Hancock - Loved It - Michelle Monkou

Just turned in my March 2009 book and I'm beyond relieved and ready to relax for a few weeks.

Moving away from books and all things of that world, I want to talk about Will Smith's movie, Hancock. Loved it!

I have to admit that when I saw the previews, I thought the movie was a loser. At that time, there was no explanation for the superhero to toss a whale into the ocean. There was no explanation of any of the characters' motivation. I decided early on to take a pass.

Then the Hollywood publicity machine turned on and after working hard not to look at the hype, I got sucked in by an interview conducted with Will Smith. He explained the story. I was intrigued and went to the movie. BTW, my children saw it without me. Daughter came back raving about it, my son said it was okay. My hubby told them that they couldn't tell me anything about the movie to avoid any spoilers.

It was one of the rare occasions where I went to the movie alone. Kids went to see Hellboy II and I went to Hancock.

Quick blurb about the movie: (From Rope of Silicon movie review) There are heroes... there are superheroes... and then there's Hancock (Will Smith). With great power comes great responsibility – everyone knows that – everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock's well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake. The public has finally had enough – as grateful as they are to have their local hero, the good citizens of Los Angeles are wondering what they ever did to deserve this guy. Hancock isn't the kind of man who cares what other people think – until the day that he saves the life of PR executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), and the sardonic superhero begins to realize that he may have a vulnerable side after all. Facing that will be Hancock's greatest challenge yet – and a task that may prove impossible as Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), insists that he's a lost cause.

I don't understand why movie critics felt the movie's premise (or the twist) was unrealistic. To me, the minute you start talking about superhero that pretty much means that it's going to be over the top. And that twist I found to be terribly Shakespearean - tragic, romantic, and beautiful.

One DJ said it was a chick movie. If that was meant to be derogatory or condescending, then long live chick movies. The movie was intelligent, humorous, and certainly not demeaning to women.

There were no weak links with the actors. They all did their jobs well. I'm turning into a Peter Berg fan (the actor/director). He also directed The Kingdom with Jennifer Garner, Jamie Foxx, and Justin Bateman.

Most of all, I'm loving the fact that the dollars are rolling in for Will and his Overbrook production company. He took a risk and it paid off. Critics be damned.

Will definitely purchase the DVD.

Michelle Monkou