Hancock (2008)

Summary

Hancock is a darkly comedic superhero film that flips the genre on its head, starring Will Smith as the titular character, an incredibly powerful but deeply troubled and alcoholic superhero. Known for his reckless rescues that cause millions in property damage, John Hancock is hated by the public and lives as a drunken outcast in Los Angeles. His life changes when he reluctantly saves the life of public relations consultant Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman). Ray, seeing potential in Hancock, offers to help clean up his image, initiating a campaign to turn the public's perception around. However, Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), views Hancock with immediate, intense hostility, leading to the discovery of a profound, ancient secret that connects them all.

Plot

John Hancock is an immortal with immense strength, flight, and invulnerability, but his frequent drunkenness and general disregard for collateral damage make him a public menace. After a particularly destructive incident, he saves the life of Ray Embrey, a PR specialist with an almost absurdly optimistic outlook. Ray insists on helping Hancock change, starting by convincing him to voluntarily go to jail until the public misses him.

While in prison, Hancock undergoes therapy and begins to reform. When a major bank robbery and hostage situation occurs, Hancock, wearing a new, sensible suit, makes a heroic, successful, and damage-free return to action, winning the praise of the city.

Ray’s wife, Mary, remains suspicious and openly hostile towards Hancock. During a dinner confrontation, Mary displays impossible strength, revealing she is also a super-powered immortal. The truth is revealed: she and Hancock are the last of a pair-bonded race. When they are physically near each other for too long, they become mortal, which is why their kind always separated to remain safe and powerful. If they fall in love and stay together, they eventually die. This explains Hancock's amnesia and depression—Mary had forced him to leave her centuries ago to save his life after he was attacked and wounded (the only way their kind can be injured is when they are together).

The movie concludes with a showdown against three criminals Hancock put in jail, who now know he is vulnerable near Mary. In the fight, both Hancock and Mary are critically injured and begin to weaken as they stay close to protect Ray and his family. Realizing the danger, Hancock flies away and sacrifices his desire to be with Mary, leaving Earth to regain his full power and save her life, ensuring they can both remain immortal, powerful, and safe, though separated.

Cast

• Will Smith as John Hancock

• Charlize Theron as Mary Embrey

• Jason Bateman as Ray Embrey

• Eddie Marsan as Kenneth "Red" Parker Jr.

• Daeg Faerch as Michel

Crew

• Director: Peter Berg

• Screenplay: Vincent Ngo and Vince Gilligan

• Producers: Akiva Goldsman, James Lassiter, Will Smith, Michael Mann

• Music Composer: John Powell

• Cinematography: Tobias A. Schliessler

• Editor: Paul Rubell, Colby Parker Jr.

• Production Company: Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Bluegrass Films

Release Info

• Release Year: 2008

• Release Date: July 2, 2008 (United States)

• Running Time: 92 minutes

• Language: English

• Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Superhero