Review of Hancock (2008) by Kai82 — 16 Sep 2020

A really great movie with so much potential. Then comes an out of nowhere plot twist that left you thinking WTF did just happen? It becomes basically a different movie with a different plot and I think that both parts could have worked very well in two separate movies.

I will not spoil the twist but you can read in if you want on multiple sources. The movie is about John Hancock who is a Superhero that is unfit or struggles to be the comic-book archetype of a noble and flawless hero.

He is just like a normal human who is not suited to a task but with superpowers. He is often drunk, a hothead and causes too much collateral damage while still saving life's and stopping criminals. He is hated by the public and unpopular when he saves a PR specialist who offers to help him with his public image.

This concept alone is excellent. The idea to show a superhero struggle with problems and being just like an average person with huge (relatable) problems underneath was as awesome as refreshing. Stan Lee did make superheroes relatable the same way but to a lesser extent.

Tony Stark struggles with alcohol or Spiderman sacrifices his personal life and relationships to be a hero and is still hated by some just as example. Here it is increased by a multitude. I think that sooner or later superpowers would bore you and the public is ungrateful after a while not thanking you and just asking why you did not more for them.

What ruins it is a plot twist. I must point out I also liked the second half after the twist and will say it is also a brilliant concept and well done. Without spoilers I can only say that there are two excellent halves that just did not fit together.

From Dusk til Dawn is similar as it becomes a different movie or genre but still not a fitting comparison. I would say it is an early case of subverting expectations that got wrong. I even hate to criticize this movie as there are no serious mistakes except of the twist.

The acting is good, as are the special effects, soundtrack and character development. Overall this is maybe the best movie I will give such a low score. The change in direction ruins it for many including me.

Would have seen more from each halt either and both have a 9-10/10 potential.