Hancock

Movie description
Peter Berg (THE KINGDOM, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) directs this story of a reluctant superhero, John Hancock (Will Smith). Like the best superheroes, Hancock can fly, is bulletproof, and has insurmountable strength. He uses these gifts to fight crime in Los Angeles and save people in distress, Unfortunately, he also is a drunk who leaves a trail of costly destruction behind during his lifesaving pursuits, and his constant sarcasm fails to win him friends. But after Hancock randomly saves his life, public relations executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) decides to give him a makeover and help the superhero change his image so that the police and citizens of Los Angeles will realize how much they need their seemingly inappropriate hero. All the while, Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron)--who seems to simultaneously have a strange connection and aversion to Hancock--worries that her do-gooder husband will end up disappointed by Hancock's antics. The special effects are quite impressive, as Hancock flies through Los Angeles crashing into buildings, bursting through freeway signs, and flipping automobiles around as if they were wet noodles. Smith evokes a depth and warmth in Hancock; even when he's unpleasant and anti-social, it's clear that there is more to him. Bateman is well cast as a man who really does want to change the world for the better. And Theron is quite touching in her role as a wife to Ray, a mother to Aaron, and ultimately a savior to Hancock. Be forewarned that this rather lighthearted film takes a rather sudden dark turn about three-quarters of the way through, and gunplay and fight scenes abound.

Credits
Producer: Akiva Goldsman, James Lassiter, Michael Mann, Will Smith
Cast: Charlize Theron, Eddie Marsan, Jason Bateman, Will Smith

Details
Edition: Unrated Special Edition / 2-Disc Set

Editorial reviews
"[T]his superhero story comes with some bite....HANCOCK makes for one unexpectedly satisfying and kinky addition to Hollywood's superhero chronicles."
New York Times - Manohla Dargis (07/02/2008)

hancock

Peter Berg (THE KINGDOM, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) directs this story of a reluctant superhero, John Hancock (Will Smith). Like the best superheroes, Hancock can fly, is bulletproof, and has insurmountable strength. He uses these gifts to fight crime in Los Angeles and save people in distress, Unfortunately, he also is a drunk who leaves a trail of costly destruction behind during his lifesaving pursuits, and his constant sarcasm fails to win him friends. But after Hancock randomly saves his life, public relations executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) decides to give him a makeover and help the superhero change his image so that the police and citizens of Los Angeles will realize how much they need their seemingly inappropriate hero. All the while, Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron)--who seems to simultaneously have a strange connection and aversion to Hancock--worries that her do-gooder husband will end up disappointed by Hancock's antics. The special effects are quite impressive, as Hancock flies through Los Angeles crashing into buildings, bursting through freeway signs, and flipping automobiles around as if they were wet noodles. Smith evokes a depth and warmth in Hancock; even when he's unpleasant and anti-social, it's clear that there is more to him. Bateman is well cast as a man who really does want to change the world for the better. And Theron is quite touching in her role as a wife to Ray, a mother to Aaron, and ultimately a savior to Hancock. Be forewarned that this rather lighthearted film takes a rather sudden dark turn about three-quarters of the way through, and gunplay and fight scenes abound.

Hancock (DVD, 2008, Unrated Single Disc Version)

Hancock offers a fresh new take on the superhero films that are dominating
Hollywood in more recent times. Hancock follows in the wake of both Iron Man and
The Dark Knight. Hancock also offers Will Smith the chance to extend his run of
appearing in films that take over $100 million at the box office. This film is different
to others in its genre in a number of ways. Hancock is not your typical hero who
stumbles upon his powers and uses them to save the world. Instead, he is a drunk
figure who abuses his powers rather than using them for the greater good. For
example, when insulted by a child, he proceeds to launch them up into the sky
before then catching them. Moreover, Hancock is able to leave a trail of
destruction in his wake and for this and other reasons he is hated figure rather
than a loved one. With the help of a PR, Hancock is able to clean up his act and
become the superhero that everyone expects his to be, he even gets his own suit.
However, as he spends more time at the house of his new found friend, he
realises that he is not the only one with extraordinary powers and a whole other
plot is unraveled.

The main attributes and attractions of this film are the action and humour. All
superhero movies and generally all Hollywood movies seem to have to have
spectacular action sequences and stunning special effects. Hancock does not
disappoint in this area at all. Moreover, there is the typical battle of superhero vs
superhero though we had to wait a while before seeing this. Two of the most
impressive scenes include Hancock launches a whale into the ocean and secondly
stopping a train simply by standing in its path. Both of these scenes were included
in the trailer. There is plenty of humour throughout the film to keep the audience
entertained. I would say that the humour is more suited to a young adult/ teenage
audience rather than older adults or young children. Nevertheless, I and most of
the audience were laughing at least a few times during the film.

Will Smith is perfect for the role as a lazy superhero who reluctantly realises his
role in society and comes good. Will Smith is charismatic and I found him strangely
likeable despite the obnoxious nature of his character. Despite Will Smith being
the main attraction, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman also make substantial
appearances. Both of these characters give solid performances while not offering
anything exceptional both compliment Will Smith well. It often seems that they are
simply there as tools to set-up Will Smith rather than meaningful characters in their
own right because there are very few moments where Will Smith is not in shot.

Overall, I think Hancock offers a fresh and good new take on the superhero
movies that we have come to expect. I am unsure whether they will decide to make
another film but if they do then I will probably go and see it. Hancock is suited to a
teenage/ young adult audience but an older audience may still enjoy the film.
There is plenty of action and humour throughout to keep the audience entertained
and I would recommend buying it on DVD if you normally enjoy films of this genre.
Moreover, I think Will Smith is likely to be able to continue his sequence of
successful films.

good super hero movie, but not for the very young

INTRO:
Who in the world dosen't want to be a superhero. It is every child's dream and of course some of adults as well. But when you are a super hero you get tired of always cleaning up after the world. It reminds me of me getting tired of always cleaning up after my 3 kids.

THE GOOD:
Hancock turns the standard superhero movie inside-out: The title character (Will Smith) can fly, has superstrength, and is invulnerable, but he's also a sloppy, alcoholic jerk who causes millions of dollars in property damage whenever he bothers to fight crime. When he saves the life of a public-relations agent named Ray (Jason Bateman, Arrested Development), Ray decides to improve Hancock's image

THE BAD:
There are some unexpected language and situations that are not exactly little kid friendly. There is drinking and discruction also from Will Smith. Then Will Smith finds out there is another like him, but they can't be together or else they both turn human

THE END:
Overall it is a good super hero movie, but not for the very young.

What Fun It Is!

Comic booky it's a superhero movie doof..anyway Will Smith plays Hancock a man with super powers he's angry who can blame him, lost, confused and trying his best to be the good guy..sadly as is the usual case the people around him are asses Jason Bateman seems to be the only one who gets it..this movie was perfectly cast, the script was hilarious, the acting superb and special effects fantasic and the comedy side splitting I LOVE the prison scene..I actually laughed so hard I nearly wet myself I haven't laughed a really good belly laugh out loud in a long time..thank you Will! The twist offered in this film left us wih our jaws hanging open..people of all ages will love this movie..some rough language, but hey that's life...right? I give this fun movie 5 out of 5 bars!