Hancock

Working sure does cut into the reading time. But weekends are still free to hang out with friends and to go to the movies.

Movie: Hancock

Genre: Action

Rating: PG-13

Movie Blurb: There are heroes, there are superheroes, and then there’s Hancock (Will Smith). With great power comes great responsibility - everyone knows that - everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock’s well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake. The public has finally had enough - as grateful as they are to have their local hero, the good citizens of Los Angeles are wondering what they ever did to deserve this guy. Hancock isn’t the kind of man who cares what other people think - until the day that he saves the life of PR executive Ray Embrey and the sardonic superhero begins to realize that he may have a vulnerable side after all. Facing that will be Hancock’s greatest challenge yet - and a task that may prove impossible as Ray’s wife, Mary insists that he’s a lost cause. See preview here.

Review: This is Will Smith's summer release for this year and I have to say I expected better. Hancock was an interesting story but overall poorly thought out and written. The well-intended acts of heroics that this hero performs seemingly causes more harm than good. Sure the bad guys are caught and people are saved, but the cost of the collateral damages is quite high: police cars destroyed, building and roads are badly damaged. And Hancock is not very lovable. He is a drunk, sarcastic loner who seems to go out of his way to annoy and has a large disregard for public opinion.

Enter Ray Embry, do gooder, a bit too goody-goody to be very interesting. Hancock saves his life and he decides to improve Hancock's public image. First he invites Hancock to dinner, much to his wife's dismay and son's delight. Then 'pitches' Hancock with the 'I can improve your image' spiel. For some unknown reason, or perhaps we are to assume that because Ray is treating him nicely, Hancock follows along tamely with Ray's ideas and goes to prison where he gives up alcohol and attends some anger management peer counseling while waiting for the world to miss him. The whole motive/inter-struggle of the hero was sadly lacking, there is no 'ah-ha' moment when the hero realizes that he can do good and make a difference.

The story had so much potential, but it all seemed to be watered down and very blase. Sure the surprise twist was interesting and it raised our hopes for a more dynamic action. But again I was left wanting. As twists go, it was fabulous, but unfortunately it went no where. That pretty much sums up the movie. Lots and lots of potential that went no where. A renter or better yet wait until its on TV and watch it for free.

Rating: 2.75 of 5

Going Out in the Real World

Contrary to popular belief, I do sometime venture out of my pajamas and into the great outdoors for something other than food and drugs. The summer movie rush is well on its way with a wider selection of blockbusters. The summer movie season is definitely looking good.

Movie: Ironman
Genre: Action/Adventure
Movie Blurb: Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios’ big screen adaptation of Marvel’s legendary Super Hero Iron Man launched into theaters on May 2, 2008. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the story of a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man. The film also stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges and will be directed by Jon Favreau. See preview here (Quicktime required).

I really enjoyed this movie. This is definitely what we look in a summer blockbuster movie. Lots of action and comedy throughout the story. The storyline was well developed and seamless. If you enjoyed the comics then you will not be disappointed with this film. It stayed true to the Marvel comic story line, with an update for this generations 'forces of evil', as well as the general feel of the classic comic. It was not all action, though there was plenty there to satisfy and not over done as some action films. A lot of comedy was sprinkled throughout the movie to lighten the tone. The casting was superb. Robert Downing Jr was perfectly cast as Tony Stark/Iron, he was the comic book hero brought to life. Ironman creator, Stan Lee, also makes a wonder cameo.

Rating: 5 of 5

Movie: You Don't Mess With The Zohan
Genre: Comedy
Movie Blurb: A comedy from screenwriters Adam Sandler, Robert Smigel (Triumph the Insult Comic Dog), and Judd Apatow (Knocked Up), Sandler stars as Zohan, an Israeli commando who fakes his own death in order to pursue his dream: becoming a hairstylist in New York. Dennis Dugan directs. See preview here (Quicktime required).

It was not as funny as I expected it to be. It was enjoyable but some of the jokes were overused in the film (Adam's well padded underwear). Its a film that you have to been in the right mood to fully enjoy. If you enjoyed Adam's other films (Mr. Deeds, The Waterboy, Happy Gilmore) and are looking for more, you will enjoy the film. Adam does a wonderful job of playing an Israeli commando trying to make a new life in America as a hairstylist. There are many cameos from the SNL casts that Adam was a part of as well as other well known faces.

Rating: 4 of 5