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David McK (3562 KP) rated Hancock (2008) in Movies

Apr 11, 2021 (Updated Jul 11, 2022)  
Hancock (2008)
Hancock (2008)
2008 | Action, Comedy, Drama
8
7.1 (16 Ratings)
Movie Rating
"Good job" / "no, you did a good job"
You know that bit in Superman 3 (I think) where Superman goes bad?

Straightening the leaning tower of Pisa, blowing out the Olympic torch, drinking, etc?

That's pretty much how this film starts, with Will Smith's Hancock a hard-drinking, hard-living (and miserably lonely) 'superhero' more concerned about his next drink than saving the day.

However, when he recues publicist Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), Hancock soon becomes convinced to change his way of life, voluntarily surrendering himself to the authorities (who are sick of the damage he has caused and the ensuing financial implications of the same) and going to prison until the public starts missing him and the police need his help.

There is a real surprise in the third Act of the film, which does take it in a totally different direction that it had been going up to that point.
  
Die Hard (1988)
Die Hard (1988)
1988 | Action
For my money, this is Bruce Willis's breakout role as New York detective John McClane, who - when visiting his estranged wife Holly for Christmas in Los Angeles - gets caught up when a group of criminals (led by Alan Rickman, in another brilliant role) seizes control of the high-rise building in which she works.

On his own, and presenting a more everyday action hero than the like of Schwarzenegger or Stallone (who would probably walk over broken glass without flinching in one of their films), the wise-cracking McClane finds himself taking on the group one by one in the cramped confines of the high rise.

There's a reason many-a-film since has been called "Die Hard on a xxx"

In short, oft imitated but never bettered

(and, back here, McClane has not yet transformed into the almost-superhero who shrugs off injuries that would cripple a lesser man that he becomes in the alter films)
  
Blood Surfer (Thunder City #1)
Blood Surfer (Thunder City #1)
Debra Jess | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the second book in the 'Superhero' category that I have read recently, and this one is once again absolutely amazing!

With a plot that grabs you from the very first word, characters that are completely believable (considering their world), family angst, childish tricks gone bad, and betrayal - it's all here!

The relationship between Scott and Hannah is very fast, whilst paradoxically a slow-burner. The friendship, trust, and possibly more, take time to build up even as circumstances throw them together.

With a world that I would love to return to, and a bunch of characters that I would love to read more of, this is a fantastic read that builds to a rip-roaring climax. Thoroughly enjoyed, highly recommended, and I can't wait for book two!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 9, 2016