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We’ve said it before and we’re not afraid to say it once again: there’s a genuine trend in cinematography that translates comic-book superheroes onto the silver screen. Just peep at the latest movies: “Iron Man”, “The Incredible Hulk”, or (the not so brilliant) “Get Smart.” But what if we leave behind the glamour of these superheroes created especially for the silver screen? What if we dislocate one superhero from his fantastic world and we put him in the quotidian?

In this case, we will have ‘Hancock.” Superhero – check, real world conditions – check, real consequences – check. Actually, the real world is too nasty for a superhero. Who can make all those stunts to save the world without making damages? There’s a holdup, the superhero needs to catch the robbers, who would expect him to complete his job without leaving some damage behind?

Well, that’s the problem with Hancock (played impeccably by Will Smith). He is a superhero in the real world. He saves the day, but instead of thank-you’s, he receives compliments such as ‘asshole.’ And he also receives a lot of lawsuits and he serves from time to time prison terms. Well, that’s the life for a superhero in the real world…he has to pay. Hancock has the fantastic ability to rocket in the sky, to lift cars and stop trains, but he also causes million-worth damages in buildings, cars and train wrecks.

When something’s a mess, then there is need for a PR expert. Well, it’s not necessary to say that twice, as Hancock saves the life of PR exec, Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman from “Juno”) and the man is determined to help Hancock reshape and re-brand his image. And believe us, apart from his costly life-saving, he is a headache-generator. Hancock is a depressive man with alcoholic habits.

The mood of the movie changes when Hancock is invited to have dinner at Ray’s house and meets Mary (a deliciously talented Charlize Theron), Ray’s wife and his son, Aaron (Jae Head). After a suite of odd looks paid by Mary, every moviegoer in the theatre understands that there is something going on there. Under no circumstances will we spoil the surprise, but all we want to highlight is that you will never guess.

“Hancock” is a chilling breeze in the sweating reel-off superhero movies. No one wants to fly in his shoes, given than he is more hated than loved among the people. Moreover, his personality has more than one or two flaws: he is impolite, messy and an alcohol-lover.

“Hancock” receives an A for originality, as we’ve said, it’s unpredictable and Mr. Peter Berg gets an A for the impeccable direction of the movie. Smith is so serious about his character, that he manages to outstrip the first impression that “Hancock” is a slapstick comedy and Theron is even more serious, demonstrating one again than her acting skills go further than her hot looks. The writing team, Vincent Ngo and Vince Gilligan deserve a round of applause, even though there are some far-fetched moments in the movies that defy its previous logic. However, “Hancock” stands the chances to be widely recognized as one of the best comedies / action movies of the summer. And what could be better in the summer than to watch movies with great potential?

Movie Type: Action/Adventure, Drama
Directed By: Peter Berg
Cast: Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron, Adam Del Rio, Jameson Dixon Jr
Released: July 2nd, 2008 (wide)