This superhero film released the same year as Iron Man exploded at the box office with $600 million, but did not have the same fate as Marvel

News culture This superhero film released the same year as Iron Man exploded at the box office with $600 million, but did not have the same fate as Marvel

Take a Netflix subscription card on Micromania

A very good year for superheroes

The year 2008 marked a real turning point in the world of cinema, and especially with regard to blockbusters. Even if many surely remember major releases like the first part of the saga Twilightfrom the very first Takenor even Quantum of Solaceit's a completely different cinematic genre that invaded cinemas in 2008. We of course want to talk about superhero movieswhich experienced notable growth after this year, as we have seen over the last 15 years with the plethora of new productions DC et Marvel.

As a reminder, among the superhero films released in 2008, we find essentials of the genre like The Dark Knight of Christopher Nolan, Iron Man of Jon Favreauor even Hellboy II: The Golden Legions of Doom of Guillermo del Toro. Of course, we can't forget either The Incredible Hulk of Louis Leterrieralthough many do not think to include it in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCUor even Hancock of Peter Berga feature film with an interesting proposition, but which inevitably will not hold up against the beginnings of the MCU.

Why did Hancock fail?

Hancock highlights the character of John Hancockan alcoholic superhero played by Will Smith. A real walking disaster, Hancock is shunned by the residents of the city of Los Angeles because of the major damage he causes every time he tries to protect them. Discouraged by his difference and by the treatment he receives, he feels a deep loneliness which he drowns in alcohol until his meeting with Ray Embreya public relations officer whom he saves when he was about to be hit by a train. Therefore, Ray trying to help Hancock to improve its image.

On paper, the plot proposed by Hancock is very interesting, and we find some echoes of it with the alcoholism of Tony Stark In Iron Man 2and even later with the self-medication of Thor In Avengers : Endgame. Everything relating to the destruction of public roads and the consequences of superhero interventions also comes up in Captain America : Civil Warthen why Hancock Did it not have the desired effect?

If we just look at the numbers, Hancock posts a worldwide box office of more than 600 million dollarsagainst 585 milllions pour Iron Man. But it's the storytelling and execution of Hancock which led to his downfall. Indeed, even if the film starts with a rather solid first act, the following acts go in all directions, losing spectators and critics in the process, especially when the intrigue around the character of Charlize Theron is starting to reveal itself, and it's a shame.