Recent Viewings: Hancock

Hancock (2008). Directed by Peter Berg.

I’m late to this film, but such is the life of a (relatively) new parent. Hancock is the story of a down and out, alcoholic, and generally ass-holish super hero (Will Smith) who is reviled by the public whom he once served honorably. Hancock has Superman-like powers, but none of the good PR. When he crosses paths with a hapless PR agent (Jason Bateman), Hancock agrees to a program of rehabilitation—both of his personal and public life. Complications ensue, of course, for it is soon revealed that the PR agent’s wife (Charlize Theron) has, how shall we put it, a “history” with Hancock. I won’t spoil the fun. It’s a good little movie—very funny at times and a good chance for Will Smith to play another grouchy part (he’s been doing a lot of that lately, but this is far far more entertaining than the dreadful I Am Legend [shudder].) Yes, we’ve seen stories like this before--the once novel notion of wayward super heroes is par for the course these days-- but the film is saved by fine performances, action sequences that complement rather than dominate the story, and strong laughs. *** ~CD