Will Smith Rules the Fourth of July

It's the Fourth of July Weekend with fireworks, barbecue, baseball, and Will Smith. Yes, that's right, Will Smith. Seriously, does anyone NOT think of Will Smith when the Fourth of July comes around each year?

I rarely go see a movie in the theater any more. I have my wide-screen plasma television at home and popcorn and cokes are much cheaper on my comfortable couch. But I do make one exception for the big screen. I will always catch Will Smith's summer blockbuster movie in the theater.

Will Smith's Upcoming Summer Movie - 'Hancock'

This year Will Smith continues his string of summer movie blockbusters with 'Hancock.' Playing against the typical superhero stereotype, Hancock appears to be the anti-hero with super powers. I haven't seen anything but the trailers for 'Hancock.' However, there are rumblings from several sources that 'Hancock' could be Will Smith's first bomb since Wild, Wild West.

What Could Go Wrong With Will Smith's Movie 'Hancock'?

To begin with, the premise of the movie has people talking. An alcoholic superhero and a public relations man with a heart of gold. Hmmmmm, there's already a problem there. On the other hand, it's an interesting twist to a hero movie. What's really got the critics buzzing is the rest of the story, so to speak. Or what the rest of the story should have been. An article in New York Magazine points to several reviewers who have a problem with the anti-hero concept in 'Hancock.'

Apparently, 'Hancock' can't decide whether it is a comedy, dark comedy, or drama. I hope the critics are overstating the problems with 'Hancock.' With a weak economy, exorbitant food and gas prices, and all the other bad news in the world, a good Will Smith movie would be an Independence Day mood lifter.

You can judge the preview for Will Smith's movie, 'Hancock,' for yourself. Here's the movie trailer for 'Hancock.'

If Will Smith's newest movie turns out like Wild, Wild West, that's okay. I happened to like Wild, Wild West. It wasn't an 'Independence Day' or a 'Men in Black' but it was certainly entertaining. So, I'll take my chances on Fourth of July weekend with a Will Smith movie, anytime. If I don't enjoy 'Hancock,' I'll be sending out invites for my own screening of Will Smith's previous Fourth of July weekend movies. Bring some popcorn and theater box candy, please.

Will Smith Movies for the Fourth of July Weekend

Will Smith movies on Fourth of July weekends are more correctly termed "blockbusters" and Will Smith is the king of this holiday. These are the ones that will be screening in my house over the Fourth of July weekend.

'Independence Day' - 1996

This is my favorite Will Smith movie and is about an attack on the world by aliens. The scenes where Will Smith punches out the alien and then drags him across the desert are hilarious and are my favorite. I remember sitting in the packed theater on opening night for this movie. The "midnight screening" was the only one available - and played to a packed theater. It was a fun beginning to the holiday.

'Independence Day' is still as exciting and funny as it was in 1996 with one exception. Since September 2001, it is sometimes difficult to watch the explosion of the White House and the attack on New York City. Regardless, it remains a fantastic movie. If you are renting or purchasing a copy, be sure to get one with the additional footage (the director's cut). 'Independence Day' often gets shown repeatedly on one of the cable stations during the Fourth of July holiday but it is still more fun to rent your own to watch without commercial interruption.

'Men in Black I' - 1997

Will Smith followed up 'Independence Day' with my second favorite movie on July 2, 1997. Tommy Lee Jones is also one of my favorite actors and both men can deliver a funny line with the straightest face. So much so that it takes a moment for the humor to reach you. Putting the two or them together was a genius move. The car scene in which Tommy Lee Jones is driving upside down to an Elvis song with Will Smith as his unseatbelted passenger is hilarious.

'Men in Black II' - 2002

I like 'Men in Black I' better than 'Men in Black II' but hey, it's still great to see them both. This movie ties up some loose ends from the first MIB!

Add to the Fourth of July Fun

If you've watched these Will Smith movies too many times to count, make a game of finding the bloopers.

'Independence Day' Bloopers
'Men in Black I' Bloopers
'Men in Black II' Bloopers

Sources:
Can 'Hancock' End Will Smith's Winning Streak?, New York Magazine