Despite poor reviews by film critics, "Hancock" does have some solid surprises.

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2008)

John Hancock (Will Smith) is a alcoholic sarcastic superhero (The only of his kind) is living in a very modern world in Los Angeles. Hancock just doesn't care what the public thinks of him anymore and he does more damage than good by helping the police or trying to save civilians. Hancock saves the life of a corporate Public Relation by the name of Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), who wants to resurrected Hancock's career for the public's eye. Hancock refuses at first, especially since he ignores Court Subpoenas and the damages that Hancock did in the city costs him millions of dollars. Hancock agrees to go in Prison for awhile to help the law enforcements and the public's eye change their minds about Hancock. Hancock gets to be friends with Ray and including his wife Mary (Oscar-Winner:Charlize Theron) and their young son Aaron (Jae Head). At first, Mary can't stand Hancock. Because he drinks heavily and he gives an bad impression to their son. When Hancock becomes an public hero again by saving hostages at the bank. Hancock slowly falls in love with Ray's wife but Mary doesn't appears as she seems to be to her family and Hancock.
Directed by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights, The Kingdom, The Rundown) made an entertaining action/fantasy/drama that has plenty of often dark comedy as well. The premise of "Hancock" is somewhat original and it is completely different than what Marvel or DC Comics have to offer. Smith gives one of his best roles as "Hancock", which he makes his character very flawed superman, who is also human. Theron and especially Bateman offers terrific supporting performances. Director Berg offers plenty of story for a movie that runs a little over 90 minutes but it feels tight in some areas of the sub-plots in the movie and the villain played by Eddie Marsan is seriously underwritten. "Hancock" is one of those movies that film critics seems to hate badly (Only a few top named film critics like Roger Ebert or Peter Travers thought "Hancock" was unique enough). I also heard that director Berg cut a few things out of the film to not get an R-Rating. Sometimes i think that "Hancock" had a darker edge somewhere in the story but i am sure, it was cut for the cutting room floor and also reaching an bigger audiences for the PG-13 rating. I would love to see a Director's Cut of "Hancock" if Berg is planning one. I really liked the picture and most of the audiences were enjoying it, when i saw it a big screen theater. I think this is Berg's best movie since the underrated first feature "Very Bad Things".
The Unrated DVD of "Hancock" adds 10 minutes of additional footage. It's includes scenes of the character of Hancock having an one night stand with an beautiful woman and longer kissing scene with Smith and Theron. DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD includes five entertaining featurettes. If you haven't seen "Hancock", see it at the big screen or the drive-in. I think, you won't regret it. Daeg Faerch, who's best known for playing the young Michael Myers in the infamous remake of Rob Zombie's Halloween appears in a funny sequence with Smith. Mike Epps appears uncredited in a hilarious cameo as the Hostage Taker. Smith and filmmaker Michael Mann (Ali, Heat, Manhunter) are among the film's producers. Super 35. (****/*****). Also available in two-disc set DVD or Blu-ray that includes the original theatrical cut with two more feautrettes and as well for a digital copy of the movie.