Movie: Hancock

I was intrigued by the publicity for this movie.

It seemed to be a summer (Will Smith) blockbuster, but also seemed rather off-the-wall, different and interesting. Will Smith sometimes manages to pull off some pretty good films, so it was worth a try.

In the end, it was even more off-the-wall and interesting than I would have expected. Hancock is established as a character very quickly, and we get a very definite feeling of the type of person he is and of what the public think of him. However, we are kept off balance by occasional glimpses behind the facade, of contemplative moments where the character becomes far more three dimensional that your normal super-hero. There is a good deal of humour, but it is well considered and the first act is well paced and compelling.

As we enter the second act, as is traditional, the character undergoes changes and we start to see a different side to his personality. There is still humour, and there are some great moments, but the pace falters and the story feels laboured in places. This is a shame, because with a little judicious editing, the pace could have been spot-on throughout the three acts.

The third act comes as a complete surprise and turns this film from a "run-of-the-mill A list actor with a superiority complex flick" into something far greater and more enduring. Many questions are asked, some are answered and there are some brilliant touches, which many people probably missed, which hint at some great ideas. There are some clunky moments, some inconsistencies and more cliches than you can shake a stick at, but in the end the story hits exactly the right pace, the suspense is perfectly timed and the conclusion is satisfying, if not unexpected.

The epilogue is corny and adds little to the film, but lets the American audiences leave with a warm glow in their hearts, and everyone else leave feeling sick to the stomach.

This is a clever, insightful and thought provoking film masquerading as a feel-good summer blockbuster. The violence and language in it mean the 12A certificate (in the UK) is woefully inadequate (remember under 12's can see it with an adult - any adult) and probably mean it will be edited to hell when it comes on TV. But I, for one, enjoyed it - more than I expected to.

7/10

Trivia: I didn't understand the cultural reference to John Hancock, but apparently this refers to a signature. If you look at the U.S. Declaration of Independence, you can see John Hancock's signature is by far the most prominent. This is a nice touch and shows the thoughtfulness and intelligence of the script writers.