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Real-life superhuman crime-fighters are a PR nightmare, what with their whale-throwing and constant destruction of city property. So after PR man Ray (Jason Bateman, funny) is saved by the world's lone superhero John Hancock (Will Smith)—who, of course, isn't the world's only alcoholic jerk—Ray aims to soften the gruff hero's public image. Charlize Theron also stars as Ray's wife.

Big question: Can Smith deliver another winner for the July 4th weekend-with the action movie one of our founding fathers always hoped he would inspire?

Skip it: Nice idea—what if a superhero didn't have a secret identity and had to play to the media?—but a medium-sized oops on the execution. Director Peter Berg isn't sure how cartoonish he wants to be, and a running time under 90 minutes (minus credits) doesn't let Smith really have fun with a persona that's both grouchy and arrogant. Even if spot-on casting matches him with possibly the only comic book character (not actually taken from a comic book) that he's cut out to play.

Catch it: If you envy Hancock's ability to skyrocket himself into the air and shave with his fingernails, sans razor. Sorry, buddy, we won't be impressed until you can also pass on the shaving cream.

Bottom line: Halfway through the movie pauses, shrugs and wonders where to go next, scrapping most of the heroes-need-love psychology and adding an absurd backstory just to pump up the action. This, of course, would be less of a problem if the movie had any rhythm or momentum and the effects didn't seem like castoffs from "My Super Ex-Girlfriend."

Bonus: Ray finally has the guts to pitch a campaign to drug companies that involves them offering their new product free of charge to those who need it most. And guess what their answer is?!

Video: Watch the review of 'Hancock'

What do you think of 'Hancock'? Email me: mpais@tribune.com

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