Hancock Movie Review
This weekend I saw the movie Hancock. I’m a Will Smith fan, have seen, and like most of his films. Most of the Hancock movie reviews for the film indicated it was mediocre at best. The Hancock movie reviews didn’t detour me, because I had faith in the cast Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman.
Will Smith is one of the hottest actors, Hollywood has to offer. His films are self-perpetuating at the box office, and the guy with the big ears, he always manages to joke around with a nice dose of wink to combine with seriousness. Hancock brings the man back now as the crashed superhero who turned to alcohol when the evil boys aim to put him behind bars. Directed by Peter Berg (The Kingdom) who has to balance Hancock between a typical Will Smith flick and a really decent story of beat them up fun. And it works great!
The first half of the film from which the majority of the trailer scenes is shown, Will Smith is pimped, cursing, throwing around children and return various insults (“Call Me Asshole One More Time .. .) listen. ” The smells like a bar!” Calls at some point a villain and is right on with it.
This Hancock (Will Smith) is unwashed, uncouth, and generally not a good guy. He’s asleep on a bench on the sidewalk, while on the freeway a wild gunfight in progress. Hancock is not even a good pilot: He collided with a flock of seagulls, rammed a traffic sign and caused so much mischief that his exploits usually end with millions in damages. No wonder such a guy need a PR consultant. Cue co-star Jason Bateman (Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Juno) who’s life is saved by Hancock and wants to bring out the positive image of Hancock to the public. Bateman shows an excellent combination with the top star Will Smith.
The story actually is only hinted, until the second half of the surprisingly short film (90 minutes) reveal the important details. Hancock then becomes a bit tragic and romantic even if it feel a little unrealistic, and towards the end there is even more tension. So is Hancock in fact, everything a superhero movie should be?
The premise for the film is brilliant, an anti superhero reluctant to use his powers for good. Will Smith is Hancock an alcoholic who spends his days drunk and nights past out on the streets and in between he performs heroic albeit destructive acts. Citizens of the world grow tired of him and despite his powers; they’d rather see him go away.
Hancock’s cost the city thousands of dollars in damages during his acts of “heroics.” A down and out Ray, an image consultant, played by Jason Bateman offers to help Hancock with his image, which is when the movie picks up.
The problem I have with the film is its quick explanation of where Hancock comes from and what he is exactly. There is a twist I won’t divulge, but once it’s revealed in the film you want to know more but unfortunately, more isn’t revealed. Also for a thoroughly enjoyable action-parody fuss is a fantasy, in the cool comments are in short supply.
Academy Award winner Charlize Theron is underused in the film. Her character is one that could have been expanded upon as she end up as a bit part role as a soccer mum.
There are good effects, some funny parts. Will Smith and Jason Bateman are both great comedic actors. I found the movie to be entertaining and Jason Bateman does a great job. In a year of Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Batman, it’s a fun creative switch to see a different kind of superhero. I just wish there was more. After the film, I still wanted to know more about Hancock. The film is 92 minutes long; another 10-15 minutes extension could have expanded on Hancock’s real identity.
Conclusion: Hancock is a great film that proves Will Smith can both play the clown scenes, and most serious scenes. The film music (mostly heavy hip-hop) is great and fits perfectly. Charlize Theron looks great whenever she’s on screen. Hancock ‘s much more than just “funny”, it’s also has a interesting and serious second half.