Will Smith has a long tradition of summer sci-fi blockbusters; some are instant classics (Men in Black), while others leave something to be desired (Wild Wild West). Hancock falls somewhere in between.
John Hancock (Smith) is not your average superhero. He wears no costume, has no secret identity, lives in a trailer and, most disturbing of all, is an alcoholic. Hancock’s reckless behavior and irresponsible crime-fighting methods make him more nuisance than savior to the people of Los Angeles, who grow to despise him rather than welcome his acts of heroism.
Enter public relations representative Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) who, after being saved by Hancock from a railroad accident, makes it his mission to reinvent the dysfunctional hero’s image. It’s a long road to rehabilitation for Hancock, but eventually he cleans up his act and rises to the challenge of defending the city in its most desperate hour.
All is not as it appears, however, and when long kept secrets about Hancock’s origins come to light, the reformed hero must confront not only his own insecurities about his uncertain past but the ultimatum of whether to continue to embrace his new role as hero of LA.
Hancock is really a tale of two films, and its schizophrenic nature keeps it from realizing its full potential. The first half of the story is reflected in the advertising campaign: a comedic tale about an unorthodox hero who plays by his own rules, much to the public’s chagrin.
The second half is something else entirely, with the plot shifting dramatically in tone and content. This inconsistency leaves one with the impression that the writers had two radically different plots in mind, and while the more prudent course of action would have been to focus on just one and explore it to the fullest extent, instead they tried their best to wedge both into the same film.
Will Smith as Hancock effectively portrays a protagonist who, despite his vices, truly wants to make a positive difference in the world around him. During the course of the film his character goes through an inspiring transformation to selfless hero from self-centered egotist.
Jason Bateman (of Arrested Development fame) gives an earnest performance as Embrey, seeking to make his own mark on the world through a charity campaign called "All-Heart." This serves as an interesting parallel to Hancock, as both men find only futility in their efforts. Charlize Theron as Embry’s wife is an equally compelling character with a mysterious past all her own.
The special effects are on par with any other modern superhero film, with Hancock’s lack of restraint with his powers leaving a unique path of destruction in his wake. Freeway signs are flown through and street pavement pulverized during Hancock’s attempts at heroism, all portrayed though convincing CGI.
As a fun-filled action film, Hancock delivers on all levels, and serves as an entertaining summer popcorn extravaganza. Unfortunately, the uncertain story direction causes it to fall short of becoming a true classic in the realm of sci-fi comedy.
