Hancock

I could spend my review delving into Hancock's larger commentary on love or perhaps America's role in the world, but there's a reason that it came out the first week of July (newly christened "Will Smithsmas"): at its core, it's a fun, summer movie. But even though there are effects aplenty, Hancock still flies on the strength of its cast.

Will Smith stars as Hancock, a surly, swigging superhero who does more harm than good. He crashes through Los Angeles, leaving more damage than a minor earthquake and boasting breath so potent that lightweight bystanders could get drunk off the fumes. When he saves a good-hearted P.R. guru (Jason Bateman), his rescuee sees a chance for the hero's redemption. He even takes him home for dinner, where Hancock meets his adoring son and beautiful wife (Charlize Theron).

There's plenty going on here, and I won't give away the nicely done twist, but it certainly gives way to one of the better comic scenes of the year. There's plenty for Smith to do here--comedy, drama, action--and he is equally strong at each. Bateman departs nicely from his best role to date (Michael Bluth, of course), and Oscar winner Theron does a hell of a lot more than just look pretty as his wife, Angel. There are plenty of nice action sequences, but not a one is trumped by the performances of this trio.