Not for purists...

Rating: 8/10 (14 June 1999)

...but this is Hercules in the 90's what is? It's Disney, for pete's sake! Like Raimi, Tapert and Sorbo are doing any better over on Legendary Journeys?? And are there really that many Greek God purists out there?
Hercules is a fun kid movie, with enough sly humor, in-jokes and adult-ish plot developments to keep the parents interested. James Woods is the standout here, in the comedic role of his career. Tate Donovan is kinda bland (like most Disney male heroes). I wasn't that impressed by Danny DeVito doing...well, Danny DeVito. Everyone else is competent or a bit better.
There are a few plot holes: why does Zeus have trouble defeating the Titans the second time around - how'd he do it originally? Doesn't Hades _ever_ check up on his (obviously incompetent) henchmen? Hades seems rather...Satan-like, what with the soul-trading and deals and stuff.
I thoroughly enjoyed the musical score is enjoyable throughout, though. The Muses struck me as a bit over the top (and why do they keep talking about the 'gospel' truth? - that's a Biblical reference.). I'd rather have heard the characters sing (and shouldn't Hades have got a number?), then hear the (literal) Greek Chorus chipping in from time to time.
Generally, though, it's an enjoyable flick, somewhat of a return to form for Disney after Pocahontas and Hunchback.