Fans!!! Here's your big chance!!!! June 27, 2007 marks the 10th
anniversary of our beloved movie, and, OK, it's not like we
haven't had a lot to play with....the Hercules movie has come
out in DVD format, spawned a 65 episode TV show {brilliant but
totally unappreciated} an adequate number of video and computer
games {most notably the Kingdom of Hearts }a couple of Herc
cameos on Toon Disney's House of Mouse and a great deal of
merchandise, most of which is floating around on Ebay at this
very moment.
But we want more, don't we? We miss our Herc guys, we miss the
fun. We're tired of all the fairy tale sequels and can't figure
out why they don't give our beloved movie and series a second
chance. Well...we're gonna give you, right here, the opportunity
to tell them. So if you loved the Hercules movie...and the
series...and if you want to see Herc and Megara fall in love all
over again or if you want to see Icarus get anywhere with
Cassandra (give the poor little guy a break, he's been waiting a
looong time). If you miss Phil, the gods and goddesses, all the
cool mythology, the great music, the hilarious one-liners and
the Muses, The Fates, Cerebus and Bob The Narrator, and if you
think **HADES** is the best darn villain to ever cook up an evil
plot, please take the time to print out this petition and send
it snail mail to Disney Studios in Burbank, California {because
that does make a difference in the eyes of the Corporate
World....it shows you actually cared enough to get off the sofa
and find out where your post office was. Have to get your hands
on a stamp, too. That's love.}
Now, we were going to get everyone to send an actual olive to
the Disney mail room in Burbank on June 27, 2007 to say "Ah Luv"
You but then we thought, uh oh......if 10,000 raw olives all
arrive in the Disney mailroom in June all at once it will smell
just like Icarus' gym locker and then they'll just get mad. So
send them a picture of an olive...
(this
one will do)
...and
maybe that will be just as good {as well as being more
hygienic.}
The petition is aimed at Mr. John Lasseter, the reigning genius
behind the Pixar movies we adore and which represent the best
Disney has had to offer in a long time.
This was an idea
thought up by the gang at the
Pummeled Pomegranate.
Being totally fed up with the horrible treatment that Disney gives
to the Herc World, we decided to come up with a plan of Action. That
plan is Operation Olive. Feel free to write your own letter, or use
this one we have provided...
Dear Mr. Lasseter,
We Disney/Pixar fans are appealing to you {as head of Feature
Animation} in order to convey our heartfelt enthusiasm for
Disney's Hercules movie and TV series which has had, admittedly,
less-than-stellar success in the mainstream up until now.
You are obviously a man who knows Funny...or...at least knows
how to hire people who know Funny...and we're hoping that with
you at the helm we will indeed see "a shining new era" in 2D
animation arise.
Now, while we fans understand Disney's reluctance to invest in a
serious full scale feature 2D animation projects these days,
given the dismal track record of so many recent attempts, we
none the less wish to express our heartfelt love and admiration
for the wonderfully witty Hercules movie and it's equally
delightful TV series....one of the few rare TV cartoons that
doesn't dumb itself down for the kids. We fans have the feeling
that studio execs do not think that there is enough interest and
support to warrant any further productions involving these
properties, and we would respectfully like to remind the Studio
that indeed there are tons of people out there who do.....we
just have not had an opportunity to express it properly.
On this, the 10th anniversary of the movie, we
would love to see a Special Edition DVD Release of Hercules, with more interviews and information....perhaps even that song
Meg never got to sing and out-takes from the film that were
edited. {Heck, we would love to see
Hercules in an Imax Theater.}
We would also like to see a Hercules sequel, even if
it were direct-to-video. We understand that Disney sequels had a
bit of a rough time at the start. However, the release of
Mulan II, Bambi II, and Cinderella III have proved to be
very impressive. Whoever is now in charge of sequel
production is doing something right.
And let's not forget the fabulous Hercules: The Animated Series.
As Herc fans, we would LOVE to see more TV series episodes and/or a
direct-to-video/TV movie involving the Prometheus Academy
characters, {Please....no more Proud Family movies}
Barring that, a DVD release of the series would be most
welcomed. The show is aired sparingly on Toon Disney and at
awkward times, with little or no promotion. On that note, we
loyal Disney fans are terribly disappointed that The Power
Rangers and 4th rate anime shows dominate Disney's signature
channel, and feel it's an awful shame that Walt's legacy is not
better represented, but that's a whole other petition.
