Hancock (2008)

Hancock is a harmless yet entertaining superhero flick that struggles to live up to the potential of it’s premise. Don’t let that deter you from seeking this movie out though! With a PG-13 rating and clocking in at 1 hour and 32 minutes, Hancock is fun for the whole family and is a breeze to get through.

Pros: Hancock is not your typical hero, in fact he could be described as an anti-hero who struggles with alcohol and a self destructive personality. These unhealthy traits not only give his character extra obstacles to overcome, but they set this movie apart from others in the superhero genre. The movie kicks into gear when another character, played by Jason Bateman, helps Hancock see his potential. This lends itself well to the overall theme of the movie, which I’d say is accepting yourself for who you are.

Cons: While I do appreciate the originality and message in Hancock, the action leaves a lot to be desired. The CGI is dated and many scenes are cut to pieces. Those are minor gripes that can be expected when watching a decade old movie, but the main issue with Hancock is the plot progression and pacing. The movie feels unbalanced because Hancock’s character arc takes a backseat to a new thread introduced midway through the movie. This wouldn’t necessarily be an issue in a longer movie with time to set up more moving parts, but due to Hancock’s short runtime, the second thread feels rushed and is not fleshed out adequately.

I give Hancock a C+. It’s not the best superhero movie, but it’s bold, original, and you’re sure to enjoy watching Will Smith fly around drunk. Happy Watching!

“Call me an asshole one more time.”