Film: The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Director: Louis Leterrier
Producers: Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd, Kevin Feige
Written By: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Zak Penn
Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt
Genre: Action/Adventure, Comic Book
Distributer: Universal Studios, Marvel


Got around to checking out this film today with my little brother. The end result? I think it was a well-executed film in certain aspects, but I was most definitely craving more than what it offered me.

I wasn't aware that the film was actually a continuation of the previous one, Ang Lee's The Hulk (2003). I liked how Leterrier went about getting that across to people who might have not seen the 2003 film. Different scenes from the previous film were re-enacted by the new actors and shown through a flashback form while the opening credits were running. That way, when the film actually opens with its first scene, we are where we last left of, with Bruce Banner hiding out from the U.S. government in a impoverished city in Brazil.

The story line was enjoyable in itself, but I wasn't exactly feeling the way it was unraveling itself. Maybe it seemed to me like Leterrier was spending too much time on parts of the story that weren't as important in the long run? It just seemed very drawn out at parts to me. I really noticed this when the film was over, thinking to myself, "That film was cool, but I wish there was more scenes with Banner after he turns into the Hulk!" I understand that these newer comic book films have been focusing a lot on the storyline and trying to stray a bit more from the over-the-top action sequences in order to be taken more seriously as films, but my personal opinion is that The Incredible Hulk wasn't able to find that perfect balance of the two like other films have (coughIronMancough). I was just really loving the CGI in this one and wanted more than was offered to me.

I think the casting in this film helped a lot in making it what it is. I'm not going to lie, I think people really go overboard when they talk about how "amazing" Edward Norton is. I never understood the Ed-Fanatics, and I still don't, but he did a good job. I think he's a fine actor, I just think he's average, nothing special. Liv Tyler wasn't half bad either. She's a real pretty gal and fits well into the role of Betty Ross. It was really cool watching her stand alongside the Hulk in the pouring rain; very reminiscent of King Kong. Saving the best for last, I must say that the cream of the crop awards go to Tim Roth and William Hurt. What's so funny is that it's almost as if Hurt is actually meant for a military outfit. The dude probably came out of his mother's womb with wings pinned on to his chest. He's perfect for the role of General Ross, and does an awesome job of it too.



The real star of the film is Tim Roth. Watching him play the role of Emil Blonsky, the U.K. Special Forces officer who eventually turns into the Abomination, is simply awesome. The way his character evolves in the film is great, from a normal officer to an officer injected with a strength-serum to a greedy man who wants all the power that the Hulk has and more. After this film, I realized how great of an actor Roth is. I'd like to see more of his films. The only films of his that I've seen are the ones that Tarantino directed. Also noteworthy, he was the guest programmer on TCM for the month of May and I really enjoyed the films that he chose ( see my review on David Lean's Hobson's Choice (1954)). It's always nice to know that an actor you like as great taste in films, is it not?

I must say, while watching the film, I really missed the comic book-style editing that was done in the Ang Lee version. I was way impressed by that technique, and would've liked to have seen more of it. Then again, I guess the creators would have thought that was really overdoing it.

I give the film a whole lot of credit with the final action sequence. It was really, really great. I'd say the Hulk-Abomination showdown is one of my favorite comic book sequences that I've seen. Everyone should see the film just to check out the Hulk-Abomination showdown, it's well-worth the money.

I'd say this film is definitely worth seeing for anyone who enjoys the comic book films. It's a good one, but I'm almost completely content with stating that I enjoyed the Ang Lee film a lot more. Reading reviews of the film, I am surprised that so many people seem to prefer this one to the other, but to each their own.



PS - Iron Man is still way better.