While we realize the Studio was terribly burned at the Herc
movie's debut and the series appears to struggle for ratings we
feel that this is due more to bad luck and bad timing than a
lack of interest on the part of the public. Like The Nightmare
Before Christmas which has taken nearly 20 years to become a
hugely critical {and commercial} cult favorite, further Hercules
productions have the potential to become both a financial
windfall for Disney and a source of joyous entertainment for us
fans who appreciated the tremendous efforts of all the talented
people who brought the Herc world to life.
As the man infamously responsible for movies in which humor is
infused with wit, intelligence, Originality and heart we are
hoping you will agree with us . Please don't let Herc and his
friends stay "ancient history."
"Draw it...and we
will watch"
Very Truly Yours,
[YOUR NAME HERE]
Send it to them anytime to this
address:
John Lasseter
500 S. Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA
91521-4985
If you decide you are going to participate, send an e-mail titled
"Spreading the Herc Love" to
hercs_my_hero@herc-haven.com and include the following info...
Name?
Age?
How long have you loved Hercules?
Why?
...I will post the participants info here on the site.
OPERATION OLIVE PARTICIPANTS:
1. Name: Natalie
Age: 18, but I will be 19 when the big event
takes place.
How Long you have loved Hercules?: 10 years last October.
Why?: I love the comedy. I love the Drama. I love that
Hercules is just TOTALLY diverse. It's one of those movies and shows
that has every type of genre thrown in. Plus, I love the character
of Hercules, and how he is just a total sweetheart who is very
unsure of himself and VERY naive, and how they paired him with a
girl who is almost his total opposite, accept for the fact they are
both good hearted. Not to mention Icarus and Cassandra in the TV
series have just about the most hilarious relationship anyone could
ever have. The relationships between the characters in the Herc
world are just so special.
2. Name: Jennifer
Age: 21
How Long have you loved Hercules?: Since
I first heard about it on the Toy Story Video in October of 1996.
Why?: I started liking the movie
because at the time, it was Disney's newest movie, and I always
liked the newest movie the best. However, as time went on, I grew to
appreciate this movie for what it is, a witty and clever film. I
also love the TV Show. The characters are hilarious, and all the
charm of the movie in there as well.
3.
Name: Denise
Age: 13
How long have you loved Hercules?:
A Long Time...
Why?: I like the Character Hercules because he is so cute and a nice
person/ demi god. I like the movie because it is very inspiring. It
shows you to follow your dream
and never give up. My favorite character is Pegasus because I like
horses and it would be to have a flying horse.
4. Name: Arabella Age: 14, but I'm turning 15 in April,
so I'll be 15 for the event. How long have you loved Hercules?: Well, I
loved it since it first came out, and I think I was 6 then, so for a
LONG time! (more than half my life)
Why?: Why, you
ask? Because it is such a clever show! The characters are
wonderfully entertaining, the adventures are hilarious, and
basically every aspect of it is totally awesome. Even the villain (*cough*
Hades rules *cough*) is fabulously funny! The
movie
is such a masterpiece, as is the show that followed it. The series
also brings in a lot of actual characters from Greek history,
proving a show can be entertaining and educational. There are also a
lot of jokes and puns in there that makes the show and movie
entertaining for adults too. (I know my parents got a lot of the
jokes I didn't understand until I got older.) I love all the
characters and, as a side note, the
music
and art are excellent! What's not to
love?
5. Name: Nandi Age: 19 How long have you loved Hercules?: Ever since it came out. Why?: What can I say? No words can describe how much I like
this show, because it had this charming quality about it that made
me appreciate the animation design, each of the funny and memorable
characters and best of all its original and heartwarming storyline.
6. Name: Lyndsay
Age: 22
How Long Have you loved Hercules?:
Since his Disney premier
Why?: Because, it has a different
story and an awesome cast.
7. Name: Precilla
Age: 14
How long have you loved Hercules?:
Ever since I saw the Movie.
