Hancock

Viewed: Theater

Contrary to what you might think from the trailer, this is not a superhero movie. At least not in the same way as the likes of Superman, whom Hancock, in the trailer, resembles (in abilities).

Contrary to what some people are saying, this is a superhero movie. At least in the same way as the likes of Hulk, whom Hancock, in the trailer, resembles (in results).

Overall, I liked the movie. But there were some parts that I didn’t like at first, when they happened, but came to accept as OK when they were later explained. I’m finding it kind of hard to say anything about this thing without giving away spoilers. Many of the things I want to comment on come in the second half of the movie after the plot twist.

Before the twist, when Hancock and Ray (the PR guy) start dealing with each other, especially when Ray’s wife and kid are in the scenes, I really felt uncomfortable for all the characters. Hancock is an asshole (get used to that word if you plan to see the movie). Ray is optimistic. Aaron is awestruck by Hancock. And Mary, Ray’s wife is noticeably unhappy. The stress level caused by these various attitudes is palpable.

I’ve got one real complaint about this movie, and it’s a cliché that far too many Hollywood movies use. As it is a major spoiler, I’ll black it out for those of you who don’t want to see it until after the movie:

I hate it when the hero or villain dies, pause, pause, pause, and then comes back to life. Stop that, Hollywood! It’s not original, it’s not clever, it’s not suspenseful. If you wait long enough after the death, it’s just an annoying trick.

There’s an extra scene about a minute after the credits start to roll, but there’s nothing at the end of the credits.

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com