Movie Review: Hancock

Will Smith is back on top of his summer blockbuster status as a down-on-his-luck, alcoholic superhero that seems to create more problems than the criminals he pursues. And as usual with Will Smith blockbuster movies, they are big on action, but short on story and depth (Men in Black, I am Legend). And like those parenthetically mentioned, it is also short on time, running at 93 minutes (Men in Black - 98 min., I am Legend - 100 min.).
Problems arose when I heard they ordered major re-shoots just a couple of months before it was supposed to open because test screenings were mostly negative. I don't know what they did re-shoot, but it still isn't as good as it could be. I mean, it is a great concept, but it doesn't deliver.
There are little laughs here and there to keep the movie going. Jason Bateman provides some of these laughs and fits well to offset Will Smith. And Charlize Theron does a good job as she always does. But the problem isn't the actors. It's the story. It isn't really memorable.
And to add to that, the visual effects weren't exactly amazing either, for a movie on this scale. The flying scenes look obviously green screened.
Will Smith fans will probably like this film. I however, find it falling a bit short. There are fun moments, but in the end there is nothing worth noting.
2.5 out of 5


Running time: 93 min.
Budget: $150 million
US Gross: $227,946,274
International Gross: $396,400,000
Total Gross: $624,346,274