‘The Incredible Hulk’ Redeems the Classic Marvel Character
-----Let’s face it. Ang Lee’s 2003 ‘Hulk’ was terrible. Movie fans and comic loyalists alike were disappointed and disgruntled. Not only was the 03’ ‘Hulk’ slow and overly artsy, it was also home to mediocre effects and action, a lackluster script that often strayed far from the comics, and very boring conventional performances. In defense of those who worked on the film, I know many of them are capable of doing and have done good things. But 03’s ‘Hulk’ was not one of them.
-----Enter Edward Norton. The beloved star of films including ‘Fight Club,’ ‘American History X,’ ‘The Painted Veil,’ and a number of other classics, he brought a sense of hope to disappointed comic fans. Having played a character struggling from dual personalities in multiple films, who better to play the angst ridden but lovable Dr. Bruce Banner? ‘The Incredible Hulk’ improves in all the right places, successfully rebooting a franchise that could have been quickly forgotten.
-----The film begins with a quick retelling of Banner’s origin during the opening credits. We quickly find out that Banner has isolated himself in a quite literally, hillside Brazilian town. Practicing anger management to subdue the Hulk inside of him, Banner continues to search for a cure. While working at a soda factory, word surfaces of his whereabouts and the military is quick to pursue. And so the film is off with Banner on the run, and the military right on his tail.
The movie finds a nice balance between staying true to the original comics stories, while also being compatible to casual viewers. Edward Norton is in his usual top form as Bruce Banner, and the rest of the cast follows suit. Liv Tyler plays a convincing version of Bruce’s love interest, Betty Ross and likewise, her father in the film, General Ross, is played by William Hurt with a nice reminiscence to his comic book counterpart. He looks the part while also giving a good performance. Tim Roth plays the special strike force leader Emil Blonsky. Playing the normal Tim Roth character, he too finds his way nicely into the story as the tough guy willing to do anything to take down the Hulk. Stan Lee’s cameo is funny as always, but he’s not the only one with a special cameo. Based on about 50/50 between the comics and the classic television show of the same name, look for a minor cameo from Bill Bixby (TV’s Bruce Banner) and a more substantial one from Lou Ferrigno (TV’s Hulk). Ferrigno also returns as the voice of the Hulk.
-----The action is fun and always pertains to what it should be; the Hulk smashing, smashing, and smashing some more. The story has a pace that’s quick while still allowing character moments and some subtle humor. The mood is kept intense without being melodramatic, and the camera work shares the same quality. The films well balanced mix of quality action and a strong story make this one of the years’ best for comic fans and action junkie’s alike. I think many people will like this film even if they’re not one of the previously mentioned categories. Edward Norton alone brings enough to this to make it an entertaining film for everyone. This truly is Ed’s baby, and that’s always a reassuring thing.
-----Tidbit: Robert Downey Jr.s’ cameo as a certain billionaire superhero at the end of the film is simply mouthwatering for comic book fans. Marvel Studios brilliantly continues to build hype for their 2011 ‘Avengers’ movie.
