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| Movie Review: Hancock Alternate Title: Asshole
Story: Imagine the scene at
the Hollywood office when the pitch for this film was made. I envision
it went something like this - 'how about a making a Superhero movie
- but the hero is a bum that everyone hates? How about if he drinks,
curses, damages property, does not wear a cape and generally causes
chaos in his wake? And how about if that Superhero is Will Smith
and we open the film July 4th week?' The pitch is bought, but sadly,
no one ever wrote the end of the story. Therein lies the rub. Director Peter Berg does not
deliver with the script by Vincent Ngo and Vince
Gilligan. This promising storyline turned into a muddled film
that lost its way. It is one of those films where the marketing is false.
It has been advertised with a guy starring as a cutesy, fumbling, but
cuddly Superhero but it actually turns very dark midway through the
story. Without giving anything away, our Superhero saves
a struggling do-gooder PR guy. As payback, the PR guy wants to change
Superhero's image. This goes along for a warm, fuzzy while then everything
changes. The movie simply does not work and never seems to find a determined
path. We are duped and ultimately disappointed. Save your money and
wait for the Dark Knight which opens shortly. Watch the bait and switch trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZQQgvhn4jg Acting: If you like Will Smith,
and I do - he does his thing well. He is a large screen presence and
handles his role as you would expect. Jason Bateman
is always the lovable perfect Dad, boyfriend, husband, friend that you
might want to have. Charlize Theron does the best with
the strange role she is given.
Predilection: I like movies that have a Superhero.
Critters: Dogs, cats and birds.
Food: Meatballs and spaghetti have a rather large
role.
Sex Spectrum: No sex please, it is a PG/Will Smith
film.
Blatant Product Placement: I saw this a few days
ago and have forgotten many details but I do remember Dasani and Dunkin
Donuts. Soundtrack: Loud
Opening Titles: Can't remember
Visual Art: The film is one digital special effect.
Visually loud and busy.
Theater Audience: Moderate crowd with some laughs
and some, who incredibly, were talking aloud to the screen. Note: I
HATE THAT!
Weather: It is LA - it is lovely.
Sappy Factor: 1
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: I squirmed at the lack of a script.
Drift Factor: I drifted often.
Predictability Level: Over the top. There is a 'surprise'
to some - but not to me.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: I guess if you like Will Smith
you will see it on the big screen but you could easily skip it and wait
for it on free TV.
Length: Long at 90 minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 4
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