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The Incredible Hulk
Movie Review
June 23, 2008
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.
3 Nibs
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