So, this is a movie that actually got the attention of younger people who watched it. Quite a captivating one you could say. The idea of a superhero is all that's needed to get intrigued and this movie gave one. It's quite an old movie but somehow remains recollected in memory. Even as adults, it leaves that interesting and fascinating feel that doesn't necessarily communicate something huge, but is just entertaining in its own way.
It was an interesting ride watching the movie, Hancock for the first time, especially because of the time I had watched it. To see that the movie has a level of popularity among several viewers and audiences was surprising to me. I remember seeing an AI generated video that had the main character, John Hancock seated in a round-table conversation with some other known superheroes. Perhaps, it's more popular and enjoyed than I thought it to be.
Released in 2008, the action, comedy and superhero movie stars Will Smith as John Hancock, Charlize Theron as Mary Embrey, Jason Bateman as Ray Embrey, Eddie Marsan as Red, and Jae Head as Aaron Embrey. Directed by Peter Berg, the story was originally written by Vy Vincent Ngo in 1996. The story experienced delays in development for years, with several directors attached to the production before finally getting filmed, produced and distributed to audience and viewers.
The story follows what you can say is a reckless, mindless and alcoholic superhero, with very wild popularity among the public for his chaotic actions and activities. This isn't what you should see from a superhero. At least from what superheroes are known to be and even as the word “hero” suggests. This is the first interesting thing about the movie. It begs the question why would a superhero be like this, why be despised, disregarded and insulted by the people who should applaud and love him?
One can't behave in some way and expect to be treated differently, even if they possess super abilities; can fly and are bulletproof. Well, whose fault was it? Or rather, what was the problem? The movie later answers that. But amidst the treatment Hancock received, one thing that stands out interestingly was that he never asked to be treated nicely or so, except for a particular word he vehemently hates and rejects and won't accept anyone calling him that. Anyone, not even a child. That makes him do things he wouldn't normally do.
The whole idea of a reckless and chaotic superhero was an interesting part of the film's plot. It's not completely odd or new per se, but you don't usually see it, and not in the way Hancock presented the superhero character. It doesn't ask you to love and adore him, but you can't also fail to admire his abilities amidst his despicable character. The plot gets more interesting and captivating when a PR expert, Ray Embrey who Hancock had somehow helped offered to help him improve his public image.
That gesture revealed the superhero was battling something he couldn't fix himself despite his abilities, and so he lives life the way he does, carelessly and recklessly. I guess even superheroes need help; a subtle idea the movie sold. The plot got intriguing when Hancock began to get a glimpse of his past that he couldn't remember. Coming across Ray proved to be a very beneficial moment in his life. Through this relationship, he got to figure out what he could be, and indirectly, who he really is and a past beyond only his personality.
Hancock is a movie that you just follow through with the plot and enjoy it, together with the action sequences, comedy and superhero thing. It took considerable time and effort to explore and expose the major characters of John Hancock, Ray Embrey and Mary Embrey. Though I find that it didn't reveal more about what Hancock is; the kind of superhero, it did touch on that. Connecting the three characters with the plot revolving around Hancock’s reckless superhero present life and a past he couldn't remember is commendable.
One of my early introductions to Will Smith was this movie. While this isn't a movie to count as a big production, he left a good impression with Hancock, a character different from your typical superhero. Beyond the superhero thing, his acting and the portrayal of recklessness, nonchalance and chaos were a job well done. Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron did their due diligence too and delivered their roles well. Also complementing what Will Smith brought in action and comedy.
The movie doesn't really ask you to believe it or take all of it seriously. Rather, it wants to take you on an entertaining ride with a message in between; even the strongest of us can need help. That's true, we all sure do need it. The cinematography isn't what could be considered top-notch. However, the visual effects are commendable and give life to the superhero actions. The premise of a flawed, not typical superhero makes Hancock an interesting and enjoyable watch.
Thank you for reading!
Rating: 70/100
