Hancock

Directed by Peter Berg
Columbia Pictures
PG-13 some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language

Hancock starts off with an interesting premise. What if we didn't actually like a superhero? Hancock (Will Smith) is a crime-busting superhero who both wows and irritates the people of Los Angeles with his contributions to the safety and security of the city. He flies fast, can lift anything from a large truck to a beached whale, and he is impervious to bullets. But he tears up the streets when he lands and often seems to do more property damage than he prevents. He also an angry drunk who talks trash and has a bad attitude. He is routinely criticized by the media, and his popularity is plummeting.

After Hancock saves the life of Ray (Jason Bateman), a PR executive, he is invited to dinner and meets his wife (Charlize Theoron) and young son. Ray convinces the superhero to enter a rehab program and serve time in prison for his misdeeds. It is fun watching Hancock struggle to become a more caring and courteous person. The police enlist his help when a vicious thug takes over a bank and threatens to blow up a large group of hostages. The new and improved Hancock does his thing with panache.

Sadly, the film veers off course after this, and director Peter Berg does little to make the drama more credible or appealing. The fault lies in a low-cal screenplay by Vince Gilligan that is half good and half terrible as Hancock finds a soul mate and faces some difficult choices about his superpowers. Will Smith, as usual, is impressive but not even he can save this action comedy from plunging into chaos.

Reviewed by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Rating: 2.5/5