IMDb user comments for
Hancock (2008)

advertisement

Filter:

Best Chronological Prolific Authors Loved It Hated It Hide Spoilers:

Page 1 of 40:

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Index

400 comments in total

---

208 out of 291 people found the following comment useful :-
Not your typical "superhero" movie, but still good, 1 July 2008

Author: KoondoggSaints from Brazil, Indiana

I was lucky enough to go to a pre-screening of Hancock last night and I really enjoyed it. I don't understand all of the criticism this movie is receiving. Everyone take a second and realize this is not a Marvel or DC comic book superhero movie. Now think about that again. It is a different story entirely and has some very unique elements.

Hancock isn't action packed. It doesn't have a Superhero vs. Supervillan plot. I would probably describe it as a character study of the superhero. I think this movie does a better job of addressing some of the issues (and vices) a superhero probably would have if they existed today. The biggest conflict in the movie is within Will Smith's character's attitude, not necessarily good vs. evil.

I think much of the criticism I have read about is motivated by expectations that were not met, which isn't fair at all. If you watch Hancock with only the expectation of being entertained, you will leave happy. Its a good movie, don't jump on the bandwagon of not liking it just because you can. Give it a chance and take it for what it is, a July 4th action/comedy.

---

196 out of 272 people found the following comment useful :-
Classic case of great idea, mediocre execution. Strong performances are marred by weak CGI and a lack of a central villain., 1 July 2008

Author: Spy_Is_A_House_Bunny from United States

Will Smith. That's all you've got to say, and you're guaranteed a big opening at the box office. Well, from the looks of it, Smith also guarantees you at least a mildly entertaining film, which is what we get in his latest movie, Hancock. In the hands of any other leading star, Hancock would probably end up being a below average film. It's Smith's charisma, charm, and unwavering likability that ultimately save the film. He can make you laugh, cheer, cry, and even root for his character (who is a total ass, as he is reminded a number of times throughout the movie) no matter what kind of shenanigans he may cause.

Hancock is not the generic superhero film and is probably one of the more ingenious ideas to come across a producer's desk in quite some time. To me, what it seems like is that the writers of the film loved the idea, started off extremely strong, and then began to realize that how hard it is to sustain a simplistic idea over the course of a full length motion picture (and it is because of this that Hancock is relatively short). The writers' plan to solve this problem is to throw in a totally unnecessary and badly handled plot twist to keep the audience guessing. The lack of a central villain also hurts the movie a lot. The character that serves as Hancock's enemy in the finale isn't even well acted. The person is laughable.

This is an action movie, so it should come as no surprise to see well done and original action in the movie. However, I felt the effects could have used a few more weeks of polishing in the editing room. The camera is also quite crampy. I also have problems with the film's score, as it does not add an epic feeling to the film like it should have. I felt like something was missing in the climax of the film (which is not the end). The action scenes, while entertaining and original, were not long enough to engage the audience like say, The Incredible Hulk, nor were they as jaw dropping as those in Wanted.

The film's strength rides on its three stars. Action veterans Will Smith and Charlize Theron both deliver winning performances as usual, and that should come as no surprise. Smith's charisma is enough to make anyone happy, and it's so easy to see why so many people love him. Theron is always a sight to behold (except in Monster, lol), and this film is no different. I enjoyed her performance the most, especially in the second act and the beginning of the third. Jason Bateman, who seems to be the bridge connecting the performances of Smith and Theron, is great as usual, and likable, marking a change from his recent turn in "Juno". There really isn't another performance to note, and part of Hancock's weakness is that there are really only three main engaging characters. It should also be noted that the kid who played Bateman's son was absolutely adorable.

Hancock is the classic case of great idea, and mediocre execution. I can see this idea being remade years from now, and pulled off even better. It's not a fault of Peter Berg, the film's director, as the real weakness is in the screenplay, which falters after an excellent and wonderful opening act. It's not a bad film by any means, nor is it great. It's in between "okay" and "good".

---

118 out of 160 people found the following comment useful :-
Hancock, 2 July 2008

Author: MarcyPlayground85 (mlapointe85@gmail.com) from Canada

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Hancock

* * * (out of four)

07/01/08

Hancock isn't for everyone, and already seems to be dividing critics (most are leaning towards "bad"). I've often said that mainstream critics seem to have a herd mentality, so they can't necessarily be trusted every time. Sometimes I wonder if critics will write a negative or positive review of a movie just because it's the general consensus. Nobody wants to be the lone voice saying "I disagree, " and professionally, being the one guy who loved Lady in the Water could kill a career. As well, I'd chalk this one up to the generation gap. I hate to sound "age-ist," but the average age for critics of major publications probably isn't anywhere near 20-30, which (besides teenage males) is the likely demographic for this film. For what it is, I think Hancock was pretty fun.

