Movie Set Travel: Hancock

July 3, 2008 at 8:50 AM | by sedona | Comment (1)

Whenever we're watching action blockbusters and the hero's tearing up highways and crashing through buildings, we often wonder, um... who's cleaning up the mess?

"Hancock" is sort of a version of that story. Will Smith plays a down and out drunken superhero in LA who spends lots of time saving lives but causing millions of dollars of damage in the process. Obviously, he has a very love-hate relationship with the public.

One day he saves the life of a PR guru (Jason Bateman) who decides Hancock could use a better image. When he sets out to help as a favor, Hancock gets involved with the man's hottie wife (Charlize Theron) and all sorts of self-examination ensues.

We hear it's entertaining--and, hey, it's really the only decent opening this holiday weekend. Just don't go into this one thinking Hancock's a Marvel comic.

The feature was filmed entirely in Los Angeles, so we're giving you some things to explore there with your superhero self.

Where to Stay: Malibu Beach Inn Totally renovated last fall, the Malibu Beach Inn fits in perfectly with its often-renovated clientele. Calling itself the "only luxury oceanfront hotel destination between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara," MBI backs up right on exclusive Carbon Beach. Rooms offer designer perks like Dean & Deluca "refreshment centers," Trina Turk robes and ergonomic desk chairs--not that you book rooms here for their desks. Most rooms have ocean views and the hotel features artwork by painter Glenn Ness, although you'll pay extra to use the on-site gym.

Where to Eat: Foxtail With its mix of Art Deco-Art Nouveau style and interiors, Foxtail is LA's glam-rock supper club of the moment. Chef Antonia Lofaso (yep, Antonia from Top Chef) serves bistro dishes like lobster en croute, steak frites with truffle essence and panna cotta. We hear reservations are a must and you may be stuck waiting for a bit in the tight bar area even if you've called ahead.

What to See: Descanso Gardens Slip away into these stunning 160-acre gardens, just a 20-minute drive from downtown. "Descanso" is taken from the Spanish word for "rest" and you literally can here amongst 1,700 varieties of rare roses and a forest of California live oaks. Bring a picnic and blanket and watch the sunset on their "Twilight Thursdays" or enjoy summer jazz at their "Lounge on the Lawn" events.

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