Hancoock will be cold-cocked by audiences

Rating: 3/10 (2 July 2008)

Hancock
During the first 45 minutes of this movie, I was constantly pinching myself hoping to wake up from the nightmare i was being subjected too--unfortunately, this was not a nightmare--I was witnessing the talents of Wil smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron, Director Peter Berg (who is responsible for the second best show on TV-Friday Night Lights) and writer Michael Mann (Heat, Miami Vice)--how could all this talent be responsible for such an abomination of film-making. A sloppy narrative, uneven directing, lethargic writing, and unlikeable central character--the movie had me clamoring for the exit.
However, in the second half, when the audience learns something about another character (hint Bateman or Theron might have a secret-wont tell you which one)--the movie shifts into actual watchability--in fact--if the revelation in the second act would have been the central focus of thefilm from the start-it may have been a better movie. I was frustrated because Bateman (who is always first-rate)and Theron (who can be hot or cold--but is definitely warmer than usual in this movie) are the real strengths of the film. Smith's character becomes likable in the last 30 minutes but it was a little too late. The film is filled with about 342 ideas-some good and some bad, most of them not followed through. The second half had the makings of a decent popcorn flick but was weigheddown by its convoluted plotting and misdirection. The last scene involving something that Will Smith does with the moon belongs in a romantic comedy like Sleepless in Seatlle and not in a summer action flick---its an extremely cheesy moment! I think the movie my draw the Wil Smith fans in the first few days, but in the end, Hancock will be cold cocked by its failings. First 45 minutes--F second 45 minutes B- overall borderline C-/D