Hancock
3 Lloyds – Not Family-Friendly
PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence and language.
There are heroes. There are superheroes. And then there’s…Hancock. He’s not your friendly neighborhood superhero that’s for sure. Will Smith plays the title character in this July 4th weekend movie release. Hancock has all the muscle and powers of a superhero, but as for the characteristics of a superhero – that’s a different story. He’s an alcoholic, homeless superhero who rubs his fellow citizens in Los Angeles the wrong way with his bad attitude, despite his good deeds. Then, after rescuing a PR executive named Ray, played by Jason Bateman, his image starts to change. Ray wants to repay Hancock for saving his life, and he decides to rehabilitate Hancock’s reputation.
Hancock is a somewhat long hour and a half movie, and it’s a good thing it wasn’t any longer. At an hour and a half, it’s almost too long. If you like special effects, you will like the movie. But, from a film standpoint, if you’re looking for a slick non-shaking-camera-shots movie, you will not find it here. Hancock has an edgy feel to it from the start. But, for this movie, it works. However, the plot line is rather murky and the story lines are many. As a result, if you’re not careful, you will easily get lost as the plot line and story lines are somewhat confusing and disjointed at best.
After saying that, I have to admit I did like Hancock. But then again, in the sea of slick-superhero movies on the market right now, it’s nice to see something totally different. Hancock is not your everyday run of the mill superhero. He’s a lost and lonely superhero really trying to find out who he is. A few years ago Tim Allen came out with the campy fun family-friendly movie Zoom. That movie appeared on the market in the midst of what was another seas of superhero movies. For Allen and the movie Zoom, it worked because ti truly did provide a family-friendly alternative to the other superhero movies on the market at the time. Such is not the case time around.
While Hancock arrives on the scene when we find ourselves in the midst of another superhero filled movie market, Hancock is no Zoom. There’s no campyness here. Yes, it’s a fun movie with a good share of laughs. But, this is by no means a family-friendly movie. Nor should it be. Hancock’s character is presented in stark contrast to the superheros we’re used to seeing on the big screen these days. Hancock is a mix of the alcoholic Ironman, the lonely no family left Batman, and the misfit Hulk. However, there’s one big difference – Hancock could be considered their alter-ego’s who didn’t clean up real well.
As I mentioned above, I liked Hancock and I’m giving it a 3 Lloyd rating. But, it’s not family-friendly. There are some interesting sub-messages along the way about helping one another and making a positive mark on the world. For that I applaud both Will Smith and the writers for putting out such a movie. But, on the other hand, this is one of those action type movies that’s best watched with your brain in either neutral, or low gear, so you don’t miss some of the positive messages.
Enjoy the show!
Dr. Rus
Dr. Rus has 30+ years experience in the field of communication. He takes this experience, and his passion to encourage others to positively effect their environment, when providing insight and movie reviews. 
