The Incredible Hulk
( 2008 )
*****
As far as I can tell, when it comes to the 2003 Hulk movie, critics around the globe seem to absolutely hate it. To be honest, I never really understood why. It was not that bad from what I remember. Looking back, there were a few things that I did not like from it. It had a recurring “comic-book” transitional theme, which was maybe cool in the first 10 minutes, but after that, I just got tired of it. Then there were the hulk dogs. Everything else though, I never thought twice of. Other critics say that Eric Bana’s character was too rough already that he didn’t even need to be the hulk, since obviously, he could take you out in a fight. Maybe, but I like an actor that I believe can get angry enough to transform into The Hulk. Another thing critics have ranted on about is the fact that there wasn’t “enough” Hulk-out scenes. If that were true, I never noticed.
I agree though, that The Hulk (2003) wasn’t 100% on par with how the comics originally intended him to look. I also have to admit before that movie, I wasn’t even a fan of The Hulk. Then after I saw it, I was. Though it was true, the first film, was not dead on. The Incredible Hulk, however, was. They did everything they were supposed to do to believably make Bruce Banner the Hulk.
When I first heard Norton was taking on the lead of Bruce, I really had no idea how that would work. Before seeing the movie, I couldn’t understand how such a small guy can fulfill such a big roll, literally. I didn’t think they could pull off making him angry. Not only did they make him angry. They put a little bit of everything into it. Comedy, Drama, Romance. And he did them all magnificently.
The movie itself is about Bruce, who is now living in Brazil, and yes, trying to find a cure to his “disease.” Though no one will leave him alone. General Ross will stop at nothing to find Banner. Well Bruce can’t let anyone find him, because if they did, General Ross will have him tested, and use whatever is inside him as a weapon. To aid him on his attempt to find Banner, General Ross injected one of his key soldiers, played by Tim Roth, with a “super soldier” serum. (Supposedly this is the same serum that was injected into Captain America, who is also subtly mentioned in this film.) The serum has a bad effect on Roth’s character, which inevitably causes him to become a Hulk himself.
This movie really had some great CGI work done. If critics say anything like it doesn’t look real or convincing, tell them they are wrong. What more do you expect for a big green man?
Anyways, I think they went the right route with this movie. It flowed flawlessly, it had a great storyline, and potential for sequels. Marvel has lately hit huge success with “Iron Man“, and now The Incredible Hulk, and has a bright future ahead for themselves.
I would suggest this movie to everyone. There’s something in this movie for anyone. I think you’ll enjoy it. Peace out.
