If you like Will Smith, you’ll like “Hancock.” And although the premise is interesting, the story becomes so muddled about half way through that all you’re left with is an engaging performance by Smith. Hancock (Smith) is an alcoholic, antisocial superhero who stopped caring about humanity long ago. His heroic deeds, such as catching bad guys, result in such horrific collateral damage that the DA wants him behind bars and he’s being sued by just about everyone in the city. When Hancock saves Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) from a train, Ray decides that all Hancock needs is an image makeover, which includes a prison stint, rehab, a shave and a superhero costume. Meanwhile, there seems to be a connection between Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron) and Hancock.
The first half of the film is more engaging – the tale of a superhero, who needs an attitude adjustment, learning to be, well, a superhero, a defender of truth, justice, and the American way. The second half, however, is a disjointed story about Hancock’s origins that seems to be part of a different movie. The villain isn’t even an integral part of the plot; he’s tossed in at the last minute because the director realized that he needed a bad guy for Hancock to fight. And the twist that concerns Charlize Theron’s character isn’t really a surprise. Will Smith’s charisma is the strongest element in “Hancock” and results in a moderately enjoyable movie-going experience. 7/3/08
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