Hancock

Hancock was a blast.

I know that's not the strongest opening sentence, nor does it leave much to determine my overall opinion, which is usually reserved more for the end of a review, but I really want to be upfront. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews for Hancock, and there's been more than a few low brow jokes about the title, but I think this is a movie that really deserves a chance.

My thoughts on this movie are pretty simple. This isn't your average superhero movie, it's not your basic, run-of-the-mill, action flick. This movie doesn't push the limits, it isn't wall to wall laughs, nor does it have non-stop action. It's never gets too funny, it never goes too deep, and it never pushes too far.

What this movie does have is a smart story. The idea that a superhero is automatically really good at being a superhero is something that's fun to be challenged. Of course, it's not a completely new concept, but it's something that we've not seen tackled in a movie in a while. The idea of a superhero who spends his life as bumbling, drunken, homeless guy, who cares enough to save the day, but seems completely unconcerned with collateral damage, unconcerned with his image, is really fun to watch.

This movie also has a strong cast of actors that pull of their roles very well. Will Smith is brilliant as always, his delivery is the solid, even if we're not seeing anything new from him. The supporting cast, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman, even Jae Head, the son of Bateman and Theron in the film, all pull off their roles well.

All said and done this movie has a lot going for it. It isn't Iron Man, it isn't Wanted, but it has laughs, it has action, it has great effects, and even has several touching moments. I recommend it wholeheartedly.