Directed by:
Peter BergCinematography:
Tobias A. SchliesslerComposer:
John PowellCast:
Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Jae Head, Daeg Faerch, Darrell Foster, Thomas Lennon, Eddie Marsan, Johnny Galecki, Martin Klebba, Mike Epps (more)VOD (1)
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Will Smith stars in this action-packed comedy as Hancock, a sarcastic, hard-living and misunderstood superhero who has fallen out of favor with the public. When Hancock grudgingly agrees to an extreme makeover from idealistic publicist Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), his life and reputation rise from the ashes and all seems right again - until he meets a woman (Charlize Theron) with similar powers to his and the key to his secret past. (Sony Pictures Releasing)
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Reviews (9)
Yes, the premise is very original and arouses great curiosity: a superhero with superhuman abilities and a penchant for alcohol and profanity played by the lovable Smith, this should be a hit! Unfortunately, however, the "hit" definitely didn't happen; it would have required a much better script and execution. It gave me rather the impression of generic fantasy that is quite entertaining to watch once, but I don’t think I’ll ever watch it again. Strangely enough, I didn't like the action, it was too crazy from the beginning, and the flying guy who tears off car roofs and makes holes in the road didn't look spectacular to me. Fortunately, in the "quieter" parts, the film takes on quite a pleasant atmosphere, some of the jokes were hilarious and the acting talents of the leads were on full display. Apart from Smith, the most noteworthy is the fiery Charlize Theron, who still looks incredibly pretty and has perhaps the most beautiful eyes in Hollywood. Otherwise, I don't understand the media hype around Hancock, because it doesn't really have anything new to offer, which is a big shortcoming given the premise.
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This is a film that neither offends nor delights. There are some pretty good ideas here, especially the first one with the superhero/bum, but it's somewhat diluted in the classic plot, which still culminates in a few surprises. The well-chosen actors give the film something extra, which the viewer will appreciate. A pleasant mainstream film that entertains.
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Judging by the trailers, I expected an action flick full of foul-mouthed wisecracks and instead got the story of an alienated hero undergoing rehabilitation. Hancock reminds me of Smith's I Am Legend — both have incredible potential, but instead of using it, they take a different track. Not completely bad, just not as good. Fortunately, Will Smith is such an experienced actor that a lot of people will enjoy the film thanks to him, but the connoisseur will always find something lacking in the drunkard next door. Maybe this is the result of a rewrite of the script or retakes, but it doesn’t quite work. As for the rest of the acting ensemble, Charlize Theron is breathtaking and Jason Bateman is endearingly obsessed with the desire to save the world (I think he pulled off an even better performance than the great Will) and Michael Mann has an incredible funny cameo. A low four stars.
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Peter Berg is the second director this year who hasn't received much help from Will Smith. Smith is clearly a magnet for stupid screenwriters and overzealous scissors-wielding producers, as Francis Lawrence could certainly tell us. Even Jumper should envy Hancock's genre-hopping, but unlike Doug Liman, Berg was drowned by the seriousness of the subject matter, which changed its image at the last minute into a summer blockbuster. Michael Mann wasn’t helpful either, although Berg handles the action brilliantly (my late wish that he would have made the third X-Men) and Jason Bateman ramps up his comedic talents even more. The twist in the middle was a bit expected, and unfortunately, so was the ending with the spilled syrup effect. I’d give the film about 50%. It gets bonus points for the briskness and the fact (spoiler!) that Charlize is the absolute sexiest superhero in recent years, but that's actually to be expected after Aeon Flux. Actually, we could have expected quite a lot from this...
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At the moment Peter Berg's fans have started to curse their idol for what he presents to them, I finally understand him for the first time. A classic and at the same time anti-comic spectacle, from which enthusiasm can be felt from miles away, Will Smith enjoys unlimited space and humor and action surpass my boldest expectations. The surprise of 2008 and my favorite Will Smith movie.
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