I watched all of the Son of Hercules movies when they first aired on TV. What a rush.. The US release as The Son of Hercules Meets Venus didn't do the film any favors, as much of the splendor and film's originality was lost to fit the mold of a series it was never meant to be a part of. It has all the elements of the Sword & Sandal genre that makes this film a winner. Huge battle sequences, (Afro leads his hoards of soldiers from Africa to raid Ancient Greece), a charismatic hero who isn't bulked up to look superhuman, a monster named The Great Pagondo, the usual dance sequence involving colorful veils, a rapid 94 minute pace aided by editor (and future director) Maurizio Lucidi, and beautiful cinematography by Marcello Masciocchi. The cast is also perfect for each part they play. Jocelyn Lane is a delight and provides all the eye candy needed for the role Of Daphne. Veteran actress Linda Sini is effective as both a villain and sympathetic victim of her emotions as Ecuba. Massimo Serrato as Antaurus, could play villains in his sleep, and his performance here is no exception. If ever someone deserved to be eaten alive by a carnivorous plant, he fills the bill. Dante di Paolo as Mars' sidekick Frixos, makes his part believable and quite sympathetic. He falls in love with the deaf and dumb Maia (In the original Italian version They clearly say MAYA.) You see he feels she is the ideal woman because she can't talk back. He does fall in love with her, fights to protect her and the two end up together at the conclusion of the movie. At the finale, when she miraculously regains the powers of speech and hearing, he is shocked. John Kitzmiller as Afros is suitably nasty and his fate is well deserved. Finally, we have Roger Browne as Mars. Mr. Browne has been a favorite of mine no matter what genre he was called to appear in. No question he was my favorite Euro-Spy actor as there aren't any films from that category that I don't really enjoy. Here, he gets a chance to show off his buff physique. For me, the reason he shines in this genre is that while he definitely looks like he can handle himself in a fight, he doesn't come across as some muscle bound clod. He actually looks like he can not only whip the villain's ass, but outwit him as well. The fact that he doesn't make an appearance until 15 minutes into the film, and doesn't take off that face covering, huge clunky helmet until 30 minutes in and still manages to dominate the picture, speaks volumes. No question about it, if you love this genre, Mars God Of War is one of the best in the series. Larry Anderson.
