The Bottom Line
Pros
- Will Smith delivers an entertaining performance
- The premise is interesting - a different sort of spin on the superhero tale
Cons
- The extra features leave a lot to be desired
Description
- Starring Will Smith, Charlize Theron, and Jason Bateman
- Directed by Peter Berg
- The theatrical version is rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence and language
- DVD Release Date: November 25, 2008
Guide Review - 'Hancock' - 2-Disc Unrated Special Edition DVD Review
The Story
Superhero Hancock's personality ranges from grumpy on his best days to outright obnoxious on his worst. He's no stranger to sleeping off booze on park benches and to finding himself on the receiving end of boos and bad press. That changes when PR guy Ray Embrey (Bateman) takes Hancock under his wing, hoping to transform him into more of a storybook version of what a superhero should be.Ray's wife, Mary Embrey (Theron), is supportive of Ray's work and basically friendly to Hancock when there's anyone around. But it's obvious there's something weird lurking underneath both Mary and Hancock's calm exteriors when they're not alone. Mary has a secret of her own, which Hancock alone is privy to.
The Bonus Features
The 'Special Edition' has a fairly decent collection of extra material, although what it doesn't include stands out more than what's actually on the disc. Where are the deleted scenes, the gag reel, and commentary track? Director Berg's an interesting filmmaker and Smith's always entertaining to hear talk about movies - it's a real disappointment that neither provide any commentary on the Hancock DVD.But what is on the disc is good stuff. The 2-Disc Special Edition package contains both the theatrical release and the new unrated version of the film (no spoilers here but if you have to pick one and you haven't seen the theatrical release, you should skip it and go straight to the unrated version). Disc 1 also includes seven behind the scenes featurettes which focus on various aspects of making Hancock. Everything from the stunts to the costume design work to animating certain shots to the backstory of the Hancock character are covered in-depth. There's also a bit on director Peter Berg and building/designing the sets. Disc 2 is digital copy of the film for use in your PC/PSP.