Why?: I loved because of the comedy
of Hades and that Hercules is the best hero. Unlike those other
heroes, they are all tough and brave with no sensitive side.
The Show is the next big thing. You really
get to know Herc's family and his friends, and see their amazing
adventures.
8. Name: Kyria
Age: 17
How Long Have You Loved Hercules?:
Since 1997 (I was 8 years old), making that about... 9
years.
Why?: Duh. HA but really-- the
design, the ambiance, the color schemes, the characters, the
voices, the music... what's not to like? (Of course the
movie will always hold first place above the TV series in my
heart. heh heh.) ...Plus? You got Hades. 'Nuff said.
9. Name: Tamsin Parker Age: 13 How long have you loved Hercules?: I used to watch it
a long time ago but then I discovered displayed episodes on
YouTube. Why?: I love the goddess of wisdom-she's my favorite.
I'd like to see more episodes of her. When will Ares's
daughter Horror alias Enyo/Bellona appear?
10.
Name: Melody (My friends call me Mrs.
Hercules at least they would if I had any friends.)
Age: 12
How
long have you loved Hercules?: Interesting
question, ever since I was born!
Why?:I LOVE it because it's hilarious, it's
for both kids and adults and especially for teenagers
like ME!!!!! It has a LOT of important lessons, for
example it teaches parents to keep their mouths shut and
it teaches boys to be a little sensitive instead of
trying to pretend that they have no feelings. I can't
decide between the characters because I love all of them
but Hercules has ALWAYS had a special place in my heart
and when I grow up, I know I'll still love him and I
will NEVER act like grown ups!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just when I
fell in love with the movie I knew that nothing else
could replace it for me but something did! It was the TV
show!!!!!!!!!! Hades, Icarus, Cassandra, Galatea, and
Pegasus are probably the funniest characters from the
TV series. The music is EXCELLENT!
11. Name: Eve
Age: 15 but I'll be 16
by June of '07
How long have you loved
Hercules?: I've loved Hercules ever since it
came out when I was 6 years old.
Why?: I love Hercules not
only because I grew up loving it, but because it's just
so different from all of the other Disney movies.
Hercules is such a sweetheart. He's also courageous, and
naive. Because Hercules is naive that makes his
character seem much more human. His flaws make him such
a believable and realistic character. We're all naive in
one way or another. It makes us imperfect. Hercules
shows us this.
Meg is also a great character. In fact, she's my favorite.
She's not another one of Disney's overly sweet heroines;
she's sarcastic, witty, afraid, vulnerable, noble and
strong. She, unlike other Disney women, had already
fallen in love and had her heart broken. Meg was afraid
of falling in love again because she didn't want to get
hurt, while she worked for Hades and didn't want to hurt
Hercules even though she knew she "had" to. While that
shows that she was a bit two faced, it also demonstrates
that she is vulnerable and has fear. Those traits being
the foundation in Meg's character also made her seem
very real to me. I'm sure plenty of young women can
relate to Meg's fear of falling in love again. Everyone
goes through it sometime. Anyhow, in the end, Meg came
to her senses, and was strong enough to stand up against
Hades, pulled the noble card to save Hercules life, and
did the right thing. She has a good heart deep down. We
all knew that. She's established as a strong young woman
who isn't afraid to take a stand if or when she needs
to. Meg put Hercules' well being in front of her own.
Now, if that isn't noble and strong, then I don't know
what it is
I love the humor in the movies, as well as the music and the
EXCEPTIONAL animation. Everything's just great! I also
like the plot and the unexpected turns the movie takes.
You don't really expect Meg to work for Hades, you don't
expect her to sacrifice herself for Hercules in the end.
There's never a dull moment in this movie.
I think that 's part of what makes it so great and why
people love it so much!
12. Name: Kawe
Age: 13
How Long you have loved
Hercules: for about 3 years
Why: Well I had liked it my
whole life but it had just occurred to me that it's the
best movie ever. The animation, the story line and
especially the songs are brilliant. The characters are
very detailed and the the hip-hop gospel type of songs
are very unique. I love the idea of using the muses as
the story tellers and they sing it instead of the
boringly talking like every other narrator. Last but not
least the voices such as James Woods, Danny DeVito,
Cheryl Freeman, Roz Ryan very good choices.
