DVD : Hancock (Single-Disc Unrated Edition) |
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Rating:  - * Could Have Been Better, But Still Quite Entertaining ... The basic premise of this film is a fascinating one that really has never been explored in mainstream films: what happens when a bona fide superhero ends up being more trouble than he is worth? This is exactly the case with Will Smith's Hancock, who (although saving lives) also wreaks tremendous damage to the city and is a dirty, stinking alcoholic. Thus, the "hook" of this film involves Hancock trying to rehab his sullen, non-caring image after meeting a PR consultant on one of his "rescue" missions. What works in this film is the theme of "superhero gone bad". Coming on the heels of "The Dark Knight", which really toyed with the definitions of heroes and villains, "Hancock" takes that theme to a whole new level, as he is a terrible person in every way besides the fact that he saves a few lives every once in awhile. Thus, the most entertaining portions of this film occur as Hancock tries to learn the delicate balance between being a role model and still being "cool" at the same time. Early in the movie, Hancock's loneliness is so readily observed that one can believe he will try anything to gain some respect or friendships. On the other hand, I thought that the reveal of where Hancock is actually from was a bit lacking. The build-up to his origins are fantastic (as his scattered memories contribute mightily to his apathy towards being "good"), but the reveal leaves much to be desired. In all honesty, I still don't exactly know what/who Hancock is with much certainty. More fleshing out of that angle of the storyline may have pushed this film to a five-star rating from me. Overall, Hancock is a very entertaining movie...and really, what more can you ask for?! Despite being a bit lacking in Hancock's character history, the film DOES provide some great action scenes, multiple moments of comedy, and an original storyline that will make you personally feel for the tormented "superhero". Rating: - * Hancock ... Not your typical superhero, John Hancock, is a conundrum. He is wreckless, drinks incessantly, doesn't care about anyone else, and causes far more costly destruction than the bad guys. However, Hancock saves a man looking to change the world. To repay him he vows to help Hancock change his image. At first he is resistant to this well meaning man, but eventually he sees he can't continue down the self destructive road he is headed. He even agrees to go to prison to repay society for his crimes. At first no one misses him, but the rampant crime spree that erupts pushes the city over the edge and they finally call upon Hancock to save them. This time he does so with far less damage and earns their admiration. Now only one other thing with him to deal with, he isn't the only one with super powers. The other one is a match to him and although he can't remember more than eighty years ago, they can and they can tell him their past link. This was a nice change to typical hero movies as it shows a more human side with our frailties and dark sides. Excellent DVD quality with plenty of replayability. If you enjoyed this catch "Daredevil". CA Luster Rating: - * A Must See for Sci-Fi, Action and Superhero Fans! ... This is not your typical superhero movie, or your typical superhero. Will Smith plays a devastated man who has become an alcoholic to cope with the pain. He he has super powers, but because of amnesia he has no idea who and what he is. He just knows that no one wanted him after he woke up in a hospital, so he figures he must have been a bad man. He offends and angers almost everyone with his behavior, almost as a fulfillment of what he thinks he must be. He saves a man's life (Jason Batemen), who takes him on as a project, and gets much more than he bargained for. This movie has surprising depth for a superhero movie. It's also interesting to see a less than perfect hero. I enjoyed the personal progression and emotional healing Hancock was brought through. It made the story more real and captivating. I also enjoyed the sci-fi type twists and turns the story took. The special effects were outstanding, and the story held my attention throughout. Will Smith is a wonderful actor who can bring a character to life. There's just something about him that comes out in his acting that's so likable, despite the gritty character he played. Charlize Theron sizzled and brought real emotion to her character. Jason Bateman was very also very likable which was perfect for his role. Even the child who played his son was wonderful. I would heartily recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, action, adventure or superhero movies. I didn't give it a five star because it left me just a little bit unsatisfied at the end. I don't want to say more because I don't want to give away the plot, but regardless - It's definitely worth watching. Rating:  - * Will Smith Can Not Be Stopped ... I read some reviews when Hancock came out in theatres. Most of them gave it mixed ratings but there were some 3 star ratings like I saw here on Amazon.com. I can't tell you enough how much I disagree. There have been so many to take a comedic shot at superhero films but they are usually either Ok or just plain bad but not this one. Anywho, Hancock is definitely a great film, so great that I could not wait to stamp a 5 star rating on it and tell ya why but first I'll tell you what it's about. Will Smith stars as John Hancock, a loaner, alcoholic,and depressed superhero. Of course those are definitely not characteristics you want to see in the man that has superman like powers