| Hancock, There's a New Superhero in Town |
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| Reviews - Movies | |
| Written by John Delia | |
| Monday, 30 June 2008 | |
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 Rated: PG-13 There are heroes… there are superheroes… and then there’s Hancock (Smith). With great power comes great responsibility – everyone knows that – everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock’s well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake. The public has finally had enough - as grateful as they are to have their local hero, the good citizens of Los Angeles are wondering what they ever did to deserve this guy. Hancock isn't the kind of man who cares what other people think - until the day he saves the life of PR executive Ray Embrey (Bateman), and the sardonic superhero begins to realize that he may have a vulnerable side after all. Facing that will be Hancock's greatest challenge yet - and a task that may prove impossible as Ray's wife, Mary (Theron), insists that he's a lost cause. - Sony PicturesBerg (The Kingdom) does a super job of bringing a different kind of hero to the screen. With all the competition this summer from Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk; and soon Hellboy, Batman and The Punisher, Berg's hero had to be someone different and his wild interpretation of Hancock is right on the money. And, his choice of Smith as the wonder man is brilliant casting. Action films have been Smith's winning edge from Independence Day to I Am Legend. His screen presence as Hancock is totally convincing and enjoyable to watch. One scene involves a bank robbery with Hancock tossing bank robbers through plate glass windows and saving a female cop from harms way, it's Smith's facial expressions and mannerisms that make it a memorable movie-going experience. Theron and Bateman as husband and wife are excellent support actors that help with the comedy flow and the pathos when needed. Bateman's presentation of his non-profit ‘heart' project to a group of astounded rich corporate executives is hilarious. When Mary doesn't see eye-to-eye with Ray about having Hancock stay with them till he straightens himself out, their argument elicits some very interesting results. FINAL ANLYSIS: Hancock stands tall as this summer's surprisingly good action comedy that's fun for most all age levels.
This Reviewer's Rating:           |
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4.5 / 5
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