It took me a few days to get around to reviewing this movie since I saw it, but now I've got my chance. As a fan of comic books, of course I was interested in this one, regardless of how "The Hulk" did a few years ago. But this movie showed some promise. So here we go:
The Incredible Hulk
Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is in hiding after a scientific experiment with gamma radiation turns him into the Hulk, a huge green beast only capable of destroying what's around him. On the hunt for him is General Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt), with some help from elite soldier Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth). While on the run from the military, Bruce continues his search for a cure to his "other personality," but from time to time has no choice but to turn into the Hulk to fight back the army and the dangerous Blonksy.
Holy s#$%, you'll be floored by the action sequences alone in this movie. Every time Bruce turns into the Hulk, you know you're going to see something impressive. The special effects are well done, and even the look of this Hulk is more impressive than was last seen. Also helping is Norton's portrayal of Banner, which though different than what you'd expect, actually works very well. His counterpart in Roth also carries well. The path to becoming the character of the Abomination is very well done, and Roth goes with it as if he is Blonsky. Pacing between these character developments and the action makes this a pretty well-done film. Also, as a comic book fan, I enjoyed the little spots as to the future of the franchise (the sight of the next possible villain, and the hint of the forming of the Avengers......can't wait).
A few flaws are present though. The characters portrayed by Hurt and Liv Tyler as Betty Ross don't seem to fit. Hurt seems a little hollow in his role, which was done a little better by Sam Elliot in "The Hulk" previously. Tyler seems more like herself than her character, and some extra moments with her character seem a little unnecessary (her boyfriend seems to have disappeared in the middle of it all, and her scenes with Hurt are a little forced). She was a little more interesting than "The Hulk's" Jeniffer Connolly, but still wasn't used properly. Also, the ending was a little muddled with no real insight into what the characters go through.
I do see this movie as being more than being one for the fans of comic books. This could be an enjoyable action movie for some too. Although it does help to know the comic-book character, you can turn off the "how" and "why" questions and just enjoy what you see outright. Even if you're curious, the movie isn't difficult to understand. Even some kids would get it.
Although a sequel hasn't been hinted at, this movie has some potential for any future it could have. More can be done and expanded on, as long as they keep it new in regards to the action and storylines. The Hulk can keep going. I look at it like Blonsky did in one of his confrontations with the Hulk:
"Is that all you've got?"
Granted, he got kicked into a tree after saying that, but I'm hoping the next view we get of the Hulk floors me as well.