like Hancock. The story goes that Hancock woke up one morning in a hospital, he didn't know his name, birth date, or if he had any family or friends. By now you can imagine how he got that name of his, a nurse asked him for it and he thought it was his name. He only knew what the doctors told him, that he was hit on the head trying to stop a mugging. Through the years he hasn't really tried to become a perfect hero or even a good one at that but he does the minimum. Hancock wants to be loved but acts as if he doesn't care and this is when Ray (Jason Bateman)comes in. After being saved by Hancock Ray thinks of a way to recreate Hancock to give him what he wants, to be loved by the people. The both of them set out on a mission to do this but this movie is no doubt deeper than the surface. Things get more dangerous and the plot twists just enough to become one of the best dramatic comedies about a superhero I have ever seen. First of all I think that Will Smith is one of the few actors that could take a film like this and make it so good. Good job by the writers as well for giving it a good comedic feel but keeping it a little realistic and never going over the edge. Smith did a great job, he made you think that Hancock could actually be real and he was hilarious doing it but still did great with the dramatic scenes. The rest of the cast was also good, I really liked Jason Bateman in "The Kingdom" and he did well here but Charlize Theron definitely shined the most out of the supporting cast. She and Will Smith had some great scenes together and made it believable. The action scenes were very cool, great special effects and seeing Hancock flying like a new baby bird with arms and legs flinging all over was hilarious. One thing I thought that could have been improved were the fight scenes. There were definitely a few but it was just a lot of flying around and crashing into buildings. Had they added a bit of choreography it would have been on point for sure. Because the films acting was executed so well I can't really take a star for this cause it wasn't significant but was still noticeable. The story was great and I have to admit that I had the film thought out all wrong. I loved the way they make it look like this sort of cool comedy but it starts to run a little bit deeper towards the end. It is not a huge jaw dropper but the twist is still cool, at least to me it was. Overall, I loved the movie, I think Will Smith is no doubt one of the greatest actors to do it. The films concept was definitely awesome and thought out and executed well. The story was written well also and the cast was picked nicely, not too much action, not too much comedy, and not too much drama. It was just right and it definitely showed. I wouldn't recommend this as a family film unless your all over 15 but it is definitely a must see. The empty Blockbuster stores definitely showed this. Rating:  - * Kids only movie ... Possibly 5-7 year old kids will like this movie, but as an adult, I found this movie a big zero. |
It's three movies in one, beginning when punctuality-obsessed Federal Express systems engineer Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) departs on Christmas Eve to escort an ill-fated flight of FedEx packages. Following a mid-Pacific plane crash, movie number two chronicles Chuck's four-year survival on a remote island, totally alone save for a Wilson volleyball (aptly named "Wilson") that becomes Chuck's closest "friend." Movie number three leads up to Chuck's rescue and an awkward encounter with his ex-girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt, in a thankless role), for whom Chuck has seemingly risen from the grave.
It's fascinating to witness Chuck's emerging survival skills, and Hanks's remarkable physical transformation is matched by his finely tuned performance. With slow, rhythmic camera moves and brilliant use of sound, Zemeckis wisely avoids the postcard prettiness of The Black Stallion and The Blue Lagoon to emphasize the harshness of Chuck's ascetic solitude, and this stylistic restraint allows Cast Away to resonate more than one might expect. Even the final scene--which feels like a crowd-pleasing compromise--offers hope without shoving it down our throats. You may not feel the emotional rush that you're meant to feel, but Cast Away remains a respectable effort. --Jeff Shannon
It's three movies in one, beginning when punctuality-obsessed Federal Express systems engineer Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) departs on Christmas Eve to escort an ill-fated flight of FedEx packages. Following a mid-Pacific plane crash, movie number two chronicles Chuck's four-year survival on a remote island, totally alone save for a Wilson volleyball (aptly named "Wilson") that becomes Chuck's closest "friend." Movie number three leads up to Chuck's rescue and an awkward encounter with his ex-girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt, in a thankless role), for whom Chuck has seemingly risen from the grave.
It's fascinating to witness Chuck's emerging survival skills, and Hanks's remarkable physical transformation is matched by his finely tuned performance. With slow, rhythmic camera moves and brilliant use of sound, Zemeckis wisely avoids the postcard prettiness of The Black Stallion and The Blue Lagoon to emphasize the harshness of Chuck's ascetic solitude, and this stylistic restraint allows Cast Away to resonate more than one might expect. Even the final scene--which feels like a crowd-pleasing compromise--offers hope without shoving it down our throats. You may not feel the emotional rush that you're meant to feel, but Cast Away remains a respectable effort. --Jeff Shannon
