Direct to DVD Dissection comes back with week 2 of the month of Asylum. And we have rented out the Palace of Wisdom for a viewing party of another mockbuster of a feature film. It’s the story of Hercules, and also Rambo for some reason, starring a WWE superstar to boot. How will this sandals and sword entry fair, and more importantly will it involved a gross amount of walking like the last mythological character film?
The Story
When a young man’s bride is kidnapped by an evil king, he turns to Hercules for help. The fallen hero has been living in exile, banished for killing his family, but the young man’s courage inspires Hercules. Together, they fight to rescue the bride and reclaim the honor of Hercules.
The Bullets
-Released by The Asylum
-Released on July 15, 2014
-Running Time: 90 minutes
-Language: English
The Dissection
One of the things to mention about the film is that, while he’s on the cover and in the title, Hercules IS NOT the main star of the film. He is in the movie a good amount of the time, but he is not the main character of this movie. Unlike a lot of Hercules films, it’s not about his acts, but it’s where he’s playing the guide or veteran, as in the afford mentioned RAMBO mention. He’s the person who is leading a small group to this dangerous mission.
The story of the film is pretty much the stock story of a bad guy overthrowing a kingdom, and the rightful heirs of the throne seeking to get it back, and usually mixed with the bad guy trying to romance the hero’s love interest. The film does pick up when Hercules does join in, but it’s still a pretty bland story.
You know, it doesn’t feel like a Hercules movie without the MST3k silhouettes on the bottom.
More so than a lot of other Asylum films, this movie feels like there was an attempt to make a decent film. There looks to be actual effort to give the costumes an interesting look, as well as not having the effects look goofy. It doesn’t work all of the time, especially with some of the weapon shots, but it’s an attempt.
I also do like the action was interesting. You have the standard battle with swords and weapons, but you also have it mixed with Morrison doing wrestling moves during unarmed battles.
The acting in the film is so-so. As with most movie set in ancient areas, the accents kind of fluctuate here or there, especially on name pronunciation. Still, Morrison does a good job, and the other leads do have moments of interesting dialog.
As for the extras, you got the standard Asylum set, as in the gag reel, making of feature, and a fleet of trailers.
The Verdict
One of the released from the Asylum that can step out of the shadow of schlock and can (sort of) stand on it’s own as a film. It is recommended if you want something to follow up on other quality titles from the Asylum, like SHERLOCK HOLMES or ABRAHAM LINCOLN VS ZOMBIES.