HANCOCK & THE INCREDIBLES: There is always a RELATIVE CLAUSE.

We have been awash with superheroes since Adam West, as Batman in the 50s,  grappled into his latex suit and cloak, and emerged from the hidden underground basement at his mansion, to save the citizens of Gotham City.  These superheroes have come in all shapes and sizes, and the latest offering from the archives of the Marvel group has audiences watching the Avengers and the new-nothing-like-the-50s-version Batman battling to win the largest audiences. I have to admit, I did go to see Batman, and it was amazing.  The Avengers, on the other hand, not so good.

This post, however, is about HANCOCK from 2006 and The INCREDIBLES from 2004.  Will Smith plays the unconventional hero in this way over the top, even for superheroes, Hollywood movie.  Yet it is because of the unconventionality and over the top nature of the movie that made me want to make this lesson-post. In animated contrast, but not so much in terms of theme, of course, Mr Incredible comes to the city's rescue in the opening scene.  Similarly, his exploits are not appreciated by the citizens and authorities, thus, just Like Hancock, he is forced to step down.

The grammar focus for these clips is the RELATIVE CLAUSE.  To begin with we will look at clips, answer questions on the content, and then finish up with a grammar activity in picture form.

• What does Hancock do that shows he is unconventional?
• Why is Hancock not a conventional superhero?
• What are his super powers?
• Where do you think he came from looking like he does?
• Why do you think the people of the city will be so angry with him?

• After Hancock saves the man from the train, what is the crowd's reaction?
• What do you think is going to happen to Hancock?
• Why do you think it would be a good idea or him to comply?

• What is going to happen next?
• Why is it wrong on so many levels for these two to be in this position?

• Why is this scene more conventional in the sense of what a superhero does?
• Who are the men that are under the counter?
• What type of store is it where the robbery is taking place?

GRAMMAR : RELATIVE CLAUSES

Relative clauses are used to join two sentences together.  The way they are made up is by using special grammar words that act as adjectives in the middle of the sentences.

Looking at the pictures, here are the two sentences for the first one.  

Now, you do the same and find them for the other three. 

     1.  "Hancock is a superhero."

  2.  "He can lift cars easily."

Hancock is a superhero WHO can lift cars easily.

Now that you have an idea of Relative Clauses in the superhero movie, Hancock, it is time to look at  Pixar's,           "The Incredibles"

There are many similarities & differences in the opening scene of this movie and Hancock.

• Identify the similarities and differences, and share them with your class?
• Why is it easier for animators to show destruction on the streets?
• Why is it less of an ethical issue for animators to show such things in their movies?
• Explain how these ethical and moral issues are still affective on the audience.
• Which of the two opening scenes do you prefer, and why?

After you have answered these questions, it is grammar time.

Describe the action in the film by using the RELATIVE CLAUSE forms explained above.

e.g. Mr Incredible is the superhero who is trying to save the city where he lives.
Mr Incredible changes from 'normal' to 'superhero' when there is a problem.