Wow! I have to admit it…I am impressed. I honestly did not think they could do it. Not after the critical success of Iron Man.
Let’s be honest, it would not take much to reboot the Hulk after the Ang Lee disaster a few years ago. I have never seen a final act derail a movie the way that Lee’s Hulk film did, ever. So while I had little doubt that this film would be better, I certainly didn’t expect Marvel to release back-to-back comic book adaptation films this closely together and have both of them be outstanding.
But they did it. All hail Marvel Comics.
If The Incredible Hulk (and keep in mind that for most of the fandom world, that first film doesn’t exist) proves one thing, it proves that pairing the right actors with the right film makers and allowing them to shoot a worthwhile script makes for a movie worth spending one’s hard-earned bucks to see.
Riding a smattering of positive buzz, I went out with the fellas for a night of fanboy goodness. And we were not disappointed. Edward Norton is fantastic. Who better to play the angst ridden Bruce Banner? I mean, having Norton simply use his trademark facial expressions lends depth and charisma to the role. I have heard through the grapevine that he also had a heavy hand in the script for this film and I say kudos to him, it was well done. Edward Norton is the kind of talented, high caliber actor that makes you want his presence on the screen. He makes you not care about how much or how little you see his greener side because he engages you with his dedication to his role. He is such a pleasure to watch.
William Hurt, an actor that I sometimes love and sometimes feel is too big for the part he is playing, was terrific in this. Is it me or does he just get more and more distinguished looking the older he gets? I completely bought him in the role and he gave his character such dimension. It was impressive.
Liv Tyler is such an ethereal beauty. We were talking on the way home about how she is not your conventional beauty, she seems somewhat set apart. She was perfectly cast in LOTR as she really does seem like someone of the bloodline of elves. I really enjoyed her playing opposite Norton, they had really nice chemistry. I enjoy the emotion Tyler brings to the role. When she is sad you really believe it, her portrayal seemed very genuine and real.
Tim Roth was a great bad-guy as well. Though the part…or the way the film was edited…did give him a good deal of screen time, I did not think they succeeded in making the audience understand the whys and wherefors of his decisions. I enjoyed him, don’t get me wrong…his role was a bit more one-note than others in my opinion.
My biggest fear in going to see The Incredible Hulk was the CGI. I thought the trailers looked really bad. Again, surprise came my way. While the Hulk never succeeds in looking non-CGI, they did do a great job with creating several night scenes which lessened the time I spent scrutinizing the character and they also did a very nice job with tying the Hulk’s look into that of Edward Norton.
The Incredible Hulk is not a new story nor a new idea. Not only is this a reboot of the franchise, but the Beauty and the Beast storyline, and the “who is more human, the human or the monster” storyline have been played out in Hulk, and in many other films for a long time. But instead of a “been there, done that” feel it felt refreshing because of the skill of the actors taking part in it.
This movie was filled with comic book references for the geek faithful and they were incorporated into the storyline in such a way that they were very entertaining and yet not campy. Nods to the Marvel Universe and to the original television series were there and were very fun. I also really enjoyed the opening credits and the way the film maker’s used them to retell the story of the Hulk’s origin without resorting to voice-over narration. The special effects were very well done and seeing this on the big screen…for $5 instead of $10…was a real treat. The sound system was functioning great and I thought the sound editors did a great job with this one.
With all the movies out and coming out this summer it is certainly hard to pick which popcorn flicks to see in the theatre and which to pass on. Regardless of what you think of the previous film or the Hulk in general, I have to give you the thumbs up and encourage you to find a matinee and enjoy this on the big screen where it should be seen. This summer–go green!
We’ll have to agree to disagree on this one Carl. I found it fairly entertaining, but overall a disappointment.
While I have to be firm about getting to a movie theater, I knew before this review this is one I will be glad when the dvd comes out.
First off: I’ve been privledged being able to have met and helped the “original hulk” Lou Ferrigno, so the “character” has had meaning for me for some time now.
Second: I love Edward Norton.
Between these two facts this movie is on my dvd list. (ah yes, we have one of those too!)
I’m glad you enjoyed this movie.. it’s always good to have positives said about something I know I will spend money on… but I’ll be honest here… because of Ferrigno and Norton, I’d buy it no matter what lol
I had decisively placed the Hulk on the “Wait For the DVD” list based on the trailers and on the notion (as you pointed out) that Marvel was unlikely to hit two homeruns in one summer. Following your enthusiastic review, I’ve moved it over to the “Go See It Now” list.
Your summary of the actors is spot on – I didn’t realize that Tim Roth and Liv Tyler were cast members, I guess I was really counting the movie out without giving it a fair chance…I hate it when I do that!
I absolutely adored the film for just about all the reasons you so succinctly quoted. It impressed the holy heck out of me that they dug out the gamma equipment from Bill Bixby’s Incredible Hulk series and used it in the opening credits. I also adored all the little nods to the tv series and the comics.
The chemistry between Edward Norton & Liv Tyler was wonderful, (i still like Jennifer Connolly tho, she & Sam Elliot were the ONLY things i cared about in the Angst Lee version). Overall i was thrilled, good story, great actors!!! and a kickbutt soundtrack, plus a Tony Stark cameo!!!. i’ll be purchasing this one in the fall.
now the wait for Hellboy: The Golden Army commences.
SG: Yes, Hellboy is right up near the top of the list of films I have been most anxiously awaiting all year. I really enjoyed the nods to the television series and the comics…they weren’t silly or over the top, they were there if needed. Did you notice the Stark plans and the file with Nick Fury’s name on it in the opening credits? I thought that was fun. Loved the Stark cameo, wish they would have put it at the end of the credits though.
Ken: I think alot of this depends on how one feels about the Hulk as a character. You certainly have to enter with a suspension of disbelief when you are seeing a movie about a man who morphs into a green giant! In that sense the film makers are already up against the wall a bit. The fact that they were able to do a really nice reboot with this was very satisfying. It certainly isn’t the greatest movie ever made and Iron Man ranks as one of the top comic book films in my mind, but kudos to Marvel for making a damn entertaining film that did not disappoint me personally in any way.
Deslily: the cameos in this film were really fun! I think you’ll enjoy it when you get it.
Fence: Sorry you found it disappointing. I looked at it and didn’t see…other than future advances in CGI…how a movie about this character with the limitations that entails could be much better, especially for an opening film where they are still trying to establish character origin, etc. Because we all know that the studio did their best to pretend the first film didn’t exist.
Yes, i did notice the Stark Plans and Fury’s Shield documents, i was really afraid that that was what they were considering to be the Stark cameo, was soooo relieved when he actually turned up. I went back and watched the Ang Lee version on DVD after seeing this film, and after the joy of Edward Norton’s Bruce Banner, it sucked even worse. (The soundtrack was okay, tho). That dvd is now in a pile to be sold back to Hastings. eck!
I went in to this movie with no expectations other than the actors chosen were all excellent and i was hoping they had enough script to work with. All the little cudos and touches and cameos and the genuine chemistry between the characters was what made it for me. It wasn’t Iron Man, but it was entertaining, had some awesome location shots (Brazil, sheesh if they have an earthquake, several million people will die!) and kept me on the edge of my seat and amused for 116 minutes. That’s all i ask for. ^_^
I think it’s great that this movie was made with longtime Hulk fans in mind. There were so many references to the TV series, other Marvel comic books, and the Hulk universe itself that it will take at least a second viewing or more to spot them.
PCBR: