Hancock Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Drunk Superman gets a PR makeover and then finds out his soulmate is a suburban mom who can also throw him through walls; the power of codependency is then explored.

🍿 Hancock: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Hancock

John Hancock, portrayed by Will Smith, is a superhero with incredible powers, but his alcoholism and reckless behavior have made him a public menace in Los Angeles. He saves lives but causes extensive property damage, leading to widespread resentment and numerous lawsuits. Hancock’s apathy and destructive tendencies have made him the city’s most hated figure. Hancock’s initial scenes showcase his indifference to public opinion and the consequences of his actions. He is a reluctant hero, more interested in his next drink than upholding justice. This establishes a unique take on the superhero archetype, contrasting with traditional portrayals of selfless and responsible heroes.

Ray Embrey’s Offer

After Hancock saves the life of public relations expert Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) from an oncoming train, Ray sees an opportunity to rehabilitate Hancock’s image. Ray believes that with the right guidance, Hancock can become a true hero and win back the public’s trust. He proposes a plan to improve Hancock’s public perception, emphasizing responsibility and minimizing collateral damage. Ray’s offer sets the stage for Hancock’s transformation. Initially skeptical, Hancock eventually agrees to Ray’s plan, leading to a series of events aimed at reshaping his public persona. This partnership introduces a comedic element to the story, as Ray attempts to rein in Hancock’s chaotic behavior.

Jail Time and Costume Change

As part of Ray’s plan, Hancock agrees to serve jail time for outstanding warrants, demonstrating his willingness to take responsibility for his past actions. During his incarceration, crime rates rise, highlighting Hancock’s importance to the city. Upon his release, Ray presents Hancock with a new superhero costume, symbolizing his commitment to a new image. Hancock’s time in jail serves as a turning point in his character development. He experiences the consequences of his actions and recognizes the need for change. The new costume signifies his embrace of a more conventional superhero role, albeit with his unique flair.

Bank Robbery and Public Approval

Hancock’s first act after his release involves stopping a bank robbery, where he saves a police officer and apprehends the criminals. This successful intervention earns him public applause and renewed appreciation. Hancock begins to enjoy his newfound popularity, but a dinner with Ray and his wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), reveals a hidden connection and a shocking truth. The bank robbery sequence showcases Hancock’s improved control and responsibility. His successful crime-fighting efforts lead to positive media coverage and public approval. However, the dinner scene introduces a mysterious element, hinting at a deeper storyline involving Mary and Hancock’s past.

The Revelation of Mary’s Powers

After Ray is taken home drunk, Hancock kisses Mary, which leads to her throwing him through a wall. This reveals that Mary also possesses superpowers, setting off a confrontation. Mary explains that they are both immortals who have lived for thousands of years, often being mistaken for gods and angels. She further reveals they are part of a pair, and each pair of superhumans has died off throughout history. This plot twist dramatically shifts the narrative from a superhero rehabilitation story to a complex exploration of immortal beings and their intertwined destinies. The revelation adds layers of mystery and intrigue to the plot, altering the dynamic between the main characters.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Hancock (Will Smith): A perpetually drunk and reluctant superhero with amnesia and immense power, struggling with public perception and his own identity.
• Mary (Charlize Theron): Ray’s wife who possesses superpowers and a mysterious connection to Hancock that threatens their existence.
• Ray (Jason Bateman): A public relations expert who takes on the challenge of improving Hancock’s image, unaware of the complexities involved.
• Red (Eddie Marsan): A bank robber who seeks revenge on Hancock, becoming a catalyst for the hero’s vulnerability.
• Aaron (Jae Head): Ray’s son who is initially a devoted fan of Hancock, representing the innocent perspective of the public.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Hancock: “All of you people, blocking the intersection, you’re all idiots.” – Hancock expresses his frustration with the traffic and the crowd after stopping a high-speed chase, showcasing his initial abrasive personality.
• John Hancock: “Okay. Well, you should sue McDonald’s, ’cause they fucked you up.” – Hancock responds sarcastically to a woman suggesting she should sue him, highlighting his lack of concern for public opinion.
• John Hancock: “Call me that one more time.” – Hancock’s trigger phrase to being called an ‘Asshole’, which usually results in an over-the-top violent response.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $150,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $227,946,274
• Worldwide Gross: $629,443,428

💥 Hancock Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing Hancock in theaters and being so hyped for a different kind of superhero movie. Will Smith as a sarcastic, alcoholic hero? Sign me up! The first half was hilarious, especially all the property damage. But then that weird twist happened, and I just lost interest. I still love Will Smith, but I only rewatch the first hour now. That first jail scene was gold.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Will Smith”
  • “Viewers looking for a unique take on the superhero genre”
  • “Those who enjoy action-comedy films with a dark twist”
  • “Viewers who appreciate movies with a blend of action, humor, and drama”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Language”
  • “Violence”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Smith’s charisma nearly saves this superhero flick, but the script’s wild tonal shifts leave it feeling disjointed. It’s entertaining, but never quite reaches its potential.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Hancock starts strong with its subversive take on superhero tropes, but quickly devolves into a muddled mythology involving immortal lovers. The first half is worth a chuckle, the second is a head-scratcher.
• The New York Times: “Will Smith brings charm to his portrayal, but the film never manages to escape its own chaotic structure. The result is an unsatisfying and ultimately forgettable summer blockbuster.

Audience Reactions

The initial concept of a flawed and destructive superhero was refreshing and funny.: Viewers generally enjoyed the comedic elements and Will Smith’s performance, especially in the first half of the film.

The plot twist involving Mary’s identity and the immortal couple dynamic was polarizing.: Many felt the twist derailed the film, making it convoluted and less enjoyable.

Overall Consensus: Hancock presents an interesting concept with a charismatic lead, but its uneven tone and divisive plot twist ultimately hinder its overall impact.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The original screenplay was much darker, with Hancock being sexually frustrated because he couldn’t have sex with a woman without killing her. This was toned down for a broader audience.”
• “The MPAA initially gave the film an R rating twice before language and violence cuts resulted in a PG-13 rating.”
• “Several elements of this movie may be inspired by the now defunct Broadway Comics.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hancock?

Hancock is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for cable on-demand options. For physical copies, search online retailers or visit local stores selling DVDs and Blu-rays.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hancock, you might like these similar films:

• My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006): Comedic take on superheroes dealing with personal issues and public perception, though with a romantic comedy focus.
• Darkman (1990): Deals with a flawed protagonist gaining superhuman abilities and seeking to balance justice with personal struggles.
• Brightburn (2019): Explores the darker side of having superpowers, with a focus on the negative impact on society.

🛒 Hancock Related Products

• Hancock (Blu-ray): Experience Hancock in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition, featuring bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Hancock – Hancock: Add the Hancock Funko Pop! figure to your collection. This vinyl figure captures Hancock’s signature look with his sunglasses and brooding demeanor.
• Will Smith Collection (DVD): This collection features several movies of Will Smith, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the best of Will Smith in one package.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hancock features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Whammer Jammer” – performed by The J. Geils Band
• “The Story of John Hancock” – performed by John Powell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hancock Pitch Meeting

Curious about those moments in Hancock that left you scratching your head? This video takes a lighthearted look at the film’s inconsistencies and quirks, promising a good laugh for fans.

The Strange Legacy of Hancock

If you’re a fan of Hancock and wondered why it seems to have faded into obscurity, this video offers a thought-provoking exploration of the film’s troubled journey and its impact on its legacy.

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