Movie Notes: Hancock
= 2 stars
Starring Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman
Directed by Peter Berg
Synopsis
Hancock (Will Smith) is a grumpy superhero with a bad attitude, causing damage whenever he saves people and a drinking problem. Public relations man Ray (Jason Bateman) wants to help Hancock revitalize his image.
The Good
- Fun first half as Hancock’s sour attitude provides welcome, unique variation from the goody-two-shoes superhero image. One pretty funny part is Hancock donning a super-suit along with the best behavior he can muster while freeing bank hostages — he struggles to tell the cops around him “Good job.” Smith rocks as a reluctant hero.
- Top notch special effects, with a shaky camera, gritty realism.
The Bad
- Hancock’s “orgin story” goes unmentioned for quite some time, but eventually the movie gets to it — and it’s disappointing — what is revealed is quite ridiculous. Soon the film takes another turn entirely — not exactly Hancock meeting the obligatory super-villain, but something as unsatisfying as Unbreakable.
Conclusion
Hancock is a solid three-star rental during its first half, but took a swervy turn for the worse I just couldn’t swallow. Shame, because Smith wears the superhero-suit very well. Skip it.
IMDB: Hancock
Wikipedia: Hancock
Rotten Tomatoes: Hancock