Hancock

Synopsis

Hancock (Will Smith), is an inebriated, sarcastic superhero whose image is completely shot with the public because his nontraditional, “heroic” rescues are also multi-million dollar cleanup jobs. After saving PR guru Ray Embrey’s (Jason Bateman, Juno) life, Ray wants to repay Hancok by changing the city’s view of him from tolerated pest to likeable superhero. The only way Ray’s plan can work is if Hancock disappears for a while so the city can actually miss him. The question is, will Hancock stop drinking, co-sign Ray’s plan and move beyond his bitterness and mysterious past?

Review

This movie Hancock is wild on so many levels. The special effects were on point, the crass talk fit the main character (some may be offended), the premise made me definitely bite and the characters were casted brilliantly. The action also kept my attention and had a funny twist to it. This movie has comedy, sci-fi, tragedy, action and drama—something the early trailers don’t quite show. I don't think the writers and film marketers knew what direction they wanted to take. It may not be okay for others, but it was okay for me. Mix it up a little. Confuse and entertain me. That get’s you 4 reels—and Hancock did just that.

Superhero John Hancock (Smith) to the rescue...oh, I don't think so!

What do you call an immortal being that saves many lives, but destroys enough property to rival Hurricane Katrina? I suppose an annihilating "so-called" superhero named Hancock. He’s a superhero without that bed side manner, that Superman gentleness. He is rude, crude, and just what some would call a butthole. Sure, he will save your life, but it will be at the very last moment and count on everything being destroyed around you in the mean time. Okay? He may stop a train to save one life, but will have the entire train, right back to the caboose jump the tracks and hit cars, telephone poles, and whatever else. He may even have a diagnosis of Schleprock syndrome, because something as simple (for a super hero) as helping a beached whale back into the ocean has to somehow hit a sailboat. Hancock is just a superhero HOT MESS. But, he cracked me up.

Hancock is kind of like a double edge sword... he cares, but he doesn't care. He doesn't know his place in the world or what his life's purpose is. This all changes when Ray Embrey (Bateman) enters on the scene. Because Ray is grateful for his life being saved by Hancock, he desperately persuades Hancock to take his help by transforming his image to a true clean cut superhero everyone can love. This includes new gear for his body and a clean shape up to his head. (A cameo from a familiar comedian sums up the goofiness of the outfit perfectly.)

The back story as to who Hancock is and how long he has been around is so silly and forced, it actually is comical. Some scenes were a tad bit nasty too. I just have to spoil one for you. Hancock told two men that he was going to shove the one guy's head up the other guy's butt and he did and they showed how it actually looked. Ewhhhh Yuck! The man next to me was cracking up, but I wasn't. It did nothing for me. It was the oddest looking thing I have ever seen. My disgust eclipsed any laughter the scene received from me. Just nastteeey. It did punctuate the fact that Hancock is this superhuman in a world where he can do anything he wants—but he doesn't unless pressed. It’s never said, but the city actually should be happy he isn’t renaming the city ”Hancockville”, snapping every policeman in half and and gettin gangsta rasta—"who gwon tes me power!".

Academy award winner Charlize Theron (Monster) is also thrown into the mix. She play's Ray Embry's wife, Mary. She definitely isn't having her hubby help this man Hancock. When Ray brings him home for the first time, she looks like it takes every fiber of her being to hold back the words, "What in the world are you doing bringing this grungy, stank and surly man up in here?" I actually forgot that Charlize was in this movie because the trailer slapped Will's face all over it. Charlize won a dag on Oscar. I guess it goes to show us, that Will is the money making man.

It doesn't matter that the reviews for this flick are less than prominent. This movie still is going to be like printing money for the studio. Will, Charlize, and Jason all hold their own and fit their different characters quite well. It's worth seeing the movie just for them. If the cast doesn't grab you, then perhaps the special effects will. They're great. If not the special effects, then the action. Hancock is packed with action.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)