The Three Stooges Meet Hercules [HD]

It's about time...
This is the one Three Stooge feature film the 1960's with Joe DeRita that I have been waiting for. "Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze" is a close second. This film proved that the Stooges comedy could be maintained in a feature film, the one thing Moe and Larry wanted after the 25 years of making short features. And it was an excellent film, especially after the abominable "Snow White and the Three Stooges". The only drawback, like the other Stooges features, is that there are no special features. (Since this would have deducted a half a star, and this was not a choice, I left my rating at a 5.)

Probably their best feature
Not that it's saying much, considering the type of material they were given to work with in the DeRita era, but this is probably the best starring feature they did. Most of the DeRita features have very weak scripts and really embarrassing cringe-worthy childish storylines, something that generally only children and nostalgic aging Boomers actually like, but there are a handful of them that have pretty good scripts and supporting casts, such as this one. It was also directed by the wonderful Ed Bernds, which might account for the surprisingly positive change in direction, going from bad kiddy fare to a movie that, while not nearly at the same level as classics like 'Hoi Polloi' or 'Brideless Groom,' can still be watched multiple times and be enjoyed by non-Boomers and people over the age of ten. Under Bernds's direction, they look and act decades younger! Sure there are some moments (like the scene with the hokey-looking Cyclops) that do seem geared to the kiddy matinee audience,...

Great for all ages
This film was made at the height of the Stooges popularity in the late 50s and early 60s. It grossed about two million dollars at the box office, exceeding expectations, and landed the Stooges a three-picture deal. Those three would turn out to be Three Stooges in Orbit, Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze, and Outlaws is Coming. Two million gross at the box office is pathetic these days, but it was substantial 43 years ago.

People already know the premise of this film. It's repeated several times on this page. But this is the type of film anyone with an appreciation of comedy would like. Be it a five year old or a 75 year old. It's just a fun, quick-paced, and clean film. I'm a Stooges fan, and this is one of my favorite things they ever did, including their short films.

This flick is the best place for anyone to start in the DeRita era, which tends to be frowned upon by many Stooge fans, but I liked DeRita. He was a good actor.

5 stars for...

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