Deep in the heart of this half-cocked apology for an action-comedy drama is a gem of an idea. Hancock is a superhero who has fallen on hard times. Part Frankenstein, part Superman, he who just wants to be loved, and could be if he got off the booze, stopped abusing the public and generally trashing Los Angeles every time he tries to save the day. So how does a despised superhero make people love him? Here’s the gem – hire a Public Relations manager. Yet director Peter Berg last insulted our intelligence with The Kingdom, so be warned.

Uncertain if his script is two-handed comedy, three-handed drama, action or adventure, Berg opts to throw all four at the wall in the hope something will stick. Mostly it doesn’t, leaving a big smear across the screen. Smith and Theron juice up the film in fitful moments, but they can’t hold down a story whose tone is forever lurching in a new and bewildering direction. Add the most frightful and pointless use of queasy-cam ever seen in cinema, and Hancock flies straight down the toilet, taking two Oscar-nominated actors with it.

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