Hercules - C

Rated PG-13, 98 minutes

"Hercules" is a mess, but still entertaining

The Rock as Hercules

Sometimes having fun at the movies is what is most important, and the new action film "Hercules," a revisionist tale starring The Rock in the title, underscores that statement perfectly. It's mindless summer fun filled with loads violence and battles with The Rock his usual charming self. Having completed his legendary twelve labours, Greek demigod Hercules (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King Cotys (John Hurt) of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord. Directed by Brett Ratner of "Rush Hour" fame, "Hercules" is shallow fun: one endless battle yet also one big mess. Little to speak of in plot, character or acting, admittedly it's far from dull and should please the crowds the weekend before Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" sets in. The Rock is completely likable, but then he usually is, and he's well-supported by a bevy of decent, respected actors including Joseph Fiennes, John Hurt (in the Anthony Hopkins role), Rufus Sewell and of course Ian McShane, who steals the movie with his character's longing to die a legendary death. And to its credit, "Hercules" moves by quickly and efficiently, from one battle to the next, though after about the third or fourth one I lost track of why they were even fighting. But is that really important here? Director Ratner, one hardly known for subtlety, plays this as a ridiculous, revisionist affair, filled with lots of violence and battles (that certainly push the PG-13 rating), muscles and skimpy leather loincloths. You'll have fun, and many people may turn out this weekend to see it, but it'll be a fading memory once Marvel and "Guardians" arrives next weekend.

Wes's Grade: C