The Incredible Hulk

Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Lou Ferrigno
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) tries to find a cure for his hulking alter ego. However, General Ross (William Hurt) shows up to try and capture him. This forces Banner to run, reuniting with Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) and ultimately, to stop a soldier (Tim Roth) who has transformed into an Abomination.

Review:

Tim: I am pretty excited that The Incredible Hulk improves on the somewhat disappointing 2003 Hulk. This is a much more accessible film, featuring action and thrills much more than the drama of the previous film. I was pretty upset that Marvel decided to do an entire reboot, recasting all the roles. However, I understand the need to do this, and despite this film still having flaws, it is a clear improvement in the Hulk franchise.

As I mentioned, this cast is all new. I really liked the original cast, but I was willing to be open for this movie. Although Eric Bana was wonderfully cast as Bruce Banner, I also enjoyed Edward Norton in the role. He brings something different than Bana, and his energy does the film well. I was a bit more disappointed in Liv Tyler playing Betty Ross. She is certainly decent in the role, but Jennifer Connolly brought something far better to the role. Connolly is a terrific actress, and I prefer her to Tyler. To round out the recasting, I think William Hurt-Sam Elliott is a bit of a wash. Hurt is a better actor than Elliott, but I never really bought him in the role. I also want to mention the great addition of Tim Roth. Roth is very enjoyable in the film.

As I mentioned, this movie is better than its predecessor. This is because the movie is more of what you expect from a Hulk movie- there is good action, some suspenseful moments, and a bit of humor. I appreciate that this film had a real villain, instead of some weird nebulous cloud. Abomination is an impressive antagonist, and the final battle between him and the Hulk is very impressive. The action sequences all work quite well- the climactic battle, Hulk v. the tanks, and the South American manufacturing plant battle. And, there are no ridiculous Hulk dogs, and the Hulk isn't so huge that he appears silly.

The Incredible Hulk is a decent comic book movie, but it isn't up to the standards of the Spider-Man movies or Iron Man. I hope Marvel continues to make additional Hulk movies. Still, I found this movie to be enjoyable, and while I wasn't completely wowed, I was still very entertained.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man trilogy, Daredevil