Released in theaters January 10, The Legend of Hercules offers everything audiences would look for in this type of film, including action, love and mythology.

The premise of the film centers around the story of Hercules in Greek mythology. Just as Perseus was highlighted in the films Clash of the Titans and Wrath of the Titans, Hercules, Perseus’ half-brother, is the demigod spawn of Zeus. Being a half-god and half-man, Hercules was granted enormous strength.
 
The lead in the film is Kellan Lutz, who plays Hercules. Lutz is best known for his portrayal as Emmett Cullen in The Twilight Saga films. However, his Hercules role will essentially be the first time audiences get to see the full range of his acting skills.
 
Lutz couldn’t have picked a better role to introduce himself to audiences as a leading male actor, since The Legend of Hercules is far from just a brute with incredible strength. Hercules’s mother was actually a queen and the son she bore from Zeus was foretold to overthrow his stepfather, the king. However, Hercules has no idea of his true father or the destiny he is supposed to fulfill.
 
The trouble really begins to start when Hercules finds himself succumbing to a forbidden love when he desires Hebe, Princess of Crete, who is already betrothed to his brother. After being betrayed by the king, Hercules is enslaved and endures trials that not only test his physical strength, but also his spirit.
 
The action portion of the film touches on recently popular themes in blockbuster hits. The costumes (or lack thereof) are reminiscent of what we saw in movies like 300; the arena fighting remind audiences of the mega blockbuster Gladiator; and the special effects during combat are just as great as those seen in Clash of the Titans.
 
However, it’s not just the action portions of the film that audiences will love. The love story between Hercules and Hebe is something to root for and the endurance of the human spirit is portrayed in a way that allows the audience to relate to Hercules, regardless of his status as a demigod.
 
Hercules goes through battles, gladiator arenas and an epic journey using his extraordinary strength. The journey is not just about regaining his sense of self after being enslaved; it’s about restoring the kingdom from the tyrannical rule of the stepfather that betrayed him. The king brought ruin to the land and Hercules goes on the journey to restore peace.
 
While the story of Hercules has been told throughout television and film over the years, The Legend of Hercules is a film that really brings it to a new generation. 
 
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense combat action and violence, and for some sensuality