Summer o' Movies 7: Hancock
Jul. 5th, 2008 09:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
woodwardiocomI think the reason this movie is getting bad reviews is because most movie critics don't understand that there's a qualitative difference between a hero film and a superhero film. In a hero film, Arnold or Jean-Claude is tough because he's tough. He can do what he does because of military training, or somesuch bit of history that can be explained in five seconds.
If a guy can fly and lift cars, however, the explanation is not that simple.
Enter Hancock, the drunk, angry superhero of Los Angeles. The first half of the film is about his assorted escapades, until he saves the life of a PR man, who sets out to rehabilitate his image. Along the way, we discover that Hancock is a deeply lonely man, looking for others like him, and wondering why he is the way he is.
About halfway through the movie, it takes a profound right turn, as Hancock starts to learn the answers. I imagine this is the point where a lot of the critics got angry. The explanation is big and complicated. It's kinda like not knowing what Superman's deal is until the last reel; at that point, bringing in a whole Last Son of Krypton thing might throw you off stride. But this guy can bounce bullets off his chest. You're supposed to be off your stride.
So, if you're expecting a superhero comedy like My Super Ex-Girlfriend, this ain't it. If you're interested in a movie with actual complex things to say about the Superhero genre, things which a lot of the Big Name properties haven't bothered with, Hancock is highly recommended.
If a guy can fly and lift cars, however, the explanation is not that simple.
Enter Hancock, the drunk, angry superhero of Los Angeles. The first half of the film is about his assorted escapades, until he saves the life of a PR man, who sets out to rehabilitate his image. Along the way, we discover that Hancock is a deeply lonely man, looking for others like him, and wondering why he is the way he is.
About halfway through the movie, it takes a profound right turn, as Hancock starts to learn the answers. I imagine this is the point where a lot of the critics got angry. The explanation is big and complicated. It's kinda like not knowing what Superman's deal is until the last reel; at that point, bringing in a whole Last Son of Krypton thing might throw you off stride. But this guy can bounce bullets off his chest. You're supposed to be off your stride.
So, if you're expecting a superhero comedy like My Super Ex-Girlfriend, this ain't it. If you're interested in a movie with actual complex things to say about the Superhero genre, things which a lot of the Big Name properties haven't bothered with, Hancock is highly recommended.
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Date: 2008-07-06 01:34 am (UTC)Then again, complex is sought for, not a detriment. Oh, right. Look at my life- I would say that, wouldn't I? Yep. :)
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Date: 2008-07-06 03:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-06 02:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-07 03:59 pm (UTC)