Incredible Hulk
Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
2008 Universal Pictures Action
Edward Norton is the ideal livewire to plug into the role of Bruce Banner, the scientist with such a fire inside that his rage takes the form of a giant, green killing machine. Oscar winner William Hurt thunders mightily as the general who put the rage there, having made Bruce a guinea pig for army experiments to create the Super Soldier. The reliably excellent Tim Roth plays Blonsky, the militarist who envies the power Bruce is desperate to rip from his own body. Tim Blake Nelson is blessed comic relief as the nutjob Dr. Frankenstein who tries to do just that. And Liv Tyler does pretty and loyal better than anyone as Bruce's dream girl.
But here's the thing: While Favreau brought out the best in his actors, Leterrier, the overcaffeinated force behind the two Transporter flicks, keeps his thespians slaves to the thrills. And, as ever, the Hulk himself, looks like a pissed-off beach ball. He's not as round and weightless as the special effect in Lee's movie, but he aint much better. What helps is the secret smile Norton brings to the role. "That's not me," Bruce tells his cutie when he turns into Hulkboy. But Norton conveys the feeling that he gets a bit of a kick out of letting his freak flag fly. The opening chase sequence in Brazil is a dandy, with Leterrier pretending he's Paul Greengrass directing the Bourne series. Look, if you have to copy somebody, Greengrass is the way to go. Given all the huffing and puffing, I appreciated the small comic touches — Bruce searching for stretchy pants so his dick won't hang out when he transforms and Bruce trying not to get too excited during sex — again, images of the big dick thing. And props to the filmmakers for giving a terrific cameo to Lou Ferrigno, the Hulk of the old TV series.
The final confrontation between the Hulk and Blonsky, now the roaring Abomination, is like the clash of Downey and Bridges in Iron Man, only not as exciting. This summer it's the fate of The Incredible Hulk to live in the shadow of the much better Iron Man. And having Downey drop by at the end just rubs salt in the wound. There are hints during The Incredible Hulk that another, better movie is itching to bust out. It never does. But what's there gets the job done. Go, watch Hulk smash — human will have fun.
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Your Turn
Review 1 of 9
mariposa80 writes:
It was alright. It had it's moments though I liked Iron Man a lot more.
Nov 7, 2008 12:29:02
Review 2 of 9
ssemick1 writes:
It Was Good But Not As Good AS Iron Man But It Was A Step Up From Ang Lee's HULK. But it Was Good.
Jul 13, 2008 01:57:48
Review 3 of 9
ssemick1 writes:
It Was Good But Not As Good AS Iron Man But It Was A Step Up From Ang Lee's HULK. But it Was Good.
Jul 13, 2008 01:57:47
Review 4 of 9
TheHotStepper writes:
I Could Give It A 3
But It Wouldnt Seem Right
This Was OK
Good Action
But Edward Norton's Performance Was Just Not Good.
Iron Man Was Better
Jun 23, 2008 14:58:00
Review 5 of 9
2050 writes:
It was awesome,at first I walked in nerveous thinkin will it be good?but,it was so good that I forgot to eat my popcorn cause I got so caught up in the story.Ironman & The Incredible Hulk is marvel's best movies this year.Therefoe I would say only one thing 'HULK SMASH'.
Jun 22, 2008 04:57:27
Review 6 of 9
jamesco writes:
it was a good movie,i don,t think it was as good as iron man, but i think it step up to the 2003 hulk movie,and that movie sucked a lot and this rely good.
Jun 16, 2008 10:41:54
Review 7 of 9
detlefschrempf writes:
Pity this format doesn't allow for half stars: I give 'The Incredible Hulk' 3.5 stars.
I went in with low expectations & left the theatre with a huge smile on my face. This second attempt at telling Ol' Green Eyes' tale on the big screen is wonderfully packed with action & heart. Just thoroughly viewable. A rewarding film. Liv Tyler seems to be catching heat for her acting, but I found her warm-hearted characterization of Betty Ross refreshing.
I can't wait for the next installment!
Jun 14, 2008 14:41:59
Review 8 of 9
builtnotborn writes:
This Hulk film is a large leap above the 2003 release. Edward Norton lends his usual intensity to the role of Bruce Banner (it doesn't hurt that he favors a young Bill Bixby in looks). From the opening credits on through the first hour, the feeling of the late 70's, early 80's TV show is largely present in this film. Key plot adjustments are made. The Hulk is once again a problem Banner brought on himself (instead of a gift from Dad, as in the '03 film). He is out to find a cure and on the run. Several nods are made to the late TV show, and when Banner is confronted by those wishing to pick a fight, the audience gets that feeling of wonder (when will he break out into a rampage). When the Hulk appears, we are given large, destructive set pieces that will please any comic fan. The cameo by Downey would be all the sweeter had the buzz behind it not been so large and present before the release of the film. Alas, the Internet age strikes again to take advantage of our curious nature (and lack of will power). Let your curious nature drive you to see this Hulk...you will be glad you did.
Iron Man is the king of this summer, but this Hulk doesn't disappoint and it doesn't forget to be fun.
Jun 14, 2008 14:13:11
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