Movie Review: Hancock

Synopsis: Will Smith plays an alcoholic superhero named Hancock, somebody that absolutely everybody loves to hate. 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. One day, he saves the life of PR executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) who helps to rehabilitate him. However, Hancock begins to have an affair with the publicist's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron) instead.

Verdict: Not a movie about your average superhero indeed. Since I saw the trailer, I've been dying to see this. Frankly, I'd watch anything with Will Smith on it (coz he's incredibly funny and talented...oklah, also very cute). My expectations was slightly raised but it was not exactly as I had expected. Instead, it appeared milder than what the trailer indicated, but very entertaining nonetheless.

Hancock is not a superhero that you would gladly see to come save your day or salvage a situation. He's sloppy, clumsy, often drunk, haphazard and hot-tempered. Plus, he looks like a homeless hobo. Although he means well and cares for the welfare of the people, he couldn't careless about what happens in the process of helping, so he often leaves behind a trail of destruction which dips into the taxpayer's coffers. Sick of his heroic but destructive antics, he's often ostracized and criticized by the people. As a result, he often shuns the public and likes to be left alone.

Action and effects were great, as can be expected from a superhero movie with a big budget. Nothing too spectacular or memorable, but just fun to watch. Throw in some humor by Hancock's awkward behavior in certain scenes and couldn't careless attitude for whatever he does, and it's even more fun.Not much character development here, as Hancock keeps his lips sealed about his past only to reveal later on that he doesn't know anything about himself or what he really is. This is a change from the usual superhero movies, where the story or past unfolds at the start. Instead, we get a bit more development on Ray (Jason Bateman) and Mary (Charlize Theron) but it's not that significant. Both carried their roles just fine.

There are several twists to the plot here but they appear too usual. From the trailer, you can kinda expect it since you will see Hancock battling another woman will similar powers. Although there are no scientific explanations for Hancock's powers, it derives from a more mythical element in explaining how Hancock came to be, only with the help of the mysterious woman. The biggest twist for me would be the revelation on their relationship, which I think is very unique and well.....touching, to say the least (I'm trying real hard not to include spoilers here =P). I think the bad guys in this are pretty much idiotic and weird. Anyhow, they succeed to give Hancock at really hard time, but only toward the end of the movie. When Hancock is at his best, pretty much nothing can stop him...so when he's vulnerable, then only the bad guys will strike, right?

Overall, this movie doesn't really give me the wow factor but it's entertaining enough for me.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Other: Charlize Theron looks damn hot in this movie =P