Hancock (2008)

Genre: Action
Rating: 12A
Main Actor: Will Smith
Main Actress: Charlize Theron
YouTube: Film Trailer

I've just seen this film, all be it reluctantly, and have been pleasantly surprised. I am a fan of Smith's work, although some of his role choices are so far removed from my film-viewing interests that I have to pass, and thus should not be too surprised at his ability in this film. He perfected the balance between humour, sadness, vulnerability, strength, fear and courage throughout his performance - his eyes being particularly useful tools in doing so.

The first half of the film is somewhat different to the latter half, but it would be unfair to say the emotional focus of the latter half was wholly unconnected to the comic adventures of Hancock, the drunken superhero. Especially as, even amidst the humour, Smith was able to portray the grief and loneliness of his character, in a beautifully subtle way.

Is this a barrel of laughs? No. Rather, much like life, it has moments of humour but also moments of sadness. The story has a very human core, despite being about a supernatural being, which shines through the special affects and demonstrations of power. Henceforth, this film manages to bring together drama, action, comedy and, to some degree, tragedy resulting in a wonderful film for people of all ages.

Rating: 7/10