Movie Review: Hancock
While Hancock is officially released on Wednesday, I was able to catch an early showing Tuesday night. For the uninformed, Will Smith plays a drunken, reckless super-powered being and Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) plays the PR agent trying to reform him. While far from greatness, there’s goodness to be had if you don’t take it too seriously.
I tried to steer away from spoilers in the review, but it’s hard. While I don’t get into specifics, I do reveal a few general spoilers.
Hancock started out great. I’m a little back and forth with Will Smith, but he was surprisingly enjoyable as the cocky, self-absorbed wreck of a superhero. At the risk of sounding like a dick, that’s kind of how I picture him in real life, so the role felt honest and natural.
I’ve been a huge fan of Jason Bateman since Arrested Development, and since he was more or less playing the same character here, I was more than ok with that. Everyone else gave solid performances, though the antagonists were a little too over-the-top and cheesy.
Judging by the trailers and TV spots, you wouldn’t think cheesy would be that bad of a thing in a funny summer flick like Hancock, but that’s where the movie’s biggest downfall lies. About a quarter to halfway into the film (I’m terrible at judging time), the film takes a steep turn into action-drama territory. The serious tone really doesn’t suit a film like Hancock, where the characters are thin and the backstory and explanations are lazy and uninspired, all the way up to the cliché ending.
It was all so frustrating because the initial premise of Hancock – an irresponsible superhero trying to shape up – is a breath of fresh air after so many run-of-the-mill superhero tales. However, after certain revelations are made, it loses most of its unique appeal. Some of the plot elements are interesting, but they ultimately feel tacked on.
Despite all of this, the film never reaches “terrible” territory. It’s inconsistent, but you’ll stay at least mildly entertained throughout.
In the end, Hancock is a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s a lot of wasted potential, but on the other, less-critical hand, it’s still pretty good summer fun with a lot of great moments.
