OK for kids 13+
Has action, heart, but superhero is an alcoholic.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although kids will definitely be interested in seeing this Will Smith superhero movie (thanks to both his presence and a massive marketing campaign), a definite tragic streak runs through it. That, along with the movie's other themes -- mortality, the meaning of love -- may prove too mature for young kids and tweens. There's also plenty of swearing (including an "F" word) and a fair amount of action/fantasy violence, including gunfire, cut-off hands, and Hancock himself yelling at kids and destroying buildings. That said, the movie also has a lot of heart (plus some good Will Smith comic moments) and isn't just your average popcorn flick.
- Families can talk about why kids want to see this movie -- is it because of the story, or because of all the hype?
- Discuss why Hancock is so distant and angry in thebeginning of the movie. How are both Hancock the character and Hancock the movie different from and similar to other cinematic superheroes?
- What would you say the movie's messages are?
- How does Hancock change over the course of the film? What do he and Ray teach each other?
The good stuff
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Messages: Some mixed messages. There are many depictions of criminal behavior, but they're almost always foiled by Hancock and others, so it shows that ultimately crime does not pay.
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Role models: There are both positive and negative role models here. Hancock isn't an entirely sympathetic hero. In fact, he's pretty tragicand troubled, and his presence troubles others. He's sometimesdisrespectful of women, he scares children, and he shows little concernto everybody else. But he eventually comes around and is softenedconsiderably by meeting a good guy who's so good that he's almostsaintly.
What to watch for
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Violence: Lots of fantasy/superhero action. Hancock is a pretty violent superhero. He yells at kids, destroys buildings and other things while he's performing good deeds, and manhandles criminals (one scene has him shoving a man's head into an unusual spot). He even takes on a young bully. Meanwhile, the official bad guys wield guns (shooting them frequently) and terrorize the citizens of Los Angeles on the freeway, during a bank holdup, in a liquor store robbery, etc. One criminal gets both of his hands cut off at different times; one scene shows it happening, quickly. He and his goons attack the main character.
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Sex: A man kisses a woman who's married to someone else; lots of sexual tension between them, but no nudity/action.
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Language: Salty language runs the gamut, from "hell" and "bitch" to "s--t" and "asshole" -- and finally "f--k" (but since it's PG-13, use is limited).
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Consumerism: Some labels/brands, including Ray-Bans, Dewars, Dodge, and Dunkin Donuts. Ray is a PR executive, and branding is his game.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Hancock is an alcoholic -- and a mean one at that -- who often flies drunk. Some social drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Somebody rescue me - except Hancock! by saintandrew
What a wonderful and funny premise for a movie! Superhero who doesn't give a crap, has low self-esteem, and causes more damage than his super powers create relief. And although Will Smith is a talented actor, the script falls apart faster than Hancock can save it. Don't get me wrong, there are some funny parts and then there are some serious parts. That is, unfortunately the problem. The film can't decide if it's a comedy or if it's a drama. The understory tries to answers all the questions the character's presence conjures up, unfortunately it's just a little too neat and tidy. The convenience of the secret character's proximity to Hancock is poorly thought out and it just makes the second half of the film drag - which is really bad for a film that doesn't reach 100 minutes. This is a great rental film, an "I'm bored and have nothing else to do." film (at matinee prices), or an "I'm a huge Will Smith fan and I gotta see it!" film. Just don't expect too much going in and it will be OK.
4
He Produces by Messum45
Will Smith is the King of summer blockbusters......Some may be corny but that all deliver just what we need for the summer. That Will Smith Humor and the right amount of action that everyone can enjoy
4
Enjoyable, not exactly Oscar material by Joshuaaaaaa
I saw Hancock on the 4th of July and wasn't disappointed. It wasn't exactly like seeing Casablanca, and I was definitely entertained. I thought that overall the actors did a "good job" and that the story was interesting. The explanation of Hancock's powers took me by surprise. A couple of people have suggested to me that they are setting up the movie for a sequel and/or prequel, and I could see that happening. There is some language, which might upset parents with younger children, even though ironically some of the language is delivered by younger children and there's plenty of violence, although very little blood.
I thought that the ending (except for one "big" thing) was fairly predictable, and that's okay. I think that this was a movie where the producers wanted the audience to have an overall positive experience.
To me, this is one of those movies I'm glad I saw, that I won't buy on DVD, and that I will watch if its on TV.
4
Five Word Review by redyeah
Funny *** superheroes kick ***!
5
Great by xxbmwxx
good story, great plot...
lots of action, with a brilliant twist
i like how people are bagging on the movie without even seeing it...
people who actually pay and see the movie should be giving reviews, not kids who have nothing better to do.
Will smith like always, is a great actor in this movie
Recommmmend it definitely
2
Han-caca by elderpreacher
My wife and I are huge Will Smith fans but we were totally disappointed by this flick. The film starts fairly strong but the plot twist in the middle is just plain stupid and the movie keeps sinking till the end. The concept of a flawed superhero rising up to the challenge has so much potential and the film clearly has a talented cast, but these poor actors got stuck with terrible dialog and a ridiculous plot. If you absolutely must see it, at least wait for it to come to your local Redbox so it only costs you a buck.
5
Great movie, ignore the critics by ruflyer
People who didn't like this movie went in expecting 1 of 2 things; a comedy from beginning to end or the typical superhero movie. Hancock was neither one. You have to go into this movie expecting something different. I loved Iron Man but it was the same ol' superhero movie you see about 10 times every summer. Hancock was a "breath of fresh air" as so many other people have put it. Great comedy, great special effects, great acting, and a pretty darn intense ending. My personal favorite of the summer so far... sorry Iron Man.
5
Conspiracy? by bkeene12
I went with my kids. They wanted to see it. I begrudgingly threw down $22 to view what headline critics deemed as a train wreck. Iron Man, Hulk and Wall-e were under my belt so I figured one bad movie could be tolerated.
Bad is not the correct word to describe this movie- or any other negative handed out by those that review movies for a living. In fact, I do wonder if there is some sort of conspiracy amongst them to slam what I think is one of the best movies this summer... probably this year.
It is the total package. The film puts a smile on your face, a laugh that pushes a tear out your eye and makes you want to pump your fist while surprising you just when you least expect it.
In fact, all those reviews I read sort of spoiled some of what this movie had to offer... you see I sat there wondering the when it was going to get bad instead of enjoying it as much as I could of- don't make the same mistake. This a good one.
4
Great first half, second half left something to be desired by aswing
I saw Hancock at an independent theater last week and like the title indicates the first 45 minutes was well done. I really enjoyed it until the unexpected but not so unexpected twist came about. You can see some twist coming if you pay attention to it.
After dropping the bombshell to the viewing audience, the movie spends too much time trying to explain itself. I believe it is because the twist is too complicated for its own good. The movie sets itself up for a sequel. It might be a prequel of how Hancock became Hancock.
Good acting by the stars of the movie. My official recommendation is between a so-so and go. Its a great rental or DVD purchase especially with an adequate or better home theater system.
Last thing: How this movie is PG-13 I have no idea. They must have paid lots of money to the MPAA. The language was atrocious for a PG-13 film. The prison scene alone could be R worthy.
5
Super Hero with a twist by d_dawg
It wasn't the best super hero movie but it was very refreshing to see a hero with more attributes like the rest of us. I'd definitely recomend it to any family with kids old enough to hear a few bad words.