13. Name: Katie
Age: 14 but I'll be 15 in
April when the operation's carried out.
How Long Have I loved Hercules: Since 1997 when
it came out... I was five.
Why: Why do I
love Hercules. Hmph. Good question. Is it the romance?
The drama? The comedy? The action? Or maybe it's because
it's the best Disney movie the world has ever seen.
But I'm not so sure they agree with me. Lol. But
anyways, I've always been a huge fan of Hercules. When
it first came out, I loved it because... it was a Disney
movie. What kid doesn't love them? But as time went on,
I fell in love with Hercules because it's different than
all Disney films. The heroine isn't some innocent,
young, naive little girl. She's sexy and experienced.
Meg isn't afraid to stand up to anyone... Including her
boss, who is the god of the Underworld... What more
could you want? Most girls can relate to her fear of
falling in love again. It's just so scary getting back
into the dating world after being hurt. I know from
experience.
And, of course. The God of the Underworld. Hades. The
best Disney villain ever. He's the guy that you just
love to hate. But he's voiced by the awesome James
Woods, (who is one of my favorite actors) who has a
great voice. I can't imagine anyone else being Hades
besides James.
Then there's the tough-guy trainer, Phil.
Phil tries to act tough, but on the inside, he's a big
mushy satyr, and he has a big heart. He's short, but
he's a big person. Err... Should I say satyr? Heh heh.
Then there's Herc. Wonderboy. The star of the entire
show-slash-movie. Not only is he very sexy for a cartoon
character (What?.. I have a thing for animated guys) but
he's also a sweet, naive, innocent guy who has been
teased for something he can't help. I can relate. But
anyways, he's so sweet and naive. You can't help but
love him. I know I couldn't. Lol.
14. Name: Megan
Rutherford
Age:11
How long have you loved
Hercules: For 3 years
Why: Because it's such
a beautiful movie. It's got so much singing and
action, you just can't find a movie like that
anywhere else. It's practically the best movie I've
ever seen.
15. Name:
John
Age: 16
How long have you loved
Hercules: Since I saw it in the Cinemas (when I
was 6)
Why:It's the only good
disney movie, decent characters, songs, storyline
and I love Greek mythology. It also owns a big part
of my childhood as it was my favorite film then as
well.
16. Name: Emily
Age: 16 almost 17
How long have you loved Hercules: Almost 10
years why: It's the one Disney movie that still kept
me entertained all these years.
Why: Whenever I need to laugh or just smile I
always watch Hercules. It’s just a feel good kinda
movie.
17. Name: Meghan, My friends call me
‘meg’... :)
Age: 17, but 18 for the event!! Woo!
How Long I Have Loved Hercules: Forever!
Truth be told it scared me until I was 14…Then I
started to truly appreciate it after that.
Why? Is that even a question?! Seriously,
Hercules is one of the most addictive movies a
Disney fan could ever watch! The trailer for it
on the Toy Story VHS always captivated me. The
bright colors and unique character designs are
one of the main reasons why I adore this film.
When Meg is singing her heartfelt song about
Hercules, the lighting over her changes to very
pretty pinks and purples! Plus, Hercules is
just too darned cute.
18.
Name: Emma. Age: Twenty-one. How long have you loved Hercules: Hmm, a
few years ... Why: Hercules himself is probably reason
enough. I am amazed at how sensitive, friendly,
and trusting he is. Refreshingly enough, these
traits become just as flawful* as they are
charming. I admire his endurance and patience,
as well, and he's since become something of a
personal mascot ... quietly reminding me of the
rewards of my own labors. I admire him fiercely.
*^^*
The different relationships in the film are
also remarkable. The romance between Hercules
and Megara probably has the most heart
found in any Disney feature, and it's wonderful
to watch them. As loud and brilliant as the film
is, the quiet subtleties between the two are a
joy to see. Megara herself is a lovely heroine;
although she is confident and proactive, her wit
and sarcasm merrily prevent her from becoming
bland, obnoxious, or spunky. The characters are
wonderfully developed, as are their
relationships – something very refreshing for an
animated Disney feature.
