Rating: 
Summary: When Times Were Simpler and Steve Reeves Was Hercules!
Review: Ah, yes! Those were the days! Disregard the dubbed-in dialogue and hokey plot lines. The orginal 1957 "Hercules" is a treasure of fantasy and fun. To those Americans who possess a sense of the past (what used to be known fondly as "nostalgia" prior to the MTV generation and its contemptuous stance toward anything that occurred prior to the maturation of Jennifer Lopez's big, fat posterior), Johnny Weismuller was Tarzen. Bela Lugosi was Dracula. Clayton Moore was the Lone Ranger. And Steve Reeves was Hercules. Long before Arnold there was Steve Reeves, the prototype body builder who in the 1940s and 50s surpassed what Charles Atlas initiated a generation earlier. A scrawny, unathletic kid who was teased unmercifully, Reeves decided to do something about his predicament. He made body building and fitness a way of life. Between 1945 and 1950, Reeves won every body building competition and award in the universe, and he did so without the use of steroids or any other drugs. It didn't take long for Hollywood to come calling. After being considered and then turned down for the role of Samson (for being "too muscular") in the 1949 MGM production of "Samson and Delilah" opposite Heddy Lamarr, Reeves spent a few years playing mostly forgetable parts in a number of films before achieving celluloid stardom in his adopted home, Italy. In 1957 Reeves portrayed the legendary Greek hero Hercules in the film of the same name, and repeated the role in its sequel, "Hercules Unchained," two years later. Reeves was extraordinarily handsome with black wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. With his beard and spectacular physique, Reeves looked exactly like the image of the Greek demigod as it had been depicted for thousands of years. So ingrained became his image in the minds of movie fans, that the names "Steve Reeves" and "Hercules" became synonomous. For a time in the late 1950s and early 1960s he was the highest-paid movie star in the world. To kids growing up in an innocent age of malt shops, high school dances, science-fiction comics, and "Father Knows Best," Reeves was the epitome of wholesome manliness. He became the idol and inspiration for a whole new generation of weightlifters and body builders, including Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo, Reg Park, and old Arnold himself. He enchanted young and old alike as Hercules and as a number of other legendary Greco-Roman characters. In the late 1960s while still fit as a fiddle, very popular, and only in his early 40s, Reeves was asked by Sergio Leonne to star in a series of Spaghetti Westerns. But Reeves decided to leave the acting business. His place was taken by Clint Eastwood, and the rest is history (there's that anachronistic word again). Reeves continued living in Italy where he could be spotted daily "power-walking" (rapidly walking while carrying light weights in his arms) around all the famous sites in Rome. By the 1990s he and his wife returned to America where they raised horses and lived quietly on a beautiful ranch in Southern California. Reeves still looked great into his seventies and remained a steadfast advocate of drug-free athletics. Which is why it was so shocking to hear of his sudden death from cancer in 2000. Supposedly, Reeves visited his physician and was diagnosed with an accutely malignant form of cancer. In two weeks, he was dead. Upon hearing the news, I couldn't accept the fact of his passing. "Steve Reeves dead? Can't be." He always seemed so invincible. How time marches on. But the image of Reeves as the prototype celluloid demigod will endure. In the hearts and memories of many a young boy in the 1950s and 60s, there was no more popular person in the world than Steve Reeves. In many ways, Reeves may well have been the last great role model of an America that used to be. Malt shops are gone. Early sci-fi classic films with thoughtful plots like Howard Hawks' "The Thing From Another World" and Robert Wise's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" are now considered archaic by a generation whose attention span is measureable in nanoseconds. High school dances long ago devolved into loud, coarse, uncivil environments known as "clubs." There are no TV shows even remotely resembling the quaint idealism of "Father Knows Best." Yet certain images from yesteryear remain transfixed eternally in the minds of those still thoughtful enough to remember. Steve Reeves will always be the one and only "Hercules." So long, pal.
Rating: 
Summary: I enjoyed it.
