Hercules in New York Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Bored god goes to New York, throws people around, fights a bear in a costume, and lifts weights because why not?

🍿 Hercules in New York: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Hercules’ Departure from Olympus

Bored with the monotonous life on Mount Olympus, Hercules yearns for adventure and change. He expresses his discontent to his father, Zeus, requesting permission to visit Earth. Zeus, however, vehemently opposes the idea, leading to a heated argument between father and son. Frustrated by Zeus’s refusal, Hercules’s actions inadvertently trigger a lightning bolt strike, sending him hurtling down to Earth.

Arrival in New York and Culture Clash

Hercules lands in the bustling metropolis of New York City, a world vastly different from his Olympian home. He quickly encounters the challenges of modern life, struggling to adapt to the customs and technologies of the 1970s. His immense strength and naivety lead to humorous and chaotic situations as he tries to navigate this new environment. He struggles with money, modern transportation and social norms.

Friendship with Pretzie and New Opportunities

In New York, Hercules befriends Pretzie, a street-smart pretzel vendor who becomes his unlikely companion and guide. With Pretzie’s help, Hercules explores various opportunities, including wrestling and powerlifting. His extraordinary strength makes him a natural success in these fields, attracting attention and opening doors to new experiences. He also encounters Helen Camden, a young woman who helps him to understand and appreciate human culture.

Conflict with the Mob and Return to Olympus

Hercules’s newfound success attracts the attention of the local mafia, who attempt to exploit his abilities for their own gain. As he navigates these dangerous relationships, Juno, Zeus’s wife, interferes, stripping Hercules of his powers. Hercules faces a moral dilemma and must decide whether to remain on Earth or return to Olympus and confront his destiny. Eventually, with the help of Atlas and Samson, Hercules resolves his conflicts and returns to Olympus to reconcile with Zeus.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hercules (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A bored demigod who defies his father Zeus and travels to New York City, struggling to adapt to modern life.
• Pretzie (Arnold Stang): A small-time pretzel vendor who befriends Hercules and becomes his unlikely sidekick in New York.
• Zeus (Ernest Graves): The King of the Gods and Hercules’ father, who initially disapproves of his son’s desire to live on Earth.
• Helen Camden (Deborah Loomis): A college professor’s daughter who helps Hercules adjust to life in New York and becomes his love interest.
• Nemesis (Taina Elg): A goddess sent by Zeus to punish Hercules for disobeying him and staying on Earth.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hercules: “A fine chariot… but where are your horses?” – Hercules says this sarcastically when he encounters a forklift truck, demonstrating his unfamiliarity with modern technology.
• Hercules: “How dare you touch Hercules!” – Hercules shouts this after a taxi driver attempts to fight him for not paying the fare.
• Hercules: “You have strucked Hercules!” – Hercules exclaims this after being punched, showing his shock and god-like outrage.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $300,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Hercules in New York Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Hercules in New York’ is objectively terrible, but I absolutely adore it. I first saw it late one night on TV, and I was laughing so hard I cried. The bear fight scene alone is worth the price of admission. Sure, Arnold’s acting is…well, let’s just say he’s more convincing lifting weights. And the whole thing feels like it was made for about fifty bucks. But there’s a certain charm to its awfulness that’s irresistible. It is definitely a fun watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger looking for a campy, early role”
  • “Viewers who appreciate ‘so bad it’s good’ movies”
  • “People looking for a lighthearted, unintentionally funny film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Cheesy special effects”

Professional Reviews

• Gold Derby: “While certainly not Schwarzenegger’s finest hour, ‘Hercules in New York’ is a fascinating look at his early career. The low budget and questionable acting create a unique cinematic experience that’s so bad, it’s good. Perfect for a laugh with friends.
• FandomWire: “Forget ‘Red Sonja,’ ‘Hercules in New York’ might just be peak ‘so bad it’s good’ Schwarzenegger. The dubbing, the bear suit, the complete lack of plot coherence – it all adds up to a hilariously awful movie that’s a must-see for any Arnie fan.

Audience Reactions

The bear fight is legendary in its awfulness, but that’s why people love it.: Viewers consistently praise the movie for its unintentional humor and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s early career awkwardness.

Overall Consensus: A hilariously bad movie that is best enjoyed for its camp value, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s early performance, and the sheer absurdity of the plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Arnold Schwarzenegger was credited as ‘Arnold Strong’ in the original release.”
• “To secure the role for Arnold Schwarzenegger, his agent exaggerated his stage experience, referring to bodybuilding stages as ‘theater’.”
• “In the original theatrical release, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice was dubbed over due to his heavy accent. The DVD version includes his original voice.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hercules in New York?

Currently, “Hercules in New York” is not readily available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu. To watch, consider purchasing a digital copy on platforms like Amazon or Apple TV, or check for DVD availability from online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hercules in New York, you might like these similar films:

• Xanadu (1980): Both feature a mythological being encountering and adapting to modern life with campy and fantastical elements.
• Clash of the Titans (1981): Clash of the Titans is a more serious take on Greek mythology, providing a contrast to the comedic approach of Hercules in New York.
• Staying Alive (1983): Sylvester Stallone directs and produces this sequel to Saturday Night Fever with an almost surreal sensibility and focus on the male form that shares an unintentional, camp aesthetic with Hercules in New York.

🛒 Hercules in New York Related Products

• Hercules in New York (DVD): Own this cult classic on DVD and relive the glory of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting debut! This is a must have.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Life on Screen: Explore Arnold’s amazing journey from bodybuilding champion to Hollywood superstar and political powerhouse.
• Vintage Hercules Movie Poster: A retro-style poster of Hercules in New York, perfect to add a touch of retro film to your home.
• Hercules T-Shirt: Show your love for this Hercules character with this comfortable and stylish Hercules T-shirt!

🎧 Soundtrack

Hercules in New York features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Theme From Hercules In New York” – performed by John Balamos

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Arnold fights bear

You HAVE to see this! It’s Arnold Schwarzenegger fighting a bear… or at least someone in a very questionable bear suit. It’s so bad, it’s good!

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER regrets appearing in…

Did you know Arnold Schwarzenegger *hates* this movie? Apparently, he’s so embarrassed that he can end interviews if it’s brought up without his permission! The video details why…

Hercules in New York – Arnold talks!

Ever wonder what Arnold sounded like in his first acting role? Hint: it’s hilariously dubbed. This compilation of his lines is pure gold!

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