Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- irreverent
- witty
- darkly comic
- action movie night
- superhero marathon
What critics said
Critics generally found the premise amusing and promising but judged the film's abrupt tonal shifts, weak later story, and inconsistent execution undermining its superhero satire.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Hancock repeatedly saves people while destroying property and creating enormous costs for los angeles.
John Hancock is invulnerable and powerful but alcoholic, clumsy, and widely hated.
The film shifts from abrasive urban comedy into tragedy, romance, and mythology around Hancock and Mary.
Ray Embrey uses his advertising expertise to rehabilitate Hancock's reputation as a superhero.
Films like Hancock, and why
Deadpool
shares irreverent superhero comedy, destructive heroics, redemption themes, and a flawed central protagonist
Super
shares a troubled superpowered protagonist, urban action spectacle, dark humor, and questions about heroic responsibility
The Incredibles
shares superhero satire, reluctant heroism, dysfunctional relationships, and a blend of comedy with emotional drama
Shazam!
shares a powerful but immature hero, redemption through public image, and comedic fantasy action
Movie Details
- Director
- Peter Berg
- Release Date
- 2008-07-01
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (10515)
Cast
- Will Smith
- Charlize Theron
- Jason Bateman
- Jae Head
- Eddie Marsan
- David Mattey
- Maetrix Fitten
- Thomas Lennon
- Johnny Galecki
- Hayley Marie Norman
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Hancock about?
- A disgraced, alcoholic superhero tries to repair his public image while an enigmatic family exposes the emotional cost of his power.
- What is Hancock like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Hancock as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Hancock violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Hancock as moderate.
- What did critics think of Hancock?
- Critics generally found the premise amusing and promising but judged the film's abrupt tonal shifts, weak later story, and inconsistent execution undermining its superhero satire.
- Which films are like Hancock?
- Films with a similar feel include Deadpool, Super, The Incredibles, and Shazam!.
- How long is Hancock?
- Hancock runs 92 minutes.
- Where can I watch Hancock?
- In United States, Hancock streams on YouTube TV.