Hancock is a comic book movie that isn't based on a comic book, but has all the trappings. Will Smith, who almost always brings his A-game, plays John Hancock, a hard-living guy who just happens to have super powers. He's a socially inept alcoholic with no respect for, well, anyone, and he spends his spare time preventing crime and causing a whole lot of damage in his wake. Jason Bateman, always one to grab a good "nice guy" role, plays Ray, a PR guy. His life is saved by Hancock, and to pay him back, he decides to save Hancock's life, or at least his reputation. The hope is that Hancock may learn to be a better person, and/or find happiness.

Another notable character is Ray's wife (Charlize Theron), who makes eye contact with Hancock in practically every scene they share. We're led to believe she may have an affair with him, though the repercussions of the aforementioned eye lock are much more interesting and surprising.

The film's premise is unique in that it tries to look at the consequences that super heroes would have to face if their exploits were real. That's not to say the movie is realistic, because it isn't. It is ripe with comic book logic, but with a real world twist. Hancock, after years of serving his community, is forced to accept the consequences of all of the damage he's caused. As the film continues, we learn about Hancock's past and origins, about the possibilities of others like him, and we start to wonder if his behavior is nothing more than a front.

The negative press this film is receiving is likely partially because the film is very rough around the edges. Some sight gags and punchlines fall completely flat, and lean towards the scatological rather than the truly clever, but as far as "gross-out" gags go, this film is very light on them considering the average comedy's tendency to use them as a crutch. The "rules" of Hancock's super powers and origins are a little sketchy, particularly towards the climax of the film. They work if you don't think about it. As well, Jason Bateman seems completely one-dimensional (his only emotion is "heart of gold").

Hancock, despite all of this, is great fun. Unlike previous summer romps like Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, it doesn't rely entirely on a tried and true formula. Some of the film's events can be seen coming a mile away, but for the most part it's unpredictable and keeps the audience guessing (and therefore invested in the story). As well, Will Smith is great in the title role, and keeps us entertained even when the (generally fast paced) storyline is taking a break. I think he's truly under appreciated as an actor. Though he started on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and has mostly done nothing but standard blockbusters and popcorn films, the man has more talent than anybody gives him credit for.

If you're looking for good summer fun, this is definitely a contender (though there's been no shortage of films that fit the bill this summer). It is a fun, clever, and above all, unique romp. If you're looking for a great movie, this is probably not the one for you. It will never win an Oscar, and probably won't win any sort of award, unless the vitriol that the press is spewing leads to Razzie nominations.

---

168 out of 264 people found the following comment useful :-
Solid popcorn flick, 8 April 2008

Author: BlackHawk847 from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I saw the movie tonight and enjoyed it a lot so here's my take:

Pro's:

Good special effects (even though there not all done)

Excellent hour and fifteen minutes (the movie is probably 100 minutes in length if I had to estimate the pacing in that time period was spot on)

Good combination of humor and action (I'd say more humor though say in the vein of Beverely Hills Cop, which had a good mix of humor and action) Will Smith nails the character (even if the character goes through a number of sudden changes out of nowhere)

Even though there weren't as many action sequences as expected they all were pretty memorable especially a fight between Hancock and another superhero (I won't spoil it)

A really good twist that I didn't see coming at all (when you see it you'll understand)

Cons: The villain wasn't fleshed out at all in any way (they really didn't need to have one in the first place and could have changed a few of the last scenes)

The last 25 minutes shifted more into a drama and didn't totally fit the character of Hacock of the first hour of the movie

Charleze Theron didn't have much to work on for the first forty-five minutes besides not liking Hancock

The relationship of Jason Bateman's character, Ray and his wife Mary isn't fully fleshed out and the chemistry isn't all there (towards the end Will Smith has better chemistry with her and there scenes together are juicy and easily the best parts of the last twenty five minutes)

Overall I'd give the film an 8.5/10 because it was an innovative look at a superhero other then all the Batman's and Supermen we're given a truly conflicted character who isn't fully invincible. There are many quotable scenes, funny moments, and good special effects that you haven't seen in other movies before. I expect this film to make a lot of money at the box office this summer and please many Will Smith fans along with action fans or people who are looking for a solid popcorn flick.

---

253 out of 440 people found the following comment useful :-
Fix the final Act PLEASE!!!, 8 June 2008

Author: cmcmanus60 from United States

I also was at the test screening in Peoria AZ. The film was spot on for the first hour. Jokes were hitting left and right, Smith and Bateman displayed good chemistry, and the special effects, though not always finished, were eye popping nonetheless.

