Whether or not MST3K is providing extra sound effects, the classic Hercules movies are something that you should at least put on in the background while going over reports or studying. Personally, I have trouble deciding whether I like Steve Reeves or Gordon Scott the best, but the classic Hercules movies are a definite must! Of course, nowadays, you would have to decide whether or not to classify them as Action/Adenture, Fantasy, or Comedy, rather than their original "Sword and Sandal" label, but the entertainment value is still there.
Of course, with the latest and greatest versions of the Sword and Sandal genre, there's a completely different tone. Movies such as Clash of the Titans seem to use Greek and Roman combat to spill (or rather glop, sling, or splatter) as much blood as possible in the span of about 2 hours. I have taught Greek and Roman history before. I am familiar with many of the methods of fighting used back then and yes, many of them are gross or inhumane by today's modern, American standards. But you really don't have to use that much blood in a film. I really don't mind violent movies - but I haven't seen a reltively new Sword and Sandal film that has a decent storyline. A common complaint is the acting - and yes, there are many bad actors and sucktastic acting jobs in this revived genre. Unfortunately, however, the actors are not always the problem either. Clash of the Titans' and Wrath of the Titans' Liam Neeson is known for his excellent acting skills, but even he couldn't assist with the epic tragedy that was the making of that film. Not enough evidence? Henry Cavill and John Hurt in The Immortals are proof-positive that good actors can't help a bad script. The only exception would be Season 1 of HBO's series Rome. While not a standalone movie, the writing is great and the acting pretty phenominal
Of course, with the latest and greatest versions of the Sword and Sandal genre, there's a completely different tone. Movies such as Clash of the Titans seem to use Greek and Roman combat to spill (or rather glop, sling, or splatter) as much blood as possible in the span of about 2 hours. I have taught Greek and Roman history before. I am familiar with many of the methods of fighting used back then and yes, many of them are gross or inhumane by today's modern, American standards. But you really don't have to use that much blood in a film. I really don't mind violent movies - but I haven't seen a reltively new Sword and Sandal film that has a decent storyline. A common complaint is the acting - and yes, there are many bad actors and sucktastic acting jobs in this revived genre. Unfortunately, however, the actors are not always the problem either. Clash of the Titans' and Wrath of the Titans' Liam Neeson is known for his excellent acting skills, but even he couldn't assist with the epic tragedy that was the making of that film. Not enough evidence? Henry Cavill and John Hurt in The Immortals are proof-positive that good actors can't help a bad script. The only exception would be Season 1 of HBO's series Rome. While not a standalone movie, the writing is great and the acting pretty phenominal
So you may laugh at the fact that Hercules winds up fighting Mongols, or that he just happens to be in Troy in time to kill the Kraken. Okay, fine. I laugh too. But in an age when the revival of the Sword and Sandal movies and shows could be exciting, we get an armada of digital effects just to be able to see giant scorpions in 3D. If you want to see giant scorpions on the big screen, watch an Imax documentary. If you want to see it in 3D, go out west. Believe me, there is much more to Ancient Greece, Rome, and Mythology than what filmmakers today are allowing it to be. I love good special effects, but nothing can replace good storytelling.
(Hercules poster from http://www.arcatatheater.com)
