An apathetic, hard-living superhero (Will Smith) who has fallen out of favor with the public is approached by a public relations professional (Jason Bateman) who has ideas as to how he can repair his client’s image.

I was quite looking forward to Hancock because of the concept of the film. See above. But, not even 10 minutes into the film, I knew it was a dud. The directing was so mediocre. I don’t even understand why, of all directors to shoot an action film starring Will Smith and Charlize Theron, Columbia settles on Peter Berg. What the f@*k? Then again, the film does have a messy history and went through so many script rewrites the original script is almost non-existent in the final. At the getgo it seemed producers had no real artistic vision for the film and were only looking to make it palatable for the masses without any concern for a plot that made any sense. Both Jonathan Mostow (Terminator 3) and Gabriel Muccino (The Pursuit of Happyness) who are both as ill-equipped as Berg to direct such a large scale, high-concept modern superhero action film, both bowed out in directing the film.

The problem with Hancock is ultimately that outside of the directing, there were two major things working against it. The story development was a complete cock-up. Half way through the movie, the film completely shifted plots. You think you’re watching a movie about a belligerent alcoholic reluctant suhperhero who gets inspired to be a better person and a worthy hero by regular guy who wants to change the world for the better. Half way through the film, the plot literally shifts. You’re now watching a movie about two superheroes, separated then reunited, who when apart are capable of super-human, alien powers, but when together become just human. Frankly, that second plot is pretty cool, perhaps more interesting than the first. I don’t understand, if that’s where the script was going, why not make the entire movie about that? Why? Because such a plot is more high brow, less blockbuster, and would not necessarily pull in as much money since you couldn’t call it a Will Smith blockbuster July 4th weekend film ala Indepenence Day and MIB.

The other major thing working against Hancock was that because the two plots were clearly competing, and I would even say very opposite in mood and theme, the acting was not syncing up with the writing, the mood and the character development, the little there was. Smith’s Hancock was more moody and dramatic. Though there was comedic aspects, the comedy was very contrived and at times quite stupid and completely predictable. Charlize Theron is a superb actress and was quite superb in this film, but her talents were misused and wasted because the mood of the film was schizophrenic. Even Jason Bateman, who I love, was also wasted in this film because his subtle humor kept being washed over by the erratic directing and confused writing.

I just don’t understand. You’d think by now Smith would have some awareness of what makes a great summer film, blockbuster or not. You’d think by now he’d have enough pull to choose a good director. You’d think by now…. Actually, you’d think by now this would matter to producers. Anyway, I’d say this was the worst film I’d seen all year for the shear fact that it was the most disappointing, but had the most potential bot be a smart, modern, superhero action film ala X-Men, Superman Returns and other action films of late. C’est la vie!

• Directing: [rating:2/5]
• Acting: [rating:4/5]
• Casting: [rating:2/5]
• Cinematography: [rating:2/5]
• Writing: [rating:1/5]
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