Hancock (2008)

"Hancock" is a surprising disappoint for what it offers: Superstar Will Smith playing a disgruntled, ornery superhero in LA.

How perfect is that idea? Spider-Man, Iron Man and the Hulk are great guys or potentially great guys who get zapped, bitten, blasted or whatever'ed and do the right thing. Automatically. But what if the would-be hero doesn't give a crap? Or worse yet, makes matters worse when he does try and do good? (Hancock causes more havoc by saving a PR geek played by Jason Bateman from an on-coming train than if he just let the sap die.)

But this Peter Berg-directed sci-fi pic never delivers. The failure is not only because a major plot twist involving the PR guy's wife is obvious just by the name of the actress (Charlize Theron), but by the inclusion of dull as dirt villains and a murky climax set in a hospital. Snoozeville awaits.

The motive for the trio of villains is too juvenile for words: Hancock stopped one of the guys from robbing a bank, and the other two ... well, he shoved one's head up the other's ass. And we get to see that. I bet any fourth grade creative writing class could do better.

It's a shame because Hancock's introduction to moral choices, showers, fine dining, and the correct way to take off and land, and not destroy half the city by accident, all are standout entertainment. A sequel apparently is in the works, and it could well be worthwhile. This first installment is only half a film looking for a worthy conclusion. I hope it's realized. C+