Hercules

Hercules. 1983. This Hercules movie is a purposely made entertaining enigma, blending Greek mythology with a mix bag of other styles and ancient stories. After going through the processes of my dutiful attention to detail, this film has jumped out as a straight up testimony to faith in religion over science. Particularly the often alluded to religion of... Christianity. DUN DUN DUN. Sword and Sorcery at its weirdest.

At the meeting of the Gods, on the rocky terrain of the moon Zeus and his godly associates discuss the fate of Hercules (played by Lou Ferrigno, body builder, future Hulk). Using divine intervention to immaculately concept Hercules, the gods entangle Hercules' life in their feud regarding the importance of godly divinities against that of science. Catholicism anyone? To further fuel this fire Hercules does battle with stop-motion robot machine beasts in the forms of a fly, a 3-headed hydra, and a centaur. All of these robot beasts are conjured by the female god-like divinity Dadelus (Icarus' Dad?), an advocate for science(evolution?). Other Christian references: baby Hercules found in a basket on the river, having to swim for 7 days and 7 nights', etc.

Italian director Luigi Cozzi included everything one could want out of a B-rated movie. The visual and auditory special effects are of kitschy note with floating props in space, bursts of color, special appreciation for echoed voices, detailed miniatures, and zingy space noises. The enchantment of the movie was only enhanced with the amalgamation of styles including, sci-fi, futuristic, Greek/Roman, Arabian, and even Prehistoric. Plastic shields, swords, and crowns add a humorous touch to the oddly visceral  film. The glowing Jesus-esque rock, rocket-pop colored waterfall, and Gates of Hell provide some killer visuals. The talk of the sorceress' use of black lotus is a shout out to Robert Howard's Conan the Barbarian-Represent.

Of course, Hercules comes out triumphant. Beats the bad guy. Gets the girl. Establishes a moral order amidst a chaotic world. Basically put by Bonnie Tyler we....♫ need a hero I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night He’s gotta be strong And he’s gotta be fast And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight I need a hero I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light He’s gotta be sure And it’s gotta be soon And he’s gotta be larger than life♫ RIGHT??

Hercules represents freedom of oppression, the shedding of uncertainty, human resolve, and.....really big muscles. Totally excited to watch Cozzi's sequel The Adventures of Hercules, for some more Lou Ferrigno and daffy S&S.