Reviews

Hancock

Comedy or existential drama?

By BRETT MICHEL | July 1, 2008

1.5 Stars

Peter Berg is suffering from an identity crisis. Is he an actor? (See: The Kingdom.) A director? (See: well . . . The Kingdom.) Maybe not the best person with whom to entrust a Will Smith blockbuster. Berg’s latest, which suffers from a major identity crisis midway through, could be the biggest test of Smith’s ability to open a summer “tent-pole” picture since 1999’s equally addled The Wild Wild West. Is it a comedy? An existential drama? Smith plays John Hancock, superbeing and amnesiac. Known less for the crimes he prevents than for the property damage he causes, this drunken, surly “hero” ignores a warrant for his arrest until he saves the life of a naive publicist (Jason Bateman) who despite the better judgment of his wife (Charlize Theron) takes him on as a reclamation project. Will jail time reshape Hancock’s public image? What will restore Smith’s? 92 minutes | Boston Common + Fenway + Fresh Pond + Circle + Suburbs

Related: The Pursuit of Happyness, Crossword: ''Why the face?'', Legend of the last, More

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[ 05/26 ] "A Natural Order," photographs by Lucas Foglia @ David Winton Bell Gallery

[ 05/26 ] George Orwell's 1984, adapted by Nick Lane @ Gamm Theatre

[ 05/26 ] "2012 RISD Graduate Thesis Exhibition" @ Rhode Island Convention Center

ARTICLES BY BRETT MICHEL

REVIEW: GIRL IN PROGRESS | May 15, 2012
As rites of passage go, Girl in Progress is a step backward for the genre.

REVIEW: FIRST POSITION | May 10, 2012
While not the most probing look at rising stars, Bess Kargman's documentary focuses on six aspiring contestants preparing for the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix competition (a proven entry point into the world of professional ballet) who demonstrate dazzling talent.

REVIEW: THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL | May 03, 2012
Filled with Indian (and British) clichés, it is nonetheless a pleasant diversion that doesn't involve special effects or 3D glasses.

REVIEW: BLUE LIKE JAZZ | April 12, 2012
A faith-based film directed by Christian recording artist Steve Taylor, adapted by Taylor and Donald Miller from the latter's 2003 memoir, this micro-budgeted indie tries to appeal to everyone by not offending anyone . . . except those who like movies.

REVIEW: JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI | April 04, 2012
Eighty-five-year-old Jiro, with his unchanging expression and bald pate, resembles a wizened turtle. Leaving home at age 9 and forced to fend for himself, he would become the world's greatest sushi chef.