Ragged alcoholic John Hancock (Smith) has superhuman abilities: he can fly, incredible strength, and invincibility. He has no memory of his past, and avoids human contact as much as possible. Despite numerous acts of heroism, people are not impressed... especially when he leaves significant damage in his wake. One day he rescues Ray (Bateman) from a collision with a train. Ray is a public relations pro, who offers to revamp Hancock's image.
Hancock agrees to undergo a stint, complete with anger management classes, in prison.. and emerges a hero (complete with superhero suit). While Ray's son, Aaron (Jae Head), is impressed, Ray's wife Mary (Theron) wants Hancock out of their lives.
The anti-superhero movie. Unlike most superhero movies, Hancock is not a good guy. He isn't trying to make the world a better place... he is just trying to keep people away. It is an interesting character, and an interesting choice of Will Smith, who usually portrays good guys. Jason Bateman is a good partner: the good guy that wants to change the world. He is good at his job, and a loving husband / father. Smith and Bateman have good chemistry.
Prior to renting this film, I saw the last 15-20 minutes on television... so I knew how it ended and understood the characters a little better. Sadly, I already knew the big reveal, but it changed the way I felt about certain sequences... and noticed little clues throughout the film that relate to the big reveal. A good movie, with a decent cast and story that is unique.
Hancock (2008) 92 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language.
Director: Peter Berg
Starring: Will Smith as John Hancock
Charlize Theron as Mary
Jason Bateman as Ray
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