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Common Sense Note
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? Families can also discuss why Hancock is so distant and angry in the beginning 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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: S. Jhoanna Robledo
Although he's blessed with powers even Batman would envy -- he flies, can lift cars with one hand, and is bullet-proof -- John Hancock (Will Smith) is far from your typical superhero. As HANCOCK begins, he's passed out on a bench, skuzzy and surly and surrounded by empty liquor bottles. Even when he "helps," he wreaks more havoc, ripping up streets when he lands, knocking freeway signs down, and squabbling with people who are fed up with his shenanigans. So it's perfect timing that he meets up with compassionate publicist Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), who thanks Hancock for saving his life by making it his personal cause to refashion the superman's image. Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), isn't so sure it's a good idea. But could she have undisclosed reasons for wanting to maintain her distance?
Surprising and original, Hancock hooks viewers within the first 10 minutes, when the movie makes it clear that you're in for a different kind of superhero movie. Who's ever seen a hero as churlish as Hancock? Fans of comic book-based films may initially be put off, but they should persevere, despite the liberties that director Peter Berg takes with the genre's fundamentals. At the very least, the special effects are superb. And just when you think you've got the movie figured out, you're handed another bolt from the blue, as the film metamorphoses from a somewhat typical Smith buddy comedy into an unexpectedly tragic and romantic film.
Hancock takes the usual superhero movie conventions and turns them on their head: Hancock doesn't just have a tragic past that compels him to do good -- a la Spider-Man -- but is himself tragic. He has no secret identity, but he has secrets he doesn't know. That, combined with strong performances from the stars (except for his propensity to squint too much, Smith manages to turn in a fairly understated performance, and Bateman's ease belies the talent that allows him to seem realistic within a fantastical frame), makes for an intellectually satisfying superhero movie. It takes a leap of faith, but ultimately it's worth the trouble.
Fans might also enjoy movies about other conflicted superheroes, including Iron Man and Batman Begins. Or try Independence Day or any of our other favorite Will Smith movies.
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Sexual ContentA man kisses a woman who's married to someone else; lots of sexual tension between them, but no nudity/action. |
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ViolenceLots 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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LanguageSalty 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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Social BehaviorHancock isn't an entirely sympathetic hero. In fact, he's pretty tragic and troubled, and his presence troubles others. He's sometimes disrespectful of women, he scares children, and he shows little concern to everybody else. But he eventually comes around and is softened considerably by meeting a good guy who's so good that he's almost saintly. There are many depictions of criminal behavior, but they're almost always foiled by Hancock and others. |
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CommercialismSome labels/brands, including Ray-Bans, Dewars, Dodge, and Dunkin Donuts. Ray is a PR executive, and branding is his game. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoHancock is an alcoholic -- and a mean one at that -- who often flies drunk. Some social drinking. |
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