Hancock Review

Hancock, starring Will Smith, came out of nowhere for me.  I saw a few short previews throughout the past few weeks and then suddenly it's here!  All I really knew about it was that Will Smith had super human powers.  The film turned out to be really good, and different than any other super hero movie you've seen.  Don't go into it expecting marvel.  Instead, go into it expecting Will Smith's humor, great action and special effects, and even a little heart.

Hancock is a man who has super hero powers.  He can fly, lift cars, and bullets bounce right off him.  He spends his time drinking and lounging, and he does get involved in stopping crime.  You would think the cities people would feel great having Hancock around, but in fact they hate him.  He causes mass destruction every time he gets involved in a crime.  Even when he lands he makes a big hole in the ground.  Not only that, but he's got a real jerky personality. 

Jason Bateman comes in as a PR rep that Hancock rescues.  Jason sees how much people hate Hancock, even after he has just saved Jason's life.  He feels bad for him and feels like he just needs better PR.  This is where the heart of the film comes in as Jason's character tries to convince Hancock to listen to him and improve his image. 

Charlize Theron came in unexpectedly for me as I did not realize she was in this!  I liked her a lot in Aeon Flux and other films, so I knew she'd only add to the plot.  She plays Jason's wife and you can tell from the start that there is something going on with her, but you can't tell what.  I won't tell you either :)

Obviously you would expect Action, but you also get Comedy and Drama.  The action and special effects involving Hancock's powers are very very well done.  Since the action all happens in a real town (Los Angeles) it is more realistic then other super hero movies which are based in made up locations.  Also unlike other super hero movies, his powers actually seem realistic!  Instead of having the ability to stretch his arms around, or start fires, or throw webs from his arms, etc, he seems to be a human that just has extra strength, and of course he can fly too.  I know that isn't something a real person can do, but Hancock just seemed so much more like a realistic person than Spider Man or Super Man, etc. 

The comedy comes in since Hancock is, well, he has no class.  He's smelly, dirty, lazy, and drunk!  He saves someone's life or stops a criminal, yet the whole town wants him to go away.  Will Smith is good at throwing in funny statements throughout the whole movie.  Jason Bateman definitely enhanced the humor with his whole PR attitude.  He cares and wants to help Hancock, but at the same time he's a little scared of him, and a little disgusted by him.  Jason and Will definitely make a great pair - almost like an odd couple.

The drama comes in as we wonder why Hancock is the way he is.  Where did he get his powers from?  And why is he such a jerk?  Is there something deeper there?  Is he lonely or sad?  All this will be explained as you watch and I did find I felt sorry for Hancock as well, even with all of his disgusting habits.

Hancock is a great movie for teens and up.  If you like Will Smith at all, you will like this because he's such a great character.  My husband, my mom and I all enjoyed it, and we went on a recommendation of my aunt and uncle who also thought it was very good.  This is a film almost anyone can enjoy.  The only reason it's rated PG-13 is because there is a few swear words, but besides that it's really not bad so if you have a 10 year old, I wouldn't worry too much.  Enjoy!!