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2 stars**

The real star of this movie is not the superhero as expected, but Charlize Theron. She provides the film’s one real twist and then becomes the obvious star. Her acting ability has never been in question and here she proves, yet again, that she really knows how to perform. She becomes her role as she moves from past life to current life. The twist (and what movie could be without one) was so good I never saw it coming. When you see it (and I won’t spoil it for you here) you’ll know what a surprise it was. She takes us on a roller coaster ride from high emotions to constant fear, from concerned mother and wife to ecstatic world saver.

So what’s it all about? John Hancock (played by Will Smith – slightly better than your recent films, Will) is a miserable, alcoholic superhero who is living in his own sad and lonely world. He has saved numerous lives in LA over the years, but in doing so has caused extensive property damage costing the city millions of dollars. The general public has had enough of Hancock, and wants him to either stop or move to another city.

The effects must get a good mention, but in two entirely different ways. All of the effects are produced magnificently, but some are completely wasted and over too quick before the blink of an eye. Our ex hero throws a whale from a beach, but it hits a sailing ship out at sea. It couldn’t have been on screen for more than a second. If you’re spending that much money, please let us take it in. The same could be said for the train that fell over. Let us see it, please.

The dull parts of the movie are really dull and there appears to be too many of them. They’re like lulls before the storm. Long lulls. You can’t wait for the storm, but the excitement level has fallen too far when they do ultimately arrive.

Also, I wasn’t sure if I was watching a comedy or a tragedy. It flowed from one to the other with no direct route. Perhaps there were too many ideas and the cutting table (yes I know a computer does it these days) trimmed either too far or in the wrong places. Were they trying to fit too much in?

The ending was very cheesy and unnecessary. It was embarrassing.

So why didn’t Charlize Theron get a real show or mention in the trialers? Was she too good or did the filmmakers want to hide her source code?

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