When you think of a superhero, you think of somebody good, don't you? You think of them as clean cut, sober beings who only want to help others and do good things.
And while they might look similar to other human beings their extraordinary powers make them stand out from the rest, and make them able to do the most amazing things - often saving people's lives from natural and man-made disasters.
Unfortunately, in our boring 'real' world we don't have superheroes but they do exist in the world of comic books, cartoons and movies.
And I'm sure most of the kids out there could easily name a few superheroes off the top of their little heads.
They might think of Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Wonderwoman and Captain America or any of the characters from films such as 'Fantastic Four', or 'X-Men'.
Someone who the children probably wouldn't think of is someone like 'Hancock', a new superhero with a bit of a bad attitude.
New for summer 2008 'Hancock' stars Will Smith as the most unlikely, and a down right grumpy, superhero.
On first impressions it appears that Hancock has most of the traits other superheroes have: He can fly; he is enormously strong; he instinctively knows when people are in danger or in trouble, and he is 'inherently' good.
However, while a hero like Superman is whiter than white and is a good role model Hancock is a bit of a drunk and has a very bad attitude problem.
He still saves people and fights against evil but he does it with some heavy sarcastic comments and tends to cause a serious bit of damage in the process.
Hancock is a native of Los Angeles (LA) and the inhabitants of the city start to tire of his sloppy ways and his foul language.
Anyway, one day while out on his rounds he saves the life of PR executive Ray (played by Jason Bateman) and, as a thank you to Hancock Bateman's character decides to help the publicly hated superhero clean-up his image.
Now, with Hancock this isn't going to be easy but Ray manages to talk some sense into Hancock and before long Hancock is saying 'thank-you' to people and is held accountable for his actions.
As part of the whole rehabilitation Hancock ends up in jail, stops drinking and cursing - eliminating his hangovers - and Ray even manages to talk the reluctant superhero into a flying suit.
So, will the public buy into the all-new, sweet smelling Hancock? Will they start to appreciate him if he starts to have a little respect for their city, their property and their feelings?
While it might take some time into the film to find out these answers what it doesn't take long to realise is that Will Smith is great in this part playing, for once, against type.
So used to being the hero Smith gives us a glimpse here that he can also do 'bad' as well.
As 'Hancock' trundles on a slightly weak plot, and some liberal editing down, might pose a few questions for the viewer. But as a piece of mindless entertainment 'Hancock' seems to fit the bill.
Although being considered a decent failure in the States Smith's huge appeal, and a quiet summer of big hits, should make this a box office success with Irish audiences.
