Not Your Typical Superhero

Rating: 8/10 (18 July 2008)

Hancock is not your typical superhero.
But is that really such a bad thing? In recent times of comic book after comic book converting to the big screen with your typical "good guy, chummy" superheros with super powers it's a relief to see a superhero that steps outside the box.
Hancock is far from perfect. He is cocky and reckless, unappreciated and careless. He drinks all the time and treats people with as much or little respect as they treat him. Nearly everyone views his disregard as brash and constantly call him an "asshole". This attitude only makes him act more thoughtless. In one sweep he takes out blocks of the city Until one day he saves the right person.
Ray Embrey, a local PR man, is rescued from a runaway train by Hancockwho manages to create quite a disaster during his rescue attempt. As the people around the scene boo and hiss at Hancock, Ray stands up for him, thanks him, and shakes his hand. Bond made, they work together to make the people find a reason to love Hancockmuch to Hancock's chagrin.
Though I don't want to give away too much, I will say this. Hancock has every reason to act the way that he does. Years before he was abandoned and left for dead. This event left him scarred and alone. In the end Hancock finally finds a reason to do what he does and enjoy itthanks to Ray and his family.
This film received more bad reviews than I believe it was due. Though Hancock is by no means an exceptionally great movie, it was entertaining and worth the money. Some of the ideas behind his powers and the way they affected the world around him were far more believable than a boy getting bit by a spider and suddenly having spider-like powers (Don't get me wrong, I love Spiderman) or a hero from another planet that comes to save us all. Hancock is believable, human, and most important normal.