Hancock

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Hancock Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Has action, heart, but superhero is an alcoholic.

PG-13 2008 92 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 13+

Based on 49 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 89 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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. An unrated version of this DVD is available and contains a sex scene and some other material that do not appear in the original.

Community Reviews

Fam5
Fam5 Adult
June 19, 2020
age 14+

Disappointing

The three lead actors and the storyline were the reasons we wanted to see the movie. But even these talented actors can’t make up for the script flaws. Disappointing on many levels. The “a” word was used over twenty times and other swear words were disbursed throughout the movie. The bad guy was not developed nor was the backstory between the two main characters. The backstory was told in a 5 min monologue. It almost seemed like an after thought to wrap things up. I wouldn’t recommend it. There are far better superhero movies and far better movies starring the super talented Wil Smith. Smith
Nathan M.
Nathan M. Adult
February 28, 2018
age 13+

AMAZING MOVIE

See all 49 parent reviews

What's the Story?

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?

Is It Any Good?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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 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?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Iron Man Poster Image

    Iron Man

    First MCU adventure has violence, Islamophobia.

    age 13+
  • Batman Begins Poster Image

    Batman Begins

    Smart and entertaining, but also very violent.

    age 13+
  • Independence Day Poster Image

    Independence Day

    Nonstop over-the-top fun for teens and up.

    age 13+

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate