Sure, he may be a superhero. But the problem is, the taxpaying public is irked at Hancock, who can't seem to limit his collateral damage when he fights crime. Even when he's saving people, he manages to tick them off.

It's played for edgy laughs at first, but after he saves the life of Ray (Jason Bateman), a publicist whose idealism is infectious, the story shifts its dramatic focus to more of a human connection.

Ray takes pity on Hancock and invites him home to dinner with his wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), and son, Aaron (Jae Head). As a gesture, Ray offers an image makeover, and eventually Hancock agrees to be coached in superhero etiquette. “I'm going to teach you how to interface with the public,” encourages Ray.