Hancock

Hancock is a 2008 American superhero comedy film that tells the story of John Hancock, an alcoholic and cynical one-time superhero who has grown weary of the world's expectations and more tired of the gratitude he barely receives in return for his services. In Hancock's point of view, the world owes him nothing, perhaps especially since he has been exposed to an extraordinary amount of dangers and suffering as a result of his "heroic" actions. Hancock is constantly lambasted in the press and by the general public for the destruction he inflicts on property as he saves lives and fights crime. The destruction is inevitable, as Hancock has simply too much raw power to attempt to carry out nuanced, precision strikes while engaging in battle, which gives rise to concern among his peers and police officers. Just as Hancock's popularity starts to wane, he meets Mary Embrey, a newly pregnant wife who loses her husband through Hancock's reckless destruction. Deeply distraught over the loss, Mary begins a highly publicized anti-Hancock campaign as a way of coming to terms with her grief. It is here that Ray Embrey, Mary's father, sets out to reinvent Hancock's public image and reshape the urban legend that surrounds him. Ray believes that people will miss the hero once he is out of the picture and come to sympathize with Hancock's dark side; thus bringing balance to the negative and harsh portrayal the general public has placed upon him. Ray intends to confine Hancock and provide an excuse for him to temporarily suspend his heroic activities. At first, the strategy seems to be working. The people of Hancock's hometown catch onto the news of their superhero's imprisonment and struggle to cope with the lack of his powers in times of crisis. They become increasingly sympathetic towards Hancock and the harm he suffers in an act of retribution by an abusive parole officer in prison, played by Eddie Marsan. Ray's agent, now partnering with the local mayor, creates a PR campaign, which depicts the once-maligned Hancock in a positive light: one who is likable, damaged, rather complicated, but ultimately willing to contribute. On the street, in the middle of his six-month stay in San Quentin State Prison, people begin writing prayers for Hancock's release, and when finally set free, he is met with a mob of overjoyed fans who cannot thank him enough for his courage. However, with his newfound celebrity and growing affection from the people of Los Angeles, Hancock starts to feel under pressure to not only recreate his heroic exploits but to top himself, like an exciting cocktail, setting him as a role-model. Meanwhile, as Mary's sentiments toward Hancock - that her 'anti-Hancock' campaign helped provoke change in his conduct - change - she will marry Hancock instead that could have resulted in catastrophic accidents. Since John's willingness to set aside his rogue tendencies for as long as necessary to live the life that Mary had once given him is severely damaged before the audience sees any solid display of his heroism and commitment; despite these positive developments, the man ultimately has too much ego to fit any stable and serious part. All over again, his heroic feats, and the devastation that usually results, start anew, which has now made him truly torn throughout this most trying juncture of his extraordinary life. As audiences start to comprehend that Hancock won't be changing his ways for long, Mary realizes that she never truly had the options of having the kind of normalcy she desired and also starts doubting whether Hancock can genuinely spare their lives even if it means upsetting his taste and flair. As with this conflicting urgency and the various destructive losses Hancock could unleash as man of might and mighty hero but in contradiction true monster, this emotional paradox does come around to test whether public celebrity can overcome any inbuilt quality – perhaps either of us at a time will become the burden. In the years to come, Hancock becomes more of the destructive antihero compared to in earlier years, which has made his kind of individual one where perhaps the greater burden was handed down to Mary and Ray, to navigate their decision as Hancock in his best, would do their own worst.