Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Bambi. These are probably some of the titles that come to mind when someone asks you to name an iconic Disney film.
Yes, these tales have their charms (not to mention traumatic events that introduced the concept of death to unassuming five-year-olds), but I'm here to tell you Hercules is the production studio's best movie. Period.
I have probably watched this Greek mythology masterpiece more times than any other animated Disney film. After re-watching it again recently, and amid talk of a live-action remake, Hercules still holds up. Released in 1997, it's much younger than a lot of the films considered Disney classics, it has timeless appeal. Why?
The jokes are smart
Yes, there is the expected slapstick comedy designed to appeal to younger viewers, and while there are grown-up innuendos in almost all Disney films, Hercules is a little different. You almost need a degree in ancient history to get all the references, which this history nerd greatly appreciates.
"I haven't seen this much love in a room since Narcissus discovered himself," Hermes (voiced by Paul Schafer) tells Zeus at Hercules' baby shower, to which the camera cuts to a very beautiful man practically making out with his own reflection.
Then, when Hercules visits Philoctetes, better known as Phil (Danny freaking de Vito) the young Herc bumps his head on a log hanging from the ceiling inside Phil's cabin.
"Careful, that's part of the mast of the Argo!" Phil says, which references the original myth in which the captain of the Argo, Jason, is killed when the ship's mast hits his head. Perfection.
The Muses
Then there are the Muses, which actually do have names, by the way: Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia. They are the film's narrators but are also responsible for this film's killer musical score. Think The Supremes in togas.
It's frankly impossible not to feel energised by this powerful, Gospel-driven soundtrack, which is such a beautiful modern approach to the musical mood of this film. But it wasn't the initial musical direction.
"The directors, Ron Clements and John Musker, really wanted gospel because that's what you sing when you're singing about God—or in this case, the gods. I was reluctant because I wanted to do something very classic and Greek," composer Alan Menken told Entertainment Weekly.
"[But] putting smart lyrics with gospel music really created a very unique blend, and the best example of that was on 'Zero to Hero,' which was just this roller coaster of lyrical cleverness."
James Woods
And what about James Woods—before he became a hot-headed psycho Republican—as Hades, the God of the Underworld? You cannot deny his likeability as this wise-cracking antagonist, flanked by his demon sidekicks Pain and Panic.
Some of his best moments are when he completely loses it, like when Pain is wearing Hercules' branded sandals.
The best heroine ever
Lastly, but definitely not least..ly is Meg, the strong female heroine who refuses a lift from a stranger, proclaiming: "You know how men are, they think 'no' means 'yes' and 'get lost' means 'take me I'm yours'," and "Megara. My friends call me Meg; at least they would if I had any friends." Such a mood.
I approach the newly announced, live-action remake with extreme trepidation, however as an avid fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I admit I trust the Russo brothers. Just. Don't Screw. It. Up.
This was published on whimn.com.au on May 2, 2020