The 1997 film featured the son of Zeus, Hercules, and his journey to finding himself as a commoner and becoming a god. Hercules after being taken from his home is forced to live a normal life, but doesn't fit in due to his background. I mean, when you're a god who has the strength of a thousand men, playing frisbee with humans isn't probable. The classic tale includes characters like Meg, Phil, Pegasus, and Hades. I personally feel that a lot of people forget about "Hercules" and how good of a movie it actually is in terms of music and character personalities. This is why I'm giving you four reasons "Hercules" is underrated.
1. The Muses
These are my favorite characters in the whole movie. Considering they start the movie with a magical musical number with a gospel and soul-like feel to it, how can you not love them? This movie was the first positive portrayal of African American women in a Disney film. These five sassy ladies play a major role in narrating Hercules' life at various moments throughout the movie, while doing it in style. If you don't jam every time you hear "Gospel Truth" then you're missing out.
2. The hidden humor you didn't realize was there as a child
All throughout Disney films there are tons of adult jokes you don't understand until you watch it again at 18. "Hercules" has one of my favorite hidden-meaning jokes. In the scene where Hercules is trying to get Phil's help in becoming the ultimate hero, Phil says he can't help him because of two words "I am retired." Well, what you may not have known is that in greek that statement is two words. Specifically it's "Είμαι συνταξιούχος". Another hidden joke occurs when Hercules talks about how more messed up Oedipus' story is compared to his. You'd have to have read the story to understand this one, but basically Oedipus marries his mom so I'd say Hercules is off to a much better start.
3. How relatable Hades is
Yes, he is the god of the underworld, but his brother stuck him down there for forever. In some ways his anger is very much justified, but unleashing all the Titans is not. Throughout the movie, Hades is easily annoyed by his minions Pain and Panic. The most relatable moment is when he gets mad and red fire comes from out of his hair, but he plays it off cooly. If you're a college student, you've had these moments. Whether it was the time your lab partner didn't do their half of the lab, or the time you stood in line for a long time to get a T-shirt and finally got to the front to see no more were left.
4. The music
"Go The Distance" is so relatable, especially if you're in college and not sure of what you want to do with your life. If you're struggling to decide your major, or even what you plan to do after graduation, this song will get you through. After a couple good listens, you'll be ready to take on the world–trust me.
When in doubt, Disney movie marathon-it-out!
