Who is the Superhero??

I finally had the chance to take a break from the hectic week I had as part of the commencement video crew. Yes, there’s nothing like a hot date with Wenbin dear to chill me out. =))) On 11 July 2008 evening, we went to watch “Hancock”.

Hancock is a 20088 superhero film directed by Peter Berg and starring Will Smith, Jason Bateman, and Charlize Theron. It tells the story of a superhero, John Hancock (Smith), from Los Angeles whose reckless actions routinely cost the city millions of dollars. Eventually one person he saves, Ray Embrey (Bateman), makes it his mission to change Hancock's public image for the better.(with reference from Wikipedia)

Some interesting points to look out for in this movie:

1. Unlike any heros or superheros, Hancock just have the problem of being “hated” by the citizens of Los Angeles, despite his efforts for saving the people. I particularly like this entertaining part of the movie as Hancock is a well-known alcoholic superhero afflicted with amnesia. His powers include flight, invulnerability, fantastic physical strength and extreme longetivity (basically he doesn't age). He regularly saves lives and catches criminals. Hancock's ineptly-executed rescues, however, routinely cost the city millions of dollars in collateral property damage as he is nearly always intoxicated. This particular hero, however, could not care less what anybody thinks and routinely ignores court subpoenas and loudly disrespects anyone who gives him attitude. One instance will be, he would use brute force on anyone, and I mean anyone who calls him an “asshole”. =P

2. As a result of being unwelcome by the people, Hancock shows that he does have a vulnerable side as well. In this case, just like any ordinary human being, Hancock faces the problem of being rejected by the people around him. Hancock is often found in an untidy and dirty look, drinking excessively in a corner of a bar himself. However being his savior, Ray Embrey manages to turn Hancock’s life around by changing Hancock’s tarnished image for a confounded so-called superhero, to one true superhero.

What I gathered from here is: No matter how great a person one is, like Hancock, human attributes and relationships are far more important in order for one to be successful in the long run. With increasing acceptance by the public, Hancock slowly realizes his worth and is thus able to serve the public better. Hancock achieves this by understanding that in order to be accepted by people, he MUST first accept others. Hence he took his first step by portraying a clean and positive image. Good job Hancock (:

3. Lastly, I personally find the relationship between Hancock and Ray’s wife Mary kinda weird. Initially I though Mary fears Hancock’s visit might be a bad influence to her son. She constantly gives an annoyed face whenever Hancock is around. The truth is there is a special relationship between the hero and this beautiful female leading character. I shan’t reveal more. (Watch the show yourself la =P)

However I DON’T quite like the story buildup, as some parts especially on the relationship between the characters are neither well explained nor relevant to the plot. It is a satire in a superhero movie!! The show is great minus this “extra” effect.

After the show, we roamed freely at The Cathay Cineplex and took some real silly photographs. Do enjoy them and catch “Hancock” in the cinemas soon. Cya again.



THE END...(: