Loved it!!!!!!!!!!

Rating: 9/10 (11 July 2008)

The only reason I didn't give this a 10 is because of the language; even though it was consistent w/ the character, it didn't have to be so vulgar.
Other than that, I adored this film.
Hancock is NOT your typical "superhero" film - that is what confuses people. Hancock is not a 'superhero' at all, in the beginning of the film. He has powers - but a hero he ain't. He is pathetic; he is disgusting. He is a shamble.
That is what makes his transformation - and the reason behind it - so very engaging.
There is no "super villain" - at least, not one externally. Hancock is his own worst enemy - he undoes his own efforts - he doesn't need a villain to play off of, cuz he's his own kryptonite.
That is the big "twist" - who and what you are inside, what drives you. Is it heroic? Is it villainous? Your past determines who you are - but what if you can't remember your past, as Hancock cannot? What about your future - Can you change it, if you don't know your past? You actually have to THINK about this film, in order to FULLY appreciate it. It's not a "sit back mindlessly and enjoy" it film - I mean, you can do that, but if you want to really enjoy this film, you need to get involved w/ the characters, invest yourself in what they think and feel.
If you fail to involve yourself in the film, you'll miss the best parts of it.
Jason Bateman is wonderful - sweet, hopeful, gentle. His comedic timing is fantastic. He plays off Wil Smith wonderfully;there is a delightful chemistry between them.
Charlize Theron - wow. Wow. She's amazing. She brings such astonishing depth to this character. Realizing the subtext in her performance, once you know the end of the film, is a treat in and of itself.
Wil Smith does some great things with this character - some subtle, some not so subtle -- but that is what makes his performance so very engaging. His character changes dramatically - he reflects the emotions of other characters, and enlarges them. But this is done subtlety, reflectively - so that, as the viewer, you have time to anticipate his changes, and take that moment of "joy" in knowing that he, finally, understands what it means to be a 'superhero'.
The special effects were, overall, excellent. Storyline - awesome. Character development - excellent. I LOVED this film.