Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Has action, heart, but superhero is an alcoholic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Hancock
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 67 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers a mix of humor and action but is marred by excessive language, sexual references, and depictions of alcoholism and violence, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. While many viewers appreciated the entertaining aspects and positive messages about personal growth, they also noted the film's weaker plot and inappropriate content for kids.
- language issues
- violent content
- alcoholism themes
- weak plot
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- In theaters : July 2, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : November 24, 2008
- Cast : Charlize Theron , Jason Bateman , Will Smith
- Director : Peter Berg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language.
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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