Review of Hancock (2008) by Mitchell B — 15 Jun 2013

Hancock is a bit of a mixed-blessing. It starts out as a great take on a superhero as well as a good character study. However, once the second half of the film starts it kind of becomes a convoluted mess. I do not hate the second half of the film, but it does not live up to what was setup in the first half.

It starts off with the main character, Hancock (Will Smith), stopping criminals like a traditional superhero would. However, society condemns Hancock and his actions and reject despite trying to help. However, Hancock is not a saint either at first. He is a drunk and quite eccentric. He also lashes back at the people saying he does not care about them, even though he really does.

I personally find this refreshing. The idea of society rejecting superheroes is nothing new. However, Hancock himself is a depiction of a superhero that I do not see that often. He comes off as very unlikable on the outside but he really just wants the people's recognition, which makes it that much more rewarding when he finally gets it. I also like the character Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman). He is the mentor character for Hancock. Throughout the first half of the movie he makes it his mission to make people like Hancock. I find him to be a very likable and sympathetic character. I like how dedicated to Hancock he is.

However, in the second part of the film we start to get into Hancock's origins. This is where things start to go downhill. We also find out that Rey's wife Mary (Chalize Theron) is heavily involved in Hancock's past. Personally I find Hancock's origin to relatively uninteresting. It is original, but original does not always mean good. I also do not like the character Mary. She comes off as too mean in both the first and second part. I get where she is coming from but I still find her annoying.

I also do not like that Hancock has no big super villain to fight. The villains he does end up fighting at the end are not interesting at all. I also find Hancock's weakness to be a bit lame. Again, I do not hate the second half of the film, but I find it a kind of lame.

The effects for the film are top notch. The score is outstanding, especially two particular themes. The themes "Death and Transfiguration" and "Moon and the Superhero" are some of my favorite themes in superhero movies.

Overall, Hancock is an interesting film. It had some good ideas, some good characters, and some fun moments. However, it kind of degenerates by the second half. However, I do enjoy the film despite its flaws. I still say it is worth watching at least once.