Hancock

Superhero films are all the rage at the moment and the makers of Hancock have come up with something original at a time when remakes and adaptations flourish.

And they almost hit the target. Almost.

Will Smith, in yet another `Will Smith saves the world' role, plays John Hancock who has all the attributes of a superhero except purpose. Sure he saves the day but he is loathed for the damage he causes along the way.

When he saves struggling PR guy Ray Embry (Jason Bateman) he is convinced, eventually, that he needs to change his ways. People should love him, Embry tells Hancock.

Embry's wife Mary (Charlize Theron) takes an instant cautious dislike to Hancock and we are surprised to find out why.

Hancock is very entertaining. He behaves somewhat like a little kid, over reacting to being called names (one in particular) and handing out justice in destructive ways. He's like a kid, except for the alcoholism.

I know Hancock has been given lukewarm reviews but I have to say it was refreshing in a way. They've had a go at a different take on a superhero story and it does work, just not as well at it could have. At just over 90 minutes it is short but that's okay. It could have been a shade longer without dragging at all.

I'm going for 7.5 out of 10, largely because it is funny and entertaining and surprising. And I've seen a lot, lot worse this year.