Hancock (PG-13)
Has action, heart, but superhero is an alcoholic.
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- Studio: Sony Pictures
- Directed By: Peter Berg
- Cast: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman
- Running Time: 92 minutes
- Release Date: 7/2/2008
- Video/DVD Release Date: 11/24/2008
- Genre: Action/adventure
- MPAA Rating: PG-13
- MPAA Explanation: some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language.
Parents need to know
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?
Message
Social Behavior:
Hancock 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.
Consumerism:
Some labels/brands, including Ray-Bans, Dewars, Dodge, and Dunkin Donuts. Ray is a PR executive, and branding is his game.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Hancock is an alcoholic -- and a mean one at that -- who often flies drunk. Some social drinking.
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.
Sex
A man kisses a woman who's married to someone else; lots of sexual tension between them, but no nudity/action.
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).
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by S. Jhoanna Robledo
Is it any good?
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.
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