The Incredible Hulk: Review By casparjah

The Incredible Hulk. Wow! I really enjoyed this movie. Unlike the first incarnation of the Big Green, I was actually excited this time around.

Part of that excitement came from the choice of actor(s), but I'll get to that momentarily.

First, the story. The story was well written, fast-paced and compelling. I was surprised, I must say. But, the opening of the film, the scrolling of the comic followed by tidbits of information flying around, the hint of S.H.I.E.L.D., it got my heart ready. Then, the back story of how this happened. How Bruce Banner became the Hulk. Sorry comic fans, but this begins so similar to the TV series, that those who don't know the comic will be hooked. However, with the tidbits just mentioned, comic fans will have nothing to worry about either.

The story basically follows Bruce as he tries to deal with this creature trying to get out. (See Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) Dr. Betty Ross is present, General Ross is present, Emil Blonsky...the Abomination is present, and so are a few other "curious" faces. This brings a world of depth to the movie that was lacking the first time out. Bruce is of course exposed to Gamma Radiation, but a twist is also thrown in. Nice touch, Marvel. I'm sorry I am so vague, but it is a pretty straight forward story line with the small stuff aka spoilers that make this movie work the best.

The acting. Edward Norton IS Bruce Banner. That is all that needs to be said. He shows emotion, depth and the tortured soul that Banner has become. It was wonderful casting. And he no pretty boy like Eric Bana, either. Ed is much more believable as the scientist Banner is than Bana. It just works. Liv Tyler is fine in her role. No Oscars, but she is believable as Banner's girlfriend. I almost felt like I was watching her portray the saddness from Armagedon a little. So, I think it was an easy performance from her. William Hurt...I was not too excited about this casting, but it was fine for the role that General Ross played in this story. Now, Tim Roth...he chewed up as much screen as his character was allowed. And it not only worked, it was perfect. Emil Blonsky was portrayed as this head strong, arrogant, almost psychopathic soldier. And Roth delivered completely.

Now, I gave the Directing the lowest score here, because I think the talent of the actors, writers and producers were able to lift Louis Lettierer higher without as much effort. Now, I do give major props for the using the villas in Brazil. What magnificent scenery and a wonderful place to stage a chase scene. But, it all seemed so effortless here and maybe I am wrong and that is a sign of a 5 star director, but I like to feel that the director had to do some work to get this piece out. I just didn't feel he did with all the talent around him.

The visuals...wonderful special effects and as I mentioned, great scenery. The CG was fun and exciting also. I only noticed it twice in the film, once where I felt a little more tweaking could have made it better and the other where it was only for a few seconds amidst a ton of action. But, I was looking for things like that, so the casual movie goer may not even notice.

Overall it is a 4.5 and I recommend it.

Below, I am dropping some tidbits which also maybe spoilers, so please be aware.

During the opening Marvel scroll, there are comic tidbits about other characters and S.H.I.E.L.D.

The opening sequence of the film is very reminiscent of the start of the TV series starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Great for fans of the TV show and the comic alike.

During the time in Brazil, Banner is changing the channels and it stops on one which reveals a quite young Bill Bixby in a different role. Great Homage to everyone involved with that idea!

Then at a point undetermined you can hear the classic TV piano theme and its cry of lonliness.

Wonderful idea here, also.

For just pure sci fi fans there is a noise in the bottle factory that has got to be the same noise as that of the Cryogenic Freeze Chamber from Star Wars V:The Empire Strikes Back.

There are several S.H.I.E.L.D. references with the overall storyline leading to that which is similar in the animated Ultimate Avengers movie.

The use of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for Banner and how it affects his ability to change and how the change affects him as a normal man, is another nice touch not seen before.

Hulk does speak and not just "Hulk Smash!" which is there for those who are hoping to see it.

Even the purple pants are referenced in a humorous light.

Samuel Sterns is the man who assists Banner, but in the process creates the Abomination and there is the beginning of another arch nemesis of the Hulk's, the Leader. Great lead in actually as it is not overplayed.

And the final chapter on what Banner's name really is. And what became of DAVID Banner from the TV series. If you watch carefully at the end, Banner receives a package that is addressed to D. Banner, NOT B. Banner. Guess he is using an alias for now.

Have fun watching the Big Green tear up the Big Screen.