Will Smith is Hancock in the 2008 Film
An Alcoholic Superhero is Given a Makeover by PR Spokeman Ray
Sep 13, 2009
Hancock is the world's worst and only superhero. More often than not he causes more carnage than he solves. The majority of people would be perfectly happy for him to just disappear and not come back. Hancock’s life changes when he meets a PR spokesman who is determined to improve the superhero’s reputation.
Hancock's Plot and Characters
A car races through LA with the police in hot pursuit and a child attempts to awaken a drunk passed out on a bench. After waking the man up, he shoots off into the sky, and smashes through highway signs and finally impales the car on a building. The man is Hancock (Will Smith), a bad tempered, alcoholic superhero, who deals with the bad guys, but seems to cause millions in damages.
PR spokesman Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) leaves a failed meeting and whilst driving home gets trapped on a railway line with a freight train bearing down on him. Unable to get out of his car and unable to get through the gridlocked traffic, Ray’s fate seems sealed until Hancock shows up and throws his car clear. However, Hancock doesn’t move and when the train hits him it stops dead and causes a massive derailment. As usual the spectators hurl abuse at Hancock for his reckless behaviour. But they are silenced when Ray thanks Hancock for saving his life, and invites him to dinner with his wife Mary Embrey (Charlize Theron) and young son.
Being a PR spokesman, Ray offers to give Hancock’s image an overhaul - the first step of which is to show the public how much he does for them. Hancock allows himself to be incarcerated for causing millions of dollars worth of collateral damage during his many botched rescues. It's a way to give the public time to miss him.
For a while the film follows Hancock’s turbulent redemption, however, there is a revelation which occurs about half way through that changes the entire direction of the film. The twist is unexpected and allows the audience to learn along with Hancock about his origins and where he came from.
A Slant on a Superhero Theme
Hancock is a good idea that is executed well by its seasoned cast. It is obvious that the cast had a lot of fun doing the film (and a sequel is said to be in the works). The special effects are flawless and it is very difficult to see the moment when the actors become enhanced by CGI effects.
In recent years Batman and Superman have both received modern updates and The Dark Knight portrayed a superhero on the brink of becoming a criminal. Hancock creates a superhero that just does what he does, without caring about public opinion at all.
As the film progresses the audience gains a heartbreaking insight into why Hancock has shut himself down emotionally and why he chooses to drown his sorrows. Will Smith is a fine actor and on great form as the outcast Hancock struggling to find his place in a world that seems to want nothing to do with him.
Hancock is a visually impressive film, and director Peter Berg knows exactly how to walk the line between making his audience laugh and making them cry. Hancock is a tragic hero rejecting a world he believes has rejected him and yet at the same time is strangely compelled to help a world full of people who hate him.
8/10
Hancock is not your average hero and this is not your average movie. Hancock is a feel good film and like all truly great films knows exactly when to make the audience laugh and when to tug at the heart strings.
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