Without giving it away, the final half hour was flat, straying from the comical nature that had preceded it and instead tried to get philosophical and introduce a week paint'by'numbers villain. I spoke with director Peter Berg after the film and he seemed fully aware of the issues relating to the final act. Hopefully the recent "re shoot" will polish up that last act, making Hancock one of the must see blockbusters of the summer. In the form I saw it; it still has a ways to go.

---

97 out of 156 people found the following comment useful :-
Not bad!, 5 July 2008

Author: Tim Burrell (tim-2342) from Toronto, ON, Canada

Lots of people, including the critics, are ragging on this film. Seriously, what did they expect? It's a Hollywood blockbuster with Wil Smith in. Get over it, turn your brain off, and sit back and enjoy the ride.

For what it was, I thought it pretty good. It was entertaining, took a unique take on the superhero thing, and didn't have an overt number of huge gaping plot holes or completely blithe dialog.

If you're feeling like a Wil Smith movie, go for it. It's not as bad as they say... just don't expect any more than the typical Hollywood affair.

---

118 out of 201 people found the following comment useful :-
Will Smith Delivers another Summertime Movie Treat, 30 June 2008

Author: nolarobert from United States

I caught a preview showing of Hancock tonight. I enjoyed it for what it was which is a fun, mostly fast-paced popcorn flick. The writers of the film also tossed in a nice plot twist that I didn't see coming but it turned out to work just fine. This isn't Shakespeare so I don't demand a lot of deep thought just some escapist fun. Will Smith does an excellent job of playing the disinterested superhero with an existential crisis. It was good to see Jason Bateman again but a bummer as well seeing how he has aged. This means I am not so young myself anymore. Jae Head didn't overact nor did the script writers push the "cute" button to the point of being saccharine. It will be interesting to see how this movie performs to see if Smith wants to do a sequel. So I am more than happy to recommend Hancock to fans of the "Summer Blockbuster" and those who enjoy Will Smith.

---

82 out of 134 people found the following comment useful :-
Go see it - it's not that bad, 5 July 2008

Author: canadell from United States

*** MAY CONTAIN SPOILER ***

I NEVER write on these opinion boards but I might start with this one. I felt as though I needed to stick up for the movie after reading all the horrible reviews. I went to see it on the 4th, mainly because the trailers looked entertaining and because I enjoy Will Smith. This movie is not at all what I expected. There is a surprising turn of events that I did not see coming. Will Smith, in his usual style, is quick, funny, witty, and charming and I thought the timing between he and Jason Bateman was perfect. If you are expecting to see a movie along the lines of Hulk, Iron Man, Batman, etc, don't go because you won't enjoy it. If you are going because you like the cast and are ready to be entertained for 1 hour and 20 minutes out of your life, then it is definitely worth the price of admission.

---

78 out of 128 people found the following comment useful :-
I guess some people just can't take a switch in tone., 5 July 2008

Author: The_Dead_See from Wisconsin

I've read a lot of the reviews here complaining about the film flagging in its final act. I respectfully disagree.

Hancock is most definitely DIFFERENT in it's last half - it drops off the comedy significantly and introduces some fascinating superhero mythology that is almost like an ancient Greek myth in its context. It also introduces some pretty tense and violent moments that really made me wonder if they should be marketing it as the kid-friendly summer blockbuster that they are. However, both halves have their own merits - the first being the humour, and the second being the (almost tragic) origin mythos. I suspect if you are prepared for the switch in tone, rather than shocked when it arrives, you might enjoy Hancock as much as I did.

---

120 out of 215 people found the following comment useful :-
Surprisingly Good, 1 July 2008

Author: Eric Idol from Florida, USA

The latest Will Smith effort is much different from the average big budget flashy superhero movies that have dominated the box office the last few years. Don't go to Hancock thinking you are seeing another Superman, Fantastic 4, Ironman or Hulk. The superhero angle is treated much differently here. I think part of the perception problem with this film is from the silly trailers we have seen for the last 6 months. Those trailers represent a small part a movie that is so much more to than a drunken superhero throwing a whale at a boat, swearing at a kid or wrecking the city. Sure, there are laughs in this movie, but it's Will Smith! He's FUNNY! Go see Hancock because it's DIFFERENT from the mega-budget movies that come straight from the comic book pages complete with a witty Stan Lee cameo. Don't get me wrong, I loved Ironman and The Hulk. But Hancock is not a movie that will have comic book geeks arguing on message boards about how the movie left so much out and the character was nothing like the comic. It is a film with a story that happens to be about a guy with super powers. Besides, it's got Will Smith and Charlize Theron in it! How can you go wrong?

---

---

Page 1 of 40:

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Add another comment

---

Related Links

Plot synopsis	Ratings	Awards
Newsgroup reviews	External reviews	Parents Guide
Official site	Plot keywords	Main details
Your user comments	Your vote history