Issue date: 7/8/08 Section: Aggielife

Media Credit: Chad Stoermer [Click to enlarge]

Whether you call him Spiderman or Superman, the story behind these gallant superheroes is always the same - inconceivable powers to fight evil and ultimately win the girl. Let's face it, the only reason we flock to movie theaters every summer to see the latest big-budget superhero flick with the latest impressive visual tricks, is because we think it would be cool to fly or lift a car over our head with ease. Finally, there's a superhero that breaks the monotonous mold in "Hancock."

Hancock (Will Smith) looks like a homeless bum when we first meet him - he's lying on a street bench surrounded by empty liquor bottles. Somewhere across town, there's a violent car chase that seems to be impossible for the L.A.P.D to get under control. Seeing the news coverage of the chase in a store window, a little boy turns to inform the city's anti-superhero that help is needed. In the middle of his drunken stupor, Hancock abruptly dismisses the boy and proceeds to crack open another bottle of booze.

He eventually, and with much reluctance, flies off to the scene and takes care of the bad guys causing the car chase. Though he always gets the bad guys in the end, Hancock's particular brand of heroism is not at all appreciated by most of Los Angeles' population. In the process of "helping," Hancock is constantly causing lots of careless and potentially harmful damage. After one of his acts of so-called heroism, Hancock saves Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), who just happens to be a good-hearted publicist who wants to help him.

Ray seems to be the one individual who can help Hancock overcome his own demons and being hated by all, including Ray's wife Mary (Charlize Theron). Mary goes against the typical "woman" role and is very opposed to helping the fallen hero. Even after Ray convinces Hancock to go to jail to make up for his mistakes, constructively help the police and improve his image, the superhero learns that his real trouble has only begun.

Will Smith has done pretty much everything in the acting realm, from ridiculous comedies to more serious roles, as in "The Pursuit of Happyness," and is always entertaining. So, there's no surprise that he served up an exciting, funny and heartwarming performance as the atypical hero. At the very least, it was hilarious seeing Smith, a celebrity who's known for being a decent person with kids of his own, being down right nasty to little children. Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman provided plenty of entertainment, but these movies are never about awe-inspiring acting.

The film had all the superhero elements you would expect like stunning visuals, cool action scenes and an obvious sequel opportunity, along with a good story. Usually, movies like this are entertaining but horribly predictable. One really good thing "Hancock" has going for it was the promotion. The first 15 minutes of the movie look exactly like the trailers, but stick it out - there's an interesting twist that was kept under wraps.

From someone who loves all types of movies and has seen practically everything imaginable, "Hancock" is just one of those fun popcorn summer movies, but it's worth it. It may not completely blow your mind, but you'll be entertained and refreshed at a superhero movie that doesn't adhere to every mindless convention just because that's what is expected.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools