Hancock [2008] | ![Hancock [2008]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517P2yeFSyL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Peter Berg
Actors: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: £19.99
Buy New: £9.98
You Save: £10.01 (50%)
Rating:  25 reviews
Sales Rank: 19
Format: Pal
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 88 Minutes
EAN: 5035822715233
ASIN: B001494QG0
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: December 1, 2008 (In 13 Days)
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Not yet released
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
Hancock turns the standard superhero movie inside-out. The titular character, played by Will Smith, can fly, has super strength and is invulnerable. But he's also a sloppy, arrogant alcoholic who causes millions of dollars in property damage whenever he bothers to fight crime. When he saves the life of a PR agent named Ray (Jason Bateman, Arrested Development), Ray decides to improve Hancock's image--starting by having Hancock surrender himself to the authorities and go to prison for his lawless behaviour. The idea is that once he's in prison, the crime rate will go up and people will start realising Hancock might be of value after all. This is only the first act of Hancock though--from there, the film takes several surprising turns that shouldn't be revealed. Hancock isn't a great movie, but it is an extremely entertaining one. The script, which holds together far better than most superhero movies, has a propulsive plot, good dialogue, some compassion for its characters, and even an actual idea or two. The spectacular action at least gestures towards obeying the laws of physics, which actually makes the special effects more vivid. The three leads (Smith, Bateman, and Charlize Theron as Ray's wife, Mary) deftly balance the movie's mixture of comedy, action, and drama. All in all, a smart subversive twist on a genre that all too often takes itself all too seriously. --Bret Fetzer
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| Customer Reviews: Read 20 more reviews...
 Starts well, goes downhill fast November 4, 2008
Chris Wood (UK)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This has some funny bits & good scenes near the start but it starts tripping over itself and messing everything up. Not recommended.
It's average, nothing more or less October 5, 2008
Polly on film (London, UK)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
One star and five star reviews for this film should be laughed at, as you will many great moments in the first half of this film.
At some point the laughs had to run out, there is only so much script in an alcoholic super hero.
When that happens and the plot twist occurs, which many will see coming, you've just got to enjoy looking at the tunning Charlize Theron and patiently await the end of the film.
 Good rather than excellent September 21, 2008
Irikefe Okonedo (London, England)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Film in which Will Smith plays John Hancock, a Los Angeles based superhero who despite his using his super powers to fight crime is despised by the public because he is a drunkard and clumsy in the use of his powers, often causing millions of pounds of damage to public and private property in his efforts to bring criminals to justice. One day Hancock saves the life of PR executive with a heart Ray Embrey (played by Jason Bateman), and to show his gratitude Ray decides to take Hancock under his wing to help him to rectify his public image problem. With Ray's help Hancock starts learning how a superhero should behave - and look - and how to endear himself to the public. Through his relationship with Ray Hancock gets to meet Ray's family - wife Mary (played by Charlize Theron) and his young son - and when Ray and his family query Hancock as to his origins Hancock reveals something that no one until that point knew: he has no memory of his past. But everything will change for Hancock when it transpires that Mary has a secret of her own and Hancock gets involved in a love triangle with her and Ray. And when some dangerous criminals that Hancock helped put behind bars come after him looking for revenge when Hancock is at his most uninvincible will Hancock survive?
Comments: I enjoyed this film. Will Smith plays the role of superhero Hancock well, both as the interesting uncouth and unpleasant drunk he is at first and the more polished - and familiar - type of superhero he becomes after his makeover by Jason Bateman's PR exec. The special effects are first-rate, Bateman makes for excellent support and Charlize Theron is suitably mysterious as the wife with a secret. There are also a number of moments of wry humour (although the film is not a comedy). Personally I never get tired of seeing superheroes fighting against crime or the forces of evil - as long as it's done well, which it is in this film. However although the enjoyment factor in this film is high Hancock's back story is not developed enough or given enough detail in the film, weakening the end product somewhat. Smith and Theron's charisma and star power carry the film but the lack of sufficient information about the character Hancock's origins means that this film is good rather than excellent.
 Should be called cock-up not Hancock September 13, 2008
Nick D. (London)
2 out of 5 found this review helpful
Sorry to be disparaging, but this movie is disappointing. A brilliant idea, the flawed superhero comes good, is let down by a convoluted storyline and even more mediocre storytelling. i got bored half-way through because the whole movie ran out of steam. it almost seemed as if the director didn't know what to do next. Will Smith was spot-on as always, so was Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron, but even great actors need decent material. For all that, however, the special effects ARE impressive. I love the whale being tossed back into the sea. But all the best bits were pretty much featured in the trailer.
 meh September 10, 2008
Mr. N. Wildman (Beds, UK)
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
This film had sooooo much potential! I saw the advert on TV and immediately thought "what a great idea, a flawed superhero who acts just like a normal guy". A normal guy that has super strength, invulnerability and can fly that is.
The first half of the film is great fun, with some great humour. Unfortunately, the second half just doesn't follow suit. I won't ruin the plot but the film goes from a good giggle that doesn't take itself too seriously to something completely different: a piss-poor weak storyline that makes absolutely no sense and quite frankly bored me so much that I fell asleep. Will Smith (for whom I have a lot of respect as an actor) just isn't given the opportunity to shine, which is a real shame because he could have played the character so well given the chance. Charlize Theron is in the same boat but at least her character is given a little more depth.
All in all, a completely wasted opportunity. If you're thinking of buying it, trust me, rent it first to avoid disappointment.
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