Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope. It's sozzled superhero Hancock

Rating: 6/10 (11 November 2008)

*** This review is courtesy of Fundulgence.com - the One to watch. It also featured on BBC Radio Sheffield, Leeds and York. ***
John Hancock (Will Smith) is not your usual superhero. He's an alcoholic, self centred, socially inept, washed-up wino. His bungled attempts at super-heroics, crater-making landing zones and mass vandalism in the line of duty cause more costly damage than the criminals and natural disasters he's sworn to stop. When Hancock rescues a PR executive (played by Juno's Jason Bateman), from certain death, he's offered the opportunity to redeem himself. In complete contrast to the low-life representation that advertising types generally get in the majority of Hollywood movies, Bateman's Ray Emery is the most morally upright, ethically upstanding and commendable PR man committed to celluloid. He offers to re-brand Hancock, making him the respectable, wholesome hero that he clearly has the potential to be.
It's a great premise. Hancock has powers comparable to those of Superman, and in this age of every-other-blockbuster being of comic book origins, it's refreshing to accept that these talents are a given, bypassing the usual far-fetched back story that could encumber the tale of comical super-heroism. The film dives straight into the action and flies along at a blistering pace, a trait now inherent with one-to-watch director Peter Berg, who seems to have perfected his intense hand-held style that served him so well during 'the Kingdom' (2007).
Hancock is a funny one. Not just in the humorous sense either. Yes, there are head-up-the-ass gags and plenty of cartoon-esquire visual humour (though the best of this has already been seen in the previews and pre-release hype), but there are large amounts of well executed action and even soap style drama to boot. It's also funny, in that it's odd. It's not easily pigeonholed. Contrary to the hype, this isn't a typical summer blockbuster or spoof superhero fluff. Will Smith plays his part just as seriously as he has in his latest roles, the Oscar nominated 'Pursuit of Happiness' (2006), and 'Ali' (2001), even last year's 'I am Legend'. The film's marketing touts Hancock's comedy values, but in reality the Fresh Prince doesn't crack a smile throughout. The comedy is entirely consequential, going on around the title character but never as a result of a wisecrack or quip that we know the actor can handle so deftly. It's a brave move, and it's to the credit of Smith, Berg, and the film's writers that, for the most part, it's a gamble that pays off.
Further praise must go to Director Peter Berg's incredibly confident execution, particularly given his relatively short directorial career. The tight structure, distinctive camera work and sheer pace really show his skill and individuality.
If Hancock had stuck with the original premise  the hero's road to redemption - for which there's more than enough material to fill the scant 92 minute running time, then this could have been a real winner. As portrayed so effectively in the recent Iron Man, there's plenty of fun to be had from a hero honing his skills. The scene is set for Hancock to really exploit the comedic potential of this concept as he goes cold turkey and works towards perfecting his powers. Unfortunately, this opportunity is, to a certain extent, squandered as it's over all too soon.
The decision to fall back on the familiar 'how it all began' plot line, after spending the first half of the film rendering this device redundant seems more destructive than any of the lead character's actions. Subsequently, the second half of the film is a disappointment with the third act in particular being surprisingly downbeat. The tale of origins is pointless nonsense and completely unnecessary given such a promising premise.
Hancock has some laugh out loud moments and action set pieces to rival any of the big name comic blockbusters we've seen so far this year, but like the man himself, it's nowhere near as super as it could be.