‘Hancock’ the hung-over hero

“Hancock,” starring Will Smith as the sorriest superhero ever to fly the unfriendly skies, pleasantly surprised just about everyone last summer.

It’s the story of a bum who happens to fight crime and save humans in peril, in between bouts of drinking and despair. A PR man (Bateman) figures he can rehabilitate Hancock’s image — good luck! Hancock even takes an unusual interest in the PR guy’s stay-at-home wife (Charllize Theron).

Audiences loved its unpredictability, as the story takes a major turn heading into the final act. Just when you thought you had “Hancock” figured out …

Great acting from pretty much all involved: Smith, Theron, Bateman and even the the kid in the remake of “Halloween,” who has a brief bit as a weird bully.

The “Hancock” double-disc DVD
and Blu-ray offer state-of-the-art picture and sound. On Blu-ray, the Dolby TrueHD fills the living room with shattering glass and sonic booms. Hope the neighbors don’t call the cops!

Extra features are the usual fare, covering special effects, the making of the movie, stunts, etc. One terrific extra looks at the family house that was, remarkably, built on a studio lot — along with the rest of the cul de sac. Just imagine living there, actor Bateman says. “The security would be great.”

Perfect gift for: Teenage boys, Blu-ray buffs.
Buy “Hancock” at Amazon