Today’s joke is kind of hacky, but I don’t care. I’ve been saving up for this one ever since I learned that the original title to Hancock was Tonight, He Comes. I’d like to pretend I’m a little more high-minded than that and wouldn’t stoop to the level of some obvious, crude sexual reference.

But that would be a lie.

I’m sorry folks, but you don’t put words like "Hancock" and "Tonight, He Comes" in the same paragraph together before some juvenile idiot wanders along and makes a comment about it.

I’m happy to be that idiot.

As for Hancock itself, I’m probably not going to see it. Chalk it up to a couple of reasons. Primarily disinterest from when I saw the first trailer. It just looked too cheesy. Subsequent trailers gave me hope, but it’s been getting pounded by critics who say the film completely derails itself in the second act, so my enthusiasm has waned.

I guess to add insult to injury, I’m just not a big fan of Will Smith. At least not the Will Smith on display here. I understand that he starts the film playing someone unlikable, but you know it’s only a matter of time before he turns on that "Big Willie Charm" that’s been so effective for him in other movies. I don’t deny that it’s a big part of his appeal. I’m just not buying what he’s selling. If I want a dose of his particular brand of charisma, I can turn on an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air in syndication any day of the week. If I went to see Hancock, it would be more to see what Jason Bateman is doing than what Smith is peddling.

I didn’t bother to see either I, Robot or I Am Legend in theaters mostly because I’ve had my fill of Smith’s sci-fi pandering since Men in Black and Independence Day. I’m much more interested in Smith when he lays something on the line emotionally as an actor. I know that he has it in him. Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness proves it. But whenever I see Smith in some brainless blockbuster, I tune out. I get the sense that he’s coasting.

I don’t mean to discredit the guy or anything. He’s clearly worked hard to get where he is and he’s simply one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood today. No small feat. I don’t expect the guy to be Sydney Poitier, I’m just more enamored with Smith when he’s being sincere and less so when he’s putting up an “aw, shucks” front.

I suppose you can toss in a little contrariness in there as well. When so many people are so overwhelming supportive of a particular actor, I tend to throw rocks at the throne. It’s just the way I’m wired.

At any case, as of this writing on Thursday evening, I’m walking out the door to catch a late showing of Wall-E with Cami. We’ve been looking forward to it all night. My sister-in-law is hanging out at our house to watch over Henry while we’re away.

In real time – Friday – happy 4th of July to all my American readers and to everyone else… well… have a great weekend!

See you Monday!