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HANCOCK (Running Time: 92 min; Rated: PG-13)

(2 OUT OF 5 STARS)

Reviewed by Denise Castillón

SAVE YOUR SELF FROM “HANCOCK”

Will Smith soars through the sky in this action-adventure fantasy, only to fall from grace.

John Hancock (WILL SMITH) is a cranky and foul-mouthed, drunken superhero. He has alienated the very public he means to protect by leaving behind a costly wake of destruction with each heroic rescue. The dysfunctional hero receives an image makeover from public relations expert Ray Embrey (JASON BATEMAN), who takes Hancock under his wing and into the home he shares with wife, Mary (CHARLIZE THERON) and son, Aaron (JAE HEAD). After spending time with Mary, Hancock uncovers her hidden secret, and a shared past.

Charlize Theron is captivating to watch as the beautiful and sensuous Mary. However, when Hancock confronts her about their undeniable attraction for each other, Mary reveals a vamped-out alter ego. Her eyes, once swollen with emotion, are now suddenly heavily outlined in harsh eyeliner. So begins the second half of this novel storyline, and so begins its downfall.

Ironically, Will Smith’s portrayal of a sardonic superhero does not charm nor endear the audience anywhere near as successfully done by Robert Downey Jr. in IRON MAN. Even Jason Bateman’s character, in HANCOCK, is more loveable.

But, what truly made this movie hard to watch, literally, was that all the action scenes were shot up close and in your face by the director of photography, Tobias A. Schliessler, (DREAMGIRLS, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, BAIT).

Directed by actor turned writer-producer-director Peter Berg, (THE KINGDOM, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS). Written by Vincent Ngo & Vince Gilligan. Produced by Akiva Goldsman, Michael Mann, (watch for both their cameos as business executives in the opening scene), James Lassiter and Will Smith. Executive produced by Ian Bryce, Jonathan Mostow and Richard Saperstein. Released by Columbia Pictures.

Will Smith as HANCOCK

Will Smith and Charlize Theron

Will Smith and Jason Bateman