Original 'Superhero' poorly conceived.

Rating: 5/10 (22 September 2009)

'Hancock' begins as a decidedly refreshing take on the 'superhero'. Hancock played by Will Smith is an alcoholic fueled superhero who is lazy, rude and unsympathetic to the public and places at large. Unfortunately, this largely successful beginning is ruined by the annoying main thread of the story that overshadows the brief moments of substance.
Hancock starts well and I immediately felt a sense of originality as we are introduced to the character. I liked the idea that Hancock does not hide his identity, that he does not live in a mansion or have close family ties, and is spoken to like an ordinary individual and lives a care-free existence. However, for all its promising beginnings it really does weave off course towards a very so-so finale.
The score is implemented into scenes disastrously and is ear-achingly poor. For most parts of Hancock it feels that the plot and music are just not related. This is in large part, I have decided, due to the shaky and indecisive script.
The most captivating moments were when Hancock was describing his predicament, his immortality and powers from a very human perspective. I thought we may get a consider and thoughtful piece of film. However, these moments of insight are brief and the feel of the film moves much more to a Disney like laden plot (annoyingly) and we have a mere scattering of substance. I could never distinguish which kind of film I was watching until the poorly advised 'twist'. The 'twist' which one could see from a distance makes a mockery of the potential ability Hancock had. It is saddening that the streaks of promise, which shine ever so lightly in this film is wasted by a bizarre and preposterous chain of events. If one felt the need to explain Hancock's predicament as a lonely 'superhero' on Earth make it more eloquent or thoughtful, or, even if it would frustrate many don't mention it at all.
Hancock struggles to create a tone for the film and comes across as a piecemeal and shaky piece of cinema . At the end it becomes much more of a Disney fanfare than a film of style and substance.