REVIEW: Hancock

STARRING: Will Smith, Charlize Theron View Trailer RELEASE DATE: 07/02/2008 DATE SCREENED: 06/23/2008 The Verdict GOOD - See it in the theater

Will Smith kicks off the 4^th of July holiday with the release of Hancock, the kind of action packed summer blockbuster that he hasn’t done in a few years. With comic book superheroes dominating the box office, he is taking a risk by making an original superhero movie, without the built-in fan base and proven successful storylines of a comic book hero.

The film opens with Hancock laying on a sidewalk bench in a drunken stupor. He is awakened by a kid, who chastises him for not helping out with a police chase that is taking place on live TV. Hancock reluctantly flies off with his bottle of liquor to intervene. In the process of capturing the criminals, he leaves an unnecessary trail of damaged roads, cars and buildings. It turns out that many in the city of LA hate Hancock, as his style of crime fighting sometimes causes more harm than good. When Hancock saves Ray, a Public Relations executive played by Jason Bateman, from being run over by a train, probably killing the conductor of the train in the process, the crowd turns on him. Ray steps up to Hancock’s defense, thanks him for saving his life, and invites him to dinner. Ray’s son is Hancock’s biggest fan, but his wife Mary (Charlize Theron) is not happy that Hancock is around. Ray convinces Hancock that he can be a superhero that people love, with his guidance. Ray helps Hancock clean up his image by accepting jail time for the damages he has caused, and then coming out a jail without the drinking problem, with a new costume, and new friendlier attitude.

Things are going well for Hancock, until he discovers that he is not the only super powered being in LA. Actually, things are going well for us as movie goers until Hancock discovers that he is not the only super powered being in LA. Up until that point, I was watching a funny movie, with an interesting story and good special effects. Then the movie takes a convoluted turn with a ridiculous story of Hancock’s origin and his relation to the other super powered being. We do get to see them fight all over the city, so maybe I shouldn’t be too hard on the bad writing. Taken as a mindless summer action film it’s entertaining enough to keep people happy. The crowd at the screening cheered at the end and most people seemed to leave happy. Movies based on popular comic books already have great storylines that can be adapted to film. Hancock did not have that advantage, and it shows. My feelings are mixed, but it’s worth a trip to the theater. The summer of the superheroes will continue with Hellboy 2 and The Dark Knight.