Review: The Incredible Hulk by Griffin Queen on 6.27.08
Does anyone remember the Hulk movie that came out a few years back, starring Eric Bana and directed by Ang Lee? If you answered yes to that question, I'm also assuming that you remember how stupendously bad that movie was. You may have, like myself, sworn never to go seen another Hulk movie after that travesty. But fear not, as I did relent, and see The Incredible Hulk, starring Edward Norton, opening night, and it was like a big affirming nod from the Heavens that yes, Marvel knows what they're doing with this franchise. While the first Hulk movie mainly concentrated on the love story between Bruce Banner/the Hulk and Betty Ross, the Incredible Hulk opted to go for a more action-packed story, with less concentration on character development..
As the movie starts off, we're treated to another of Marvel's DNA/movie clip intros, and through this introduction, the Hulk's origin story is shown for those unaware of it. This seems to be a great move on Marvel's part, as it allows for more time with the actual story. The story starts off with Bruce Banner, living a life of exile in South America, and dedicating his time to discovering new techniques to hold the Hulk at bay, and searching for the ever elusive cure to his condition. However, as they always do, the government catches whiff of his location, and sends in a strike force, led by General Ross, who is played phenomenally by William Hurt, and Emil Blonsky, a special agent on loan to the U.S., played by Tim Roth. After transforming into the Hulk, and staving off his pursuers, Banner flees and traveling across North and South America, Banner makes his way to his old college. It's at this point that the movie finally gives us a good view of the Hulk, after being ambushed by the military on the campus of his college. To avoid too many spoilers, I'll avoid any more plot details after this encounter, but it is in this fight, and those later in the film, that the raw power of the Hulk is revealed, and it truly is fun to watch.
Marvel really seems to be getting it right this year, with the choice of cast in both Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. Edward Norton exceeds expectations in this film, as he is able to capture the desperation and fear that Bruce Banner has of the Hulk, while remaining resolute in his path to destroy his other side. As an actor who already has experience playing a character with a violent split personality, Norton seems at ease with the role, and, while he isn't as perfect a choice for Bruce Banner as Robert Downey Jr. was for Tony Stark, he still makes his performance enjoyable, and his plight believable. Tim Roth also shines in his role as Emil Blonksy/The Abomination. While Blonsky's background story has been changed quite a bit, it stills fit well in the origin of The Abomination, and Roth brings a feeling of cocky confidence and swagger to his character. Betty Ross is played by Liv Tyler this time around, and , while I thought she gave a solid performance, some of her lines seemed somewhat forced, and she didn't bring anthing truly noteworthy to her role. William Hurt plays Betty Ross' father, General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, and Hurt's hard edged, do-or-die performance is very reminiscient of the comic book character's attitude.
While the plot of The Incredible Hulk is solid, and does what it needs to, the movie truly shines in its action sequences. From the first sequence early in the movie, to the movie's epic conclusion, TIH truly delivers action-wise, which is probably the one thing that can't be said for Iron Man. The animation has changed from the last attempt at a Hulk movie, and become much more defined, making the Hulk more human in appearance, and less of a monster. This works very well in contrast to The Abomination, who becomes truly grotesque as he transforms, and shows the differing personalities of each character: A man who struggles with the beast within, but is at heart still a man, and a man who accepts his inner evil and relishes in it.
All in all, The Incredible Hulk was a good, if not phenomenal movie. Whether you're a fan of the comics, or just looking to see an action-packed movie, then you'll enjoy The Incredible Hulk. However, if you enjoyed Ang Lee's Hulk, then chances are you won't enjoy this very much, as they've thrown everything from his movie out the window and started from scratch. There are quite a few references to the Hulk comic books series, as well as the old tv series'. And, like Iron Man, there are scenes at the end which contain clues and a cameo by Robert Downey Jr. regarding the Avengers movie. I recommend seeing this film, but if it's between seeing this and Iron Man(which you should have seen already) this summer, then I'd have to say Iron Man is the better movie. But if you have to time to go see both, then I definitely suggest seeing The Incredible Hulk.
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