Peter, I think you'll like Hercules in about 6 months if you give it another chance.
The beginning is really offputting, because you're expecting Hercules in "Troy" style and you get a "band of hucksters".
I did just what you did.
Revisited, I liked it. But it was busy around here. So then I watched it again and gave it proper attention. Then I found it was good. It's got some good "300"ish, comic-booky jokes. It's a guy's movie.
I hope you'll try it again once you get over getting screwed on the first go around.