Welcome to Reel People. It’s a place where, you guessed it, real people like yourselves spout off on new movie releases. It works best if you - yes, we mean you - jump into the forum link below and tell us what you think of the movie, too.

This week, we’re watching Hancock.

What I Liked: There is a lot more to “Hancock” than its previews let on! I think Hancock’s character is a very original concept - a careless, sloppy, superhero slacker who is really just a very human person dealing with the pressures of immortality, extraordinary power, and loss of identity. Will Smith does a surprisingly decent job of evoking sympathy in a couple memorable scenes about loneliness and isolation. There are also a few very funny scenes involving the creative uses of superhero powers. The soundtrack is great and really helps to set the right mood for each scene. There was a lot more plot in store than I was expecting!

What I Disliked: “Hancock” felt like two entirely different stories squished badly into one movie. Halfway through the movie, just after Hancock cleans up his image, you realize the reason for all the weird information gaps and all the massive tension between Hancock and the wife of his public relations coach. The movie takes a dramatic turn away from what the previews lead you to expect. Instead of the two different stories complimenting one another, I feel that all the mystery ruins the first half of the movie by causing serious confusion about what’s going on, as well as robbing the audience’s ability to understand Hancock’s character because nothing is known of his past. Once the new storyline is introduced, everything becomes very rushed in a blur of explanations and action. Too much chemistry and emotion rides on just a couple scenes and it’s really not sufficient. Next thing you know, the abrupt ending leaves you feeling unsatisfied. I think “Hancock” would have been better o ff focusing on just one story.

Would I Recommend?: Yes, “Hancock” is an ok way to pass the time if you’re in the mood for a light hearted superhero movie without a lot of violence – at least compared to similar movies. Just don’t expect any emotional fulfillment!

Score: 5 out of 10

- Jessica Conrad

What I Liked: Hancock was a pretty funny flick.  Will Smith’s character was sarcastic, drunk, and sported an extremely cocky attitude.  His bad boy antics left me wondering what on earth he could possibly do next.  It was a refreshing deviation from the squeaky clean superhero image we are used to seeing on the big screen.  I greatly appreciated the fact that, unlike other staples of the superhero genre, Hancock did not get bitten by any mysterious spiders; he did not wake up one day to find himself in a pile of toxic waste; and he was not from any distant, uncharted planet that no longer exists.  Hancock was a superhero because, well, he just was.

What I Disliked: Although his dialogue was great, Smith’s idea of portraying a careless, drunken, delinquent superhero mainly consisted of holding a bottle while squinting his eyes and pursing his lips.  I found his “bad boy” performance lacking.  Charlize Theron’s character went from inconsequential to essential in about 0-60 seconds.  Her only purposes were to serve as Hancock’s opponent in a very short and disappointing fight scene and to provide a much needed, last minute back story.

Would I Recommend?: I would recommend the film although parents of small, impressionable children should be aware that there is some foul language in the movie.

Score: 6 out of 10

- Jessica A. Locke

What I Liked: The only redeeming quality was that it dealt with some of our blighted societal flaws, like prisons—homelessness—substance abuse and mental illness, which don’t get much consideration as part of our World. But once again the movie only briefly touches on some solutions, unless you consider the marketing director trying to rebrand this dysfunctional superhuman character as a palatable persona.

What I Disliked: The First quarter of the movie is vulgar, complacent, violent disrespectful, drunk, obnoxious and aggressive; which can describe any number of day to day encounters, which don’t really appeal to me as either funny, or entertaining as I hope for better in myself and my Country. The story line and Actors seem to lead us by the nose through a malaise of absurd situations, exaggerated—idiotic sequences with situational humor that delivers an uncomfortable laugh or grimace at its peculiarity.

Would I Recommend?: I wouldn’t recommend this for any categories of appreciation on any level other than boredom and no other options.

Score: 1 out of 10

- Michael Ritenour