Directed by Peter Berg, “Hancock” benefits from the charming screen presence of Will Smith and Jason Bateman, but falls a bit flat due to a storyline that begins with promise and humor before fizzling out. In a spring and summer filled with sci-fi fantasy offerings, the script by Vincent Ngo and Vince Gilligan doesn’t quite measure up to the more cohesive “Iron Man” or “Wanted.”

Smith plays Hancock, a boozing and disgruntled superhero. Although graced with the ability to fly and armed with superhuman strength, Hancock is a lonely and seemingly bitter amnesiac who, despite immunity to bullets, injury or illness, views his immortality with a deep level of depression.

When idealistic public relations executive Ray (Bateman) finds himself in a perilous situation and is “saved” by Hancock, he offers to beef up the less than revered superhero’s public image. Initially refusing Ray’s services des-pite the fact that he is viewed as a crime-fighting drain on society and commerce due to the chaos and destruction he leaves in his careless wake, Hancock eventually recon-siders and accepts the chance to sober up and fly straight.

This image “make over” includes a short stint in pri-son meant to show atonement for his actions but soon Hancock is asked by the governor to assist in a bank robbery/ hostage situation and with Ray’s coaching, executes a heroic rescue much to the support of the public and police force. Hereafter, the film switches gears and focuses on a subplot involving Ray’s wife, Mary (Charlize Theron), who provides a link to Hancock’s forgotten past which becomes the focus of the last act.

Smith and Bateman share enormously appealing screen chemistry which goes a long way in making most of the film rather entertaining. Theron seems a bit uncom- fortable in her role, especially when the plot takes a drastic turn from being an engaging comedy to a full-blown melodrama.

While this predominantly goofy thriller should enjoy a healthy run at the box office, it isn’t likely to be the “hit” it was expected to be. Still, fans of Smith will appreciate his trademark charisma and that will likely help keep “Hancock” in theaters for the next few weeks until the next onslaught of blockbusters, including “The Dark Knight” and “The Mummy” hit theaters.

(2 1/2 stars out of 4.)

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