the group works for gold. Three years earlier, he returned to Athens ruled by King Eurystheus (Joseph Fiennes) after his heroic Twelve Labors. He hoped to live in peace with his family but his family was slaughter. Ergenia is the daughter of Lord Cotys (John Hurt),the ruler of Thrace. They hire the mercenaries to battle a sorcerer named Rhesus with an army of Centaurs.

I really like the idea of a man Hercules living the legend of Hercules. Dwayne Johnson is a terrific charismatic presence. He is what's right about the movie and none of what's wrong can be laid at his feet. The movie shows flashes of what it is intended to be. The problem is that director Brett Ratner screws it up a little at a time. The movie should make it clear at the beginning that Hercules' legend is all exaggerations. This should be a movie debunking all of the legend. Only at the end should the movie show his one moment of supernatural strength thereby proving his legend. Also Lord Cotys' turn has to be much more overt for Hercules to change his mind. Ratner doesn't have it in him to be truly great.

Dwayne Johnson plays Hercules as he goes from a mercenary for John Hurt -- the English one -- to someone with a conscience.

I expected this to be about as ridiculous as The Legend of Hercules, released the same year. I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is the production and cast first rate, with some fine cinematography by Dante Spinotti, but director Brett Ratner's staging allowed me to play the "where did they lift that shot from" game; I identified bits from SAMSON AND DELILAH, SPARTACUS, and CONAN THE BARBARIAN during the denouement alone.

It's based on a graphic novel by Steve Moore. Because he got no money from it, Moore asked fr his name to be removed from the credits. He died soon after he made the request, and so wound up not only with the credit, but a dedication. All free to the producers!