19. Name: Kimberly Baker, also known as Ardruna
Age: 22
How long have you
loved Hercules: Since Spring
1997, when I first caught the promotions of
the movie.
Why: For
starters, I'm a big fan of mythology,
especially Classical Mythology. And, being
a life-long Disney fan, when I heard that
two of my greatest loves were going to be
mixed, naturally, I was excited. Mind you,
with my mythological knowledge, I was a
little skeptical about how Disney was going
to execute it, considering the sanitizing
butchery I'd seen of other stories made into
film. I even brought my seventh-grade
mythology notes on Herakles into the theatre
with me for comparison purposes! Prior to
my first theatre visit to see the movie,
though, I researched it extensively on the
internet, looking up official and fan sites
both in order to learn everything about it
that I could. When I finally got to see it
for the first time, I could already sing
along with half the songs! And, despite the
fact that Disney made a full 147 mistakes in
the movie (I made a list on my own afterward
and still have a copy to this day), I was
duly impressed with the overall execution
with its humor, wit, drama, characterization
and music, and it instantly became my
all-time favorite Disney animated feature.
From there, I became a fan, drabbling out a
few fan fics (nowhere to be found any
longer--they aren't fit for human
consumption, I promise) sketching out a few
bits of fan art (Megara was the first
character I ever really learned to draw, and
she has been a major contributing influence
to my current art style), and even making
some AMV's, but always holding the movie
(and the subsequent TV series that I watched
religiously for as long as it aired on
standard cable-access channels) in a very
special place in my heart. ^_^
20.
Name:
Lucy Age: 14 How Long Have You Loved Hercules:
Ever since I first saw the movie Why: I love everything about this
movie, It has all the elements a
disney movie could aim for, It has stuff
that's fun for the kids, yet it has another
level of maturity that adults & teenagers
can appreciate too. It has dark places, but
it never goes too dark & there is always
comedy to lighten the mood again. I love all
the witty anecdotes & how clever this movie
is. The story is heartwarming &
inspirational & it has music that isn't
annoying but great! I don't understand why
Disney doesn't see any of this stuff.
21. Name: Barbus Cristina Diana
Age: 14
How long have I loved Hercules:
for 3 years (I wish I loved it more
though)
Why: I'm really fond of the Greek
mythology, thanks to this show. It
always made me laugh. And I think that a
cartoon with ancient Greek characters is
the coolest idea ever. It's inspiring
and a very funny. I'd do anything for
this show ;D
22. Name: Alex
Age: 13
How long have you loved
Hercules?: Since it came out
when I was 5
Why?: I love Pegasus. He is
like the best. I love the movie
because it is funny and teaches you
to follow your dreams. When I was
little I wasn't to big on princess
and all that, but I loved Meg and
still do. When the show came out I
would watch it everyday. Hades is my
favorite villain. Most villains are
pure evil, which he is but he adds
humor to it. Hercules is and will
always be my favorite movie and TV
show.
23. Name: Denyz
Age: 11
How long have you loved Hercules?:
Since Disney Channel played the
whole series In Australia.
Why?: It is the funniest show
ever. I love Icarus and Cassandra
and their relationship. And the Best
Villain of them all, HADES!!!. He is
the funniest villain, in the history
of Villains. The whole show is all
great fun.
24. Name: Myrella
Age: 8
How long have you loved Hercules?:
Ever since I first saw the movie.
Why?: I LOVE Hades!! He is so
funny I almost died laughing.
Hercules is a great hero. It’s funny
the way he always tries to prove
himself in front of everyone.
25. Name: Moses
Age: 7
How long have you loved Hercules?:
When my sister rented the movie.
Why?: Why not? It's the best
movie I've ever seen. I love Hades
and the way he acts. Pain and Panic
are funny because they get hurt. My
favorite part is when Phil falls off
of Pegasus and hits his head on the
column. I will always watch the
movie and the show.
