The Legend of Hercules 3D **

In this gladiator version of the Hercules legend Kellan Lutz looks the part, performs well in the fight scenes and passably in the romantic interludes, but is clearly out of his league when any real acting is required. In those scenes his lieutenant Sotiris (a competent Liam McIntyre) steps in, and in a crucial scene convinces their owner that they should go back to Greece for a big fight and the chance to earn their freedom. There's little of the clever trickster Hercules here, or of his pansexual prowess either for that matter.

The Hercules story gets a just war twist as Alcmene, the mother of Alcides/Hercules, goes to Hera, jealous wife of Zeus, for help to quell her husband's wonton warring. So instead of trying to keep Zeus from her bed, Hera names the offspring that will come to Queen Alcmene. And the boy will come after his brother, not as a twin, which I guess could get too complicated to deal with in a fight movie. Strangely then, Hera, normally the tormentor of her husband's illegitimate son, becomes a promoter of Hercules.

The story becomes one of rival brothers, the weak older Iphicles (a lackluster Liam Garrigan) promoted by his murderous father King Amphitryon (a fiery Scott Adkins). When Iphicles takes credit for the slaying of the Nemean lion, it's clear he's a vain and duplicitous coward. The story also borrows freely from the Christian tradition as there is a Samson-like scene, and supernatural powers are granted to Hercules when he acknowledges Zeus as his heavenly father.

After a slow first half the action picks up, and several of the fight scenes add some punch to the proceedings. Gaia Weiss as the princess both brothers love is beautiful in a mostly decorative part, and as Alcmene Roxanne McKee (of "Games of Thrones") is a comparative standout in a mediocre movie.