Review: Although there's nothing extraordinary about the storyline or special effects, I've always enjoyed this movie. Steve Reeves is still my favorite Hercules. Most of the story is centered around the same basic theme as Jason and the Argonauts but with Reeves in the starring role I could watch it again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Herc Was Cool
Review: Finally, Steve Reeves on DVD! The version sent to me was by Gemstone Entertainment; but appears to be the same version as United American Video. A few years back I was on Steve's web site and commented that I was disappointed that there were none of his films on DVD, and the reply that I got back was, "Only on VHS now; but just wait a bit longer...." I remember the first time I saw this movie as a kid, I was totally hooked on Steve Reeves and his name was forever connected with Hercules, which is kind of funny considering that he only made two Hercules movies. Though watching Italian movies can take a little getting used to, mainly due to the editing practices, in addition to dubbing the sound in after the movie had been completed, this movie holds the test of time very well, considering that it's almost 45 years old. My only real complaints are that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format and that the copy of the print was not in pristene condition; but don't let the TV format, soft focus and colors in some spots, and a few scratches and specks during the movie deter you from getting this classic. Some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, with the film digitally restored and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice.
Rating: 
Summary: Long Awaited & Worth It
Review: Finally, Steve Reeves on DVD! The version sent to me was by Gemstone Entertainment; but appears to be the same version as United American Video. A few years back I was on Steve's web site and commented that I was disappointed that there were none of his films on DVD, and the reply that I got back was, "Only on VHS now; but just wait a bit longer...." I remember the first time I saw this movie as a kid, I was totally hooked on Steve Reeves and his name was forever connected with Hercules, which is kind of funny considering that he only made two Hercules movies. Though watching Italian movies can take a little getting used to, mainly due to the editing practices, in addition to dubbing the sound in after the movie had been completed, this movie holds the test of time very well, considering that it's almost 45 years old. My only real complaints are that it's not presented in a natural widescreen format and that the copy of the print was not in pristene condition; but don't let the TV format, soft focus and colors in some spots, and a few scratches and specks during the movie deter you from getting this classic. Some day I'm hoping to see a higher grade edition, in widescreen, with the film digitally restored and maybe a few extras; but until then, this will more than suffice.
Rating:
Summary: The one, the only Hercules-Steve Reeves
Review: I can relate to the individual who said that Steve Reeves was his boyhood idol. He was mine as well. I can remember as a 8 year old watching Steve Reeves battle Barbarians in "Goliath and the Barbarians", my first Reeves movie. I sat mesmerized by Reeves. Many years later, I started weight training and eventually got into powerlifting competition winning the YMCA Nationals and AAU North American Championships and then went on to bodybuilding promotions like the AAU Atlantic States (a title I created), the first IFBB Teenage Mr America and the WABBA/NABBA USA vs Europe Challenge match, IFBB Jr. Mr. America and IFBB Mr. North America.Reeves planted the seed in me at age 8, he was the Arnold of his time. Food for thought: If it wasn't for Reeves, what would Arnold be doing these days? Reeves opened the door for many bodybulders who followed.On to the movie. Obviously this movie would not win any academy awards, but it helped win for Reeves the #1 box office champion of his time. It starts off with a runaway chariot and suddenly we hear the sounds and see a tree being uprooted. It's our Hercules saving the lady in distress and his future bride.Hercules is a fun movie. It is badly dubbed. But so what. Reeves looks good. The Amazon girls look really great. There aren't any great specia effects, but this was the fifties and the movie was made over 43 years ago. The plot is simple; kill the Lion, kill the Cretan Bull, renounce your immortality, save the people and help Jason and Argonauts and instill in Ulysses that his destiny will be determined by a bow and arrow! Oh, and marry the beautiful Jole and lets not forget how he pulls the Temple down ala SAMSON but lives.Seriously, Hercules is still a fun movie and deservedly a classic. The entire bodybuilding world owes a great debt to Reeves, the Italian producer and Joe Levine. One only has to watch the Hercules, Maciste, Goliath movies that followed this in the 60's or the Lou Ferrigno version of Hercules in 1980 to appreciate this one.Reeves was, is the one and only Hercules. This was the first and best Hercules movie.
Rating:
Summary: Buff Beyond Belief -- The Original Sand and Sandal Epic
Review: I just watched the Italian film Hercules staring Steve Reeves in the title role. First of all it was a pleasure to see Hercules call on his father Jupiter (and not Zeus as so many would have it).Hercules travels to Jialco where he finds himself first welcomed by the Throne and then despised. After defeating the Cretan Bull, Hercules finds Jason, lost heir to the throne of Jialco. To prove Jason is who he says he is, Hercules, Jason, Argos and others set out to find the lost Golden Fleece. Originally shot in Italian, this film does suffer from bad dubbing. This film, and particularly its sequel, Hercules Unchained, are some of the best interpretations of the Hercules legend. Steve Reeves is wonderful as the hero and looks like he could defeat Kevin Sorbo without even trying. Reeves spends most of the film sans shirt showing off one of the finest builds ever filmed. For those who prefer looking at bodies with more curves, there are plenty of women in short Grecian robes.
Rating:
Summary: Buff Beyond Belief -- The Original Sand and Sandal Epic
Review: I just watched the Italian film Hercules staring Steve Reeves in the title role. First of all it was a pleasure to see Hercules call on his father Jupiter (and not Zeus as so many would have it). Hercules travels to Jialco where he finds himself first welcomed by the Throne and then despised. After defeating the Cretan Bull, Hercules finds Jason, lost heir to the throne of Jialco. To prove Jason is who he says he is, Hercules, Jason, Argos and others set out to find the lost Golden Fleece. Originally shot in Italian, this film does suffer from bad dubbing. This film, and particularly its sequel, Hercules Unchained, are some of the best interpretations of the Hercules legend. Steve Reeves is wonderful as the hero and looks like he could defeat Kevin Sorbo without even trying. Reeves spends most of the film sans shirt showing off one of the finest builds ever filmed. For those who prefer looking at bodies with more curves, there are plenty of women in short Grecian robes.
Rating:
Summary: The Great Steve Reeves as Hercules
Review: I remember seeing this movie as a child and interestingly enough, now that it is on dvd, my son has bought this for his family.There are no great special effects. And don't look for any great acting, but Hercules is a fun movie and Reeves is the perfect Hercules with a sculpted physique, handsome and charismatic. I hope more Reeves movies become available on dvd. He was the original action hero.
Rating: 
Summary: Did Disney ruin it forever, or was it already too late?
Review: I will make frequent reference to my copy, a discounted version on the notoriously low-quality "Goodtimes Home Video", especially the trademark misrepresentation of the sleeve. SLEEVE: "The Best Heroic Action Movie Ever Made" TRUTH: Probably one of the most ambitious plots. By this print in 1990, there may well have been better action movies. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules single-handedly wrestle a man-eating lion! TRUTH: LAUGH at Hercules as he single-handedly wrestles down a shag carpet. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules beat the infamous Cretan Bull down with his fists! TRUTH: SEE footage of a bull! SEE Hercules struggle for ten minutes with a taxidermist's rendition of a different bull. Strangely enough, these encounters in the first half mean nothing to the plot...because they are about Hercules. The movie, it turns out, is not about Hercules, as he just ends up being an Argonaut stooge. While better dubbed than--say--a Bruce Lee movie, it tries to be a similar style of action (fighting) movie, and these scenes fail miserably by today's standards. It's a given that no child will ever choose this film over the cartoon. However, it was probably doomed to the classic nostalgia crowd anyway. It's a shame Disney got hold of him before there could be a Godzilla-ish remake. All the classics seem to go one way or the other.
Rating:
Summary: Did Disney ruin it forever, or was it already too late?
Review: I will make frequent reference to my copy, a discounted version on the notoriously low-quality "Goodtimes Home Video", especially the trademark misrepresentation of the sleeve. SLEEVE: "The Best Heroic Action Movie Ever Made" TRUTH: Probably one of the most ambitious plots. By this print in 1990, there may well have been better action movies. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules single-handedly wrestle a man-eating lion! TRUTH: LAUGH at Hercules as he single-handedly wrestles down a shag carpet. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules beat the infamous Cretan Bull down with his fists! TRUTH: SEE footage of a bull! SEE Hercules struggle for ten minutes with a taxidermist's rendition of a different bull. Strangely enough, these encounters in the first half mean nothing to the plot...because they are about Hercules. The movie, it turns out, is not about Hercules, as he just ends up being an Argonaut stooge. While better dubbed than--say--a Bruce Lee movie, it tries to be a similar style of action (fighting) movie, and these scenes fail miserably by today's standards. It's a given that no child will ever choose this film over the cartoon. However, it was probably doomed to the classic nostalgia crowd anyway. It's a shame Disney got hold of him before there could be a Godzilla-ish remake. All the classics seem to go one way or the other.
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