26.Name:
Jessica
Age:
11
How long have you loved Hercules?: I
have for the first time seen
the Movie then I was 3 if almost 4
and then I there already crazy
from^^ and later no longer thought I
was to. But then I 10 was I him and
then I had seen I of it crazily:)
Why? I
find meg and the muses sooooooo
cool! and the tale is Sweet^^
27. Name: Louise (my 2
best friends
call me Megara)
Age:12
How long have you loved
Hercules?: Since the Disney
Channel showed it in January or
February...I think...
Why?: Cause the movie's music is
great and the characters are so
funny and...and the movie was so
awesome even every night when I
sleep...I always dream that I was
riding Pegasus, or with
Megara, Hercules and Phil! That
movie is so awesome! I ♥ that
movie!
28. Name: Roy
Age: 8
How long have you loved
Hercules?: 5 years
Why?: Because Hercules is
the coolest movie I've ever seen
and my sister loves it very
much.
29. Name:
Kristen, friends call me the "Herc nerd" for owning so much
merchandise, and all the snow globes. Lol.
Age: 15, 16
in November!
How long you
loved Hercules?: Since I saw it in theaters, June 27,
2007
Why?: I was
obsessed over it for the longest time, I even have the
ticket from the movie theater that day and I was only 6! I
love mythology and read every part of the Herc myths, even
though they are totally different then the Disney one. I
love the Disney myth so much better and happier! I love the
romance in it more then any other Disney movie because Meg
isn't like "I'm a happy little virgin princess looking for
true love" I love her attitude, and I absolutely love Herc's
naive personality! I watch it at least 2 times every month
and force the kids I baby-sit to watch it so they'll love it
too.... there is so much more... gosh!
30. Name:
Carissa
Age: 21
(22-July 25)
How long have you
loved Hercules?: Ever since I learned about it.
So since I was 10-11.
Why?: I love
Greek Mythology, and love anything to do with it. Not
only that, but the cast they got for this movie was amazing.
They were all perfect for their characters. Especially
James Woods and Susan Egan. I love the wit and humor
involved in it. It's not often that you can find a
movie that is truly a family movie, but this was one of
those films. It didn't dumb down to anyone, instead,
it included everyone. Some other reasons... there's
not one character in the movie that I didn't like, again
another rare occurrence. I also love the music written
for both movie and TV show. I've always been a Disney
fan and have always loved their animation (which is a true
shame that they got rid of it), but this movie just has
something that their other movies don't have. Not to
mention the TV program. Some of Disney's "movie turned
TV show" really lack luster. This show had everything
that the movie had... humor, wit, a lesson to learn with out
shoving it in your face... My roommate has some of the
shows and I can watch them over and over with out getting
sick of them. In fact I do. I really wish this
movie/TV show would be shown the respect it deserves.
31. Name:
Alyssa Age: 17 How long have you loved Hercules?: probably since it
came out. Why?: It's hard to explain why I love this movie. I
LOVE Greek mythology and Hercules is a fresh take on it. It
combines many Greek myths into one great story. The music is
amazing! The characters are lovable and complex. Hercules is
such a great character. He's strong and brave. Yet he's got
the soft side and is a little naive. He's really sweet and
caring. Megara is also a great character. (in fact; I love
all the characters in the movie) She is independent and
isn't a "damsel in distress" that doesn't do anything about
it. Each also provides a little comedy in the story. I just
love it.
32. Name:
Steph
Age:
16
How long have you loved Hercules?: I've loved
the movie since it first came out!
Why?
Oh, just because it is one, if not thee greatest movie
to hit the screen. But unfortunately it is highly
underappreciated, and I aim to change that! ^.^
33. Name: Joanna
Age: 14
How long have you loved Hercules?:
Known it for who knows how many years
but only truly loved it since....last week!
Why?: Hmm...why? Cause it
has meaning, unlike the majority of Disney
animated movies made now that are just jokes
thrown on a platter. Hercules is
something. It was created back in the days
of art, not CGI. I enjoyed it when people
actually took TIME to create such wonderful
movies rather than letting the computer do
all the work. Trust me, it makes a BIG
difference. Now in the 21st century, it's
hard for me to find movies that I can enjoy
out of sheer happiness and comedy and so
much more. And I love it because Meg and
Herc make such a great couple =) heehee. and
the music and characters are great. HADES
man.
