Literary HackHancock - A Different Kind of Superhero
December 5th 2008 16:51
Columbia Pictures superhero film Hancock was released this week on DVD and Blu-ray. Starring Will Smith, Hancock presents a different type of superhero than we are used to seeing on film. I find it a great improvement over other mega action superhero flicks.
Most refreshing is that Will Smith's character, John Hancock, is not the archetypal hero in the style of Batman, Superman or even Spiderman. He is a mad-at-the-world drunk who just happens to have super strength and the ability to fly. This down to earth realism in portraying a human with special talents definitely sets this movie apart. Think about it, were there real superheroes in the world wouldn't he or she have the same problems as any other human? Would they just instinctively know how to be personable and how to control their powers so they don't hurt innocent people? Just having super strength wouldn't guarantee a person knowing how to deal with it.
Generally, these super-human characters are relegated to being cast into the villain role, because naturally if you aren't happy with your lot in life or unable to cope, you turn to crime. I mean it's true in the real world, oh wait I forgot it's NOT. It is so much more plausible that you would just be a maladjust much in the same fashion as the Will Smith's character. Perhaps the best credit to Hancock is no super villain in the story. I mean grandiose battles between white hat heroes and black suit evil masterminds were played out long ago. I know many people will want to see evil overcome because it makes them feel all warm and fuzzy, but that doesn't mean there can't be some creativity about it. Hancock does not fall short on the battling evil front; the evil is just a little more like what you would see on the daily news.
Naturally, all good stories have to have an antagonist and protagonist for balance. But does it have to be the central theme so much of the time? I guess it's just the easiest thing to do. Hancock in this respect spends more time on the everyday life parts of its tale. Now by no means does this make the film boring, unless of course you have the attention span of a goldfish and enjoy those "pack as much action into a 2 hour period" films. If so stay away. Hancock is not devoid of action either it just isn't the main focus. It is more about the people, if that appeals to you as well as a certain amount of action, then check it out.
| 52 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
