Hancock (2008)

Hancock (Will Smith) is a true antithesis to the superhero moniker. Sullen, cynical, alcoholic, Hancock's attitude has placed him on the outs with Los Angelenos. Fed up with his expensive, but life-saving antics, the city government calls for his head. Enter PR expert, Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman). With a plan to repair his superhero image, Hancock struggles to stick with his new sense of purpose.

Peter Berg's action comedy, much like Hancock, struggles with it's identity. Berg tries hard to elevate the mediocre screenplay and succeeds in only making it semi-respectable with the help of a starry cast.

Will Smith is surprisingly solid as Hancock. He imbues the character with the right blend of chagrin and self-destruction. Bateman gets a straight role and delivers. Charlize Theron stars as Embrey's wife, Mary. True eye candy, Theron's character really suffers through this one.

The special effects are decent; as are the action sequences. Ultimately, it is the story that really, really blows. The first half of the film is good fun. Smith ham's it up wonderfully. Then the wheels fall off. Berg runs short of material and starts throwing in subplots of origins, enemies, redemption, and acceptance.

If you check reality at the door, fans of the genre may enjoy Hancock. As I see it, Hancock is an unfulfilling waste of 120 minutes.