Dwayne Johnson's 'Hercules': Criticized for historical inaccuracies, gets modest success at box office

Starring Dwayne Johnson as the titular character, the action-adventure movie 'Hercules' is in the news for its historical accuracy. Despite some historical inaccuracies, the film has been praised for its war sequences and treatment of the subject matter. While analyzing the film, historian Dr. Roel Konijnendijk has pointed out certain fallacies, but he has also praised the filmmaker.

Historian Konijnendijk analyzes war sequence

In a video produced by 'Invicta', he said, "It's almost like a big square that’s like a 100 wide or a 100 deep or something, which is not how a marching column works because how many roads in the ancient world were there where people could march a 100 abreast?"

He also said, "It’s not real, they’re just trying to depict something that looks like an ancient battle formation going into battle. Some of the pieces of kit they’re wearing are very authentic, others are made up, but the whole principle that they explain in the movie is that, as you work together as a formation using shields that you deploy in an interlinked, mutually supportive way, that you become stronger than men fighting individually."

'The Legend of Hercules'

According to 'Screen Rant', Dwayne Johnson’s 2014 movie coincided with the release of another Hercules adaptation, Renny Harlin’s 'The Legend of Hercules'. It was released a few months before the Johnson movie.

Box office success

'Hercules' became a modest box office success as it earned $244 million on a $100 million budget.

Rotten Tomatoes score

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Dwayne Johnson’s 2014 movie holds got approval rating of 58%. The film was praised for its enjoyable action sequences and impressive effects. But some people also criticized 'Hercules' for lacking any sort of real emotional pull.

Dwayne Johnson was praised for his commendable performance. He put his trademark bravado and charisma to good use and adequately brought to life one of the most notable mythical figures.

FAQs

How did Dwayne Johnson's 'Hercules' perform at the box office?
'Hercules' became a modest box office success as it earned $244 million on a $100 million budget.

Why was 'Hercules' criticized?
While analyzing 'Hercules', historian Dr. Roel Konijnendijk has pointed out certain fallacies. Some people also criticized the film as lacking any sort of real emotional pull.