This formulaic Disney musical keeps accumulating more formulas as it goes along. In an attempt to “punch up” the Greek myth, Hercules compiles pop-culture references and genre tropes that are not only crudely envisioned, but often downright contradictory to the story at hand. Consider, for instance, that the Greek chorus narrating this ancient myth is envisioned as a group of African-American soul divas belting a 1970s-style song titled “The Gospel Truth.” Talk about worldview dissonance. Other irrational creative decisions follow: Danny DeVito as the New Yawkish satyr/trainer to our bland hero Hercules; a femme fatale romantic interest who swings her hips like Jessica Rabbit and talks like she’s in The Big Sleep. Even the lone spark of creativity – James Woods’ Hades, who sports flaming blue hair – has an odd hint of Jewish caricature. Overall, a hiccup for the hallowed Disney directing team of Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog).
