MOVIE REVIEW - Hancock

Almost everyone has seen a 'superhero' movie at some point in time. Hancock is a little different then the usual fare, since it wasn't based on an previously established hero-franchise. The movie was written as a screenplay by Vincent Ngo and originally entitled 'tonight, he comes'. I think I like 'Hancock' better.

As the film opens we find our protagonist in the grips of alcoholism and depression. It's clear this is a very conflicted character. On one hand he rouses himself out of a drunken stupor to do his 'job', though in the end most of his actions cause huge damage and mayhem, mostly due to the fact he drinks and flies. In fact, Hancock at the opening of the film is a careless drunk. A careless drunk with SUPERPOWERS.

Then, as the case in many stories, fate intervenes. Between scenes with Hancock drunkenly destroying property we follow an advertising pitch-man failing once again (inferred) in his effort to change the world for the better. His story, and Hancock's quickly merge and what could an out-of-work spin doctor do for an extremely unpopular 'superhero'?

We've all seen the trailers, if you haven't, then stay away! The trailer shows you a clip from almost every major scene in the film! Except a couple key ones that would spoil some of the more cool plot twists. (shhhh)...

This film rather surprised me, though there are elements that made me roll my eyes, overall this is a really unique and fresh telling of the superhero myth. In fact many different concepts about immortality and love are explored. It's deeper and darker then you would expect, with a couple truly surprising twists thrown in to keep you awake.

The acting was excellent. Will Smith, Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron play off each other, making this whole crazy thing seem almost believable. Smith's portrayal of a socially inept super-god barely able to relate to humans is pretty accomplished. Jason Bateman totally pulls off the super-nice, Ghandi-inspired unemployed advertising guru and his wife played by Charlize Theron is a mysterious figure hiding a secret past, also well played by this always superb actress.

Of course there has to be witty, and yet inept bad guys in the mix, someone to fire bullets at Hancock's Achilles heel when the time is right... and they do. Nicely woven into the film their motivation and actions are predictable yet plot-required to resolve all the conflicts, tie up loose ends, and allow Hancock and the rest of the peeps living in this world a rosy Hollywood ending.

If you are an SFX junkie this film wont disappoint. Hancock's interaction with the world is completely believable! A drunken Hancock accidentally flying through roadsigns, buildings and the like, in itself, makes the film worthy of the price of admission! Though, I wish directors would believe that viewers DO understand a child falling from a quarter mile up in the air, and being caught in one arm would very, very fatal! So. Suspension of disbelief highly recommended for some scenes.

Overall a very satisfying film which talked about concepts of immortality.. lots of cool things being smashed (always a crowd pleaser) and in the end it was a fresh take on the superhero film that we have seen so much of lately. Don't go expecting a Spiderman film, because this is more of a 'queen of the damned' + 'highlander' + 'superman' kinda film.

Rating 7/10

LINKS
Hancock a crazy ride, says Charlize




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