Hancock Is A Ssssmash: So What Did You Think?
Since Tuesday,Hancockhas grossed over $40 million domestically and is on track to stack $100 million plus by wke’s end. While early word from critics and geeks is decidedly mixed, that’s a lot of moolah forWill Smith, directorPeter Berg(his first major hit), andSony. How puzzling then thatNikke Finkesays there are serious doubts circling inside the studio regardingHancock’s franchise potential—she even compares the film’s buzz toWild Wild West. Jab, Hook, Jab. With a reported budget of $150 million,Jeff WellscriesFehif the film grosses $90 mill or less by Sunday. Meanwhile, Diddyswoonedand probably received a nice paycheck.UPDATE2: It’son targetfor $110 million. Wells now says he’s “in pain.” Aww.
My take: the flow of flip-flops, Crocs and wheelies after the holiday will remain steady, less steady thanI Am Legend, which received similar “third act was wack” laments, but so what? Will Smith’s “coasting” will outperform the equally priceyThe Incredible Hulk. And judging from early viewer comments below, “light fun” beats out-and-out hate.
Discuss: So, what did you think? In a summer of superlative superhero outings, where does Will Smith’s gravity-defying, comic-less street gruff fall? What did you make of the twisteroo that’s drawing steely comparisons to the guy who madeThe Happening? Would the film have been cooler if it was freed up by anR-ratingas originally envisioned andmarkedby the MPAA—click hereto readVincent Ngo’s leaked screenplay forTonight, He Comes. Was the 92-minute running time too short? Was the editing botched? Is a sequel warranted? What of the performances of Smith andCharlize Theron? Does theHancockstoryline/concept cancel out “Demon in a Bottle” forIron Man 2as some have prematurely suggested in the preceding weeks? Worth seeing in a theater?
