'Hercules' muscles in special effects, action

"Hercules" is a special-effects filled action film much more than it is a lesson in mythology.

The classic story is there, along with character names that are too hard to pronounce or remember. But you can get past that because this movie is all about the title character.

Dwayne Johnson looks like he uses every one of his muscles to play the legend believed to be half-human, half-god.

He uses them mainly to fight both man and beast.

Director Brett Ratner, the man behind the "Rush Hour" movies, knows action. He puts his considerable skills to use here.

The fight scenes are larger than life. They're great popcorn entertainment.

The suspense I felt building in the film's final act surprised me.

But the comedic aspects of the movie don't work nearly as well. The audience I saw "Hercules" with generally didn't respond to the film's attempts at levity.

And there were times I felt the music overpowered the dialogue, making it more difficult to understand what the characters were saying.

Johnson knows his strengths and he utilizes them here.

Also, John Hurt and the great Ian McShane were both well cast in supporting roles.

"Hercules" hits theaters Friday. Great movie? Probably not. But it's good, summer fun.