The Incredible Hulk
Directed by Louis Leterrier
Starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, and special guest cameo Lou Ferigno.
Backstory
I liked the 2003 original Hulk film. It was a little ambitious, however, I agree with those who say it took itself too seriously. I was curious when I heard that they’d be doing a re-boot after one picture. We were promised that this one would have more “Hulk Smash!” action and be more what the fans were expecting. Since I’m a sucker for this comic book stuff, I was there on opening day.
Plot
Bruce Banner has successfully evaded General Ross and his Hulkbusters for five years. When we catch up with him, Banner is hiding out in Brazil, still trying to find a cure for his condition and trying to control his anger, lest the Hulk get out again. But soon, fate and circumstance intervene and General Ross is kicking down his door. On the run once again, Banner returns home to enlist the aid of his one true love, Betty Ross, and a former colleague that’s been helping him out in secret. General Ross soon calls in some help too…a mercenary by the name of Emil Blonsky. Wanting to be able to go toe-to-toe with the Hulk, Blonsky starts pumping his body full of experimental, strength-enhancing chemicals. Will Bruce Banner finally find a cure, or will he be able to find a way to control the beast within? Will Emil Blonsky be able to handle all the chemicals in his body, or will he become an abomination?
What I Liked
Wow. For those who thought that most Marvel comics films didn’t feel like they existed in one universe, they will be very satisfied with this. The terms “SHIELD,” “Stark Industries,” and “Super-soldier program” are thrown around in very casual conversation. Not to mention, there is a very fan-freakin’-tastic set-up for a certain Hulk villain in the sequel. Norton does a solid job as Bruce Banner, and William Hurt is nice and obsessive as General Ross. And yes, there is a heck of a lot “Hulk Smash” action. (In fact, that classic catchphrase even gets uttered.)
What I Didn’t Like
Just the same complaint I’ve had with a lot of superhero films lately. The formula is starting to become firmly entrenched in our minds, and The Incredible Hulk sticks to the formula pretty closely.
Final Assessment
Hits all the right fanboy notes, but still falls victim to several superhero cliches. All in all, very satisfying.