Kids in London - Hancock

We are all Will Smith fans here and whilst my son was old enough to see 'I am legend' recently, my daughter was not. So this is a 12 film with a couple of bits that are not suitable for the younger kids (e.g. a siege situation where a hand is removed - although there are no gory bits - and a prison scene where part of one person is inserted into the part of another person - but again, nothing inappropriate is shown).

Anyway, it is a funny film with some interesting messages. Super-hero Hancock drinks a lot and generally has a bad attitude which means that some of his heroic acts are not appreciated by the police and the public. I guess the "good but misunderstood" theme might strike a nerve with some of today's youth.

So. An unlikely non-superhero emerges to save the day and he is a PR man. But with a beautiful wife (and son) who also has a special secret. The PR magic works and Hancock volunteers to go to jail for a while for some of his past misdemeanours...even though he can break out easily. Anyway, inevitably the crime situation worsens and he is called on to help sort the problems out. So he receives the accolade usually reserved for super-heroes. Then the twisty immortal love bit emerges...but fortunately there is a happy end. Good job!

So. It IS corny in places. And predictable sometimes. But the idea of how the world would react to a real super-hero and how lonely he (or she) might be makes it interesting. And the action scenes are fabulous. The "dealing with the bully" scenes must be what all kids dream about. The idea that you can change the way people see you just by behaving a little differently and appreciating others is powerful. And another important idea is that even though you may be very strong, you can't always have what you want and that if you really love someone you will sacrifice your own desires are conveyed too. I must admit though, I kept thinking about that line from Spiderman which was "With great power goes great responsibility".

Anyway. It is a good film with lots of laughs and most older kids will enjoy it. Will Smith reigns still supreme.

:thumbsup: