Search - Alan Menken :: Hercules

Wonderful Music From An Underrated Film

K. Fontenot | The Bayou State | 01/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Hercules" is one of my favorite Disney films. It was just a fun tale that was loose and free for the viewing. There was a little morality in it, what with Herc learning that it isn't the size of a hero's muscles or his popularity that makes him a hero, but what's in his heart. However, the best thing about this flick is that it's just great to watch. The music isn't half bad either. In fact, I loved this film and its music so much that I purchased both when they first became available.



This disc is full of wonderful, gospel-tinged Disney music that bleeds Alan Menken. He did a great job with this album. Also, Michael Bolton finally made me notice him with "Go The Distance."



Pick this up to hear the music from a film that never really did get the respect it deserved. It's wonderful."

Love that Herc

2 princesses mom | New Jersey | 06/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I myself am a Greek mythology lover-so when I had my kids- I had to get them this movie(well also for myself too) It is very well done-characters are so funny and cute-Danny DeVito is fabulous as Philoctetes (Phil) and Tate Donovan is a perfect fit as the naive, sweet,innocent yet strong Hercules. Rip Torn (with his strong voice) plays Zeus superbly. James Woods (who mostly plays bad guys and does it well)plays the evil Hades-Lord of the Underworld.

I recommend it highly for your movie library."

And that's the Gospel of Truth!

Andi | USA | 04/15/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This was the start of something a bit new. Daivd Zippel & Alan Menken. Once more, Disney goes for bringing adult stories to Disney light. Not many people like this movie because it's untruthful to actual myth. I mean, it'd been nice to see a movie of Hercules doing the ten labors, saving women, but... that's not really what kids want in a disney movie.



But what they DID do is give some greek feel to the music and score. After all, the Muses were the goddesses of art and song, so it makes it fit for them to be telling the story.



Long Ago...--Charleton Heston (famous from Planet of the Apes) does a nice little prologue to the story.



The Gospel of Truth I/Main Titles--David Zippel has catchy lyrics but a more different way of arranging them than Schwartz does. It's complexed, but it rules.



Gospel of Truth--People would think Hades is a bad guy, 'cause he's the greek form of the devil. But if you understand what is right or wrong about this song, it's not that bad.



Go The Distance--I was told by one of my friends that this song was used a lot in the olympics. I never knew that, but pushing that aside, I like it. Also Roger Bart has an amazing singing voice, soon to be a star of The Producers around this time, and possibly starring in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown as Snoopy, I love his singing voice.



Go The Distance (Reprise)--This is nothing new, but it's great to hear Roger's voice again.



One Last Hope--I love Danny DeVito's voice as Phil. This role was tailored for him. He talk sings this song more of than belting it out. Which works, because it's more of a training song. All in all, I think it's witty.



Zero to Hero--The most famous song from Hercules, it's full of rhyme after rhyme lyrics. They give a nice homage to broadway and gospel music, it's awesome. It's so catchy.



I Wont Say (I'm In Love)-- Susan Egan (previously Belle on Broadway for Beauty and the Beast) is an amazing Meg. She's smart, sassy, and she owns this song. This is such a doo-whop song that it's a toe-tapper.



A Star is Born--A nice summary to a nice vareity of music. Gospel, catchy...



Go the Distance (Single)--Michael Bolton was drilled in my head as a child, 'cause my mother liked him. But I find him a pretty good of a singer for this song. I like the added words, and I think it sounds amazing. Though it sounds more like a song for "going the distance for a woman", not "going the distance for your dreams". And so people can kind of get touchy about that.



Now, sad to say, I like Alan Menken, but the music just doesn't do it for me in this soundtrack. It was his last time doing Disney musicals. To others he may have given it his best, but I really don't seem to appreciate it. I also don't like the fact that this was the start of smaller amounts of song in the movies. But out of the composition pieces, I like "Cutting the Thread" & "A True Hero/A Star is Born". Those are beautiful tracks. Perhaps this was because of the pixar take over?



All in all, people like the movie and the soundtrack. I seem to appreciate the movie, but this is not a soundtrack that makes its way into my record player much. Though if you are a disney collector, buy it. I am sure it'll be discontinued sometime soon."