A Superhero Movie that Doesn't Fly

Rating: 6/10 (2 July 2008)

Here I am, left speechless by the pure potential of this movie. The storyline, the characters, the secrets... the whole film positively reeks of opportunity. Unfortunately, the theater I was in just, well, reeked. And the experience I had expected going into the movie was not to be found. Instead, I was left with a perfect example of "What Could Have Been: Hancock." Now, let me begin by saying that I enjoyed the movie. Will Smith, along with the rest of the cast, creates a great character. The change from down-and-out, drunk Hancock to superhero Hancock, around which the first half of the movie revolves, is done stylishly, and not without a few well-placed laughs. Jason Bateman, playing the part of a Public Relations agent for the "All Heart" organization, a "for the people"-style, charitable endeavor, works wonders on the silver screen. And Charlize Theron, acting as Bateman's wife in the film, adds a sense of mystery that, toward the end of the movie, grows into an attractive, powerful character.
The comedy, which many had expected to be the bulk of the movie, is well-placed and effective, though an overabundance of joking at the beginning makes the middle (which housed long stretches of drama) seem drawn out. Smith's portrayal of pre-reformed Hancock is hilariously well done, and he keeps that flair for the comedic throughout the film, breaking the tension where he needs to and reminding the viewers that Hancock is not, by any means, Superman. Bateman's character, Ray Embrey, successfully plays off of Hancock's amusing persona, helping to get the punchline across and adding a few of his own in the process.
Unlike the great comedy, however, the action and suspense scenes leave much to be desired. Whenever a point of conflict hits, the camera seems to be a few hundred feet away, watching from a distance as the short, fast-paced scenes flash past. The visual effects are indeed as good as the commercials show, yet Director Peter Berg chose not to use them to their full potential. The suspense lasts mere seconds, the characters exchanging a few quick blows, and the scene ends with one of the opposing parties simply leaves.
Unfortunately, the story of Hancock takes after the action. Though many, and I stress that there are many, chances to expand the story reveal themselves throughout the movie, director Berg leaves them untouched. Unanswered questions plague the film almost from the start, and tantalizing ideas of more powerful plot points leave me speechless. Opportunity for greatness runs rampant through every character and every scene. Even, I may add, what could have been a sequel.
Overall, Hancock is worth seeing once, not for the action or story but instead the comedy. The idea of a degenerate being the proverbial superhero is well executed by Will Smith, though the rest of the movie falls short. With good acting by the whole cast and a healthy dose of humor throughout the film, I recommend the movie for fans of Smith or Bateman, and superhero movie fans.