Hancock (2008): Dir: Peter Berg / Cast: Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron, Eddie Marsan, Jae Head: Here is an unusual take on a superhero movie. Hancock classifies as a hero but his heavy drinking render him disliked due too massive amounts of destruction left as a result. When he saves an ad executive from a train he is convinced to serve time is prison for damages. Directed by Peter Berg with a decent screenplay, interesting developments, and an insightful conclusion regarding Hancock's power. Berg previously made Friday Night Lights and The Rundown. This is perhaps his most unusual work and it pays off. Special effects are superb but Will Smith steals all attention as Hancock who goes from carefree bitter alcoholic to discovering his past and why his wife cannot be near him. Jason Bateman plays the executive who sees potential in Hancock but unaware of the craziness within his own household. Bateman's character ultimately steps up when it becomes apparent that it is his turn to save the day. Charlize Theron plays Bateman's wife with an interesting background that results in much humour. Eddie Marsan leads the criminals but they are unfortunately just underwritten thugs to be beaten up. Not as funny as it should be but it serves as a satire of the genre and explosive special effects that pay off with its blunt realism to superhero lifestyles. Score: 8 ½ / 10

A comic book action film featuring a scuzzy, drunk as the superhero who causes mayhem and destruction every time he gets involved. The police, public and civic officials wished he remained a barfly.

Things change when Hancock (Will Smith) saves the life of Jason Bateman, a Public Relations expert who wants be a corporate do-gooder and wants to revamp Hancock's image even if it means doing a stretch in jail because of his various misdemeanours.

Bateman is married to Charlize Theron who remains cool and suspicious of Hancock but something is drawing them together.

The premise of an inept and drunk super hero has some novelty as we see him become a better and more sober superhero who the kids eventually look up to but this does not keep the engine of the movie going.

The sub plot involving some bad guys intending revenge is minor as they will never realistically be able to challenge Hancock leading to some plot contrivances involving the weakening of his powers.

Yet the film is not over-long, moves at a good pace. Despite its edginess and some bad language even younger kids will find it enjoyable and funny.

The film does have plot holes the more you think about it afterwards as to where Hancock came from and the amnesia is a convenient plot point.

What drew me into seeing Hancock in the first place was its idea, which I found one of the most interesting for a film in a while. I am in all honesty not a big fan of Will Smith, but he has given some solid performances so I thought why not.

I have to say that I didn't think Hancock was a bad film as such, it was somewhat underwhelming and I'm sorry to say I do understand the criticisms against it.

Hancock does have a fair number of good points. It is stylishly filmed, with some well above average special effects, the music is dynamic and the directing is solid. The best asset about Hancock is the acting of the three leads.

Will Smith is very commanding, with a lot of subtlety amongst all the wisecracks/gags that don't feel forced(ie.flying under the influence). Charlize Theron shows a glowing presence while also showing a sympathetic side, and Jason Bateman's dry humour contrasts perfectly too.

However, Hancock is a very uneven film. I loved the first half, it was well paced, the script was witty and fresh and the scene where the titular character brings a speeding train to a halt as he can't be bothered to lift the car up from its path is one of the better and relevant scenes of the film.

It is in the second half where Hancock is less than successful. Here the film starts to drag, the script becomes soapy and heavily melodramatic and the film has one of the daftest twists of any film not to have M Night Shyamalan's name on it.

The story's tone isn't the only asset to feel uneven, the script is too, it has wit and freshness in the first half, but becomes mawkish in the second. I also felt that there were only three likable characters(Smith's, Theron's and Bateman's) and the others I barely noticed, with the villain especially flat.

So all in all, an uneven film but not a necessarily bad one. 5/10 Bethany Cox