"THE INCREDIBLE HULK"
Movie Review
by Chris Alexis
| ****1/2 (out of 5 stars) Rated PG-13 Opens June 13, 2008 Studio: Universal Directed by: Louis Leterrier Back to Movie Review Home |
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I went to this screening hoping for the best when it came to this movie. I’m not a huge fan or anything, but I always found the character to have a lot of potential when it comes to good stories. The last movie, 2003’s "Hulk," was a huge disappointment.
I got what I hoped for with "The Incredible Hulk." This re-boot of the franchise does what the last movie didn’t – entertain.
The movie follows Bruce Banner, who is already the Hulk when the story starts. We are, however, treated to a brief overview of the Hulk’s origins during the opening credits. The military is chasing Banner to gain access to the secrets his condition carries. They want to use Banner’s body and replicate what happened to him for military purposes. While being chased, Banner is feverishly working on a cure for his condition.
My only complaint with the movie was that it dragged a little bit in parts, which is because Banner is in his human form for 80% of the movie. Sometimes, it felt like the movie was just marking time until Banner “Hulks out” again.
And that is when the movie especially shines. Director Louis Leterrier knows how to keep an audience enthralled when it comes to action sequences – especially the climatic final battle when the Hulk faces the Abomination – the result of a renegade solider who takes in the same serum that transformed Banner into the Hulk.
The supporting performances are solid in this film, especially for a comic book movie. Liv Tyler comes across as warm, genuine and compassionate in her performance as Betty Ross, Banner’s love interest. Seeing her as the only one who can get through to Banner when he’s the Hulk was actually quite touching and illustrated the connection the two characters have.
William Hurt turns in a solid performance without being one-dimensional as General Ross, playing both antagonist to Banner and father to Betty.
Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky, the solider who becomes the Abomination, is chilling without overacting as the Hulk’s nemesis.
If you were burned by 2003’s "Hulk," have no fear. This one “Hulk Smashes” that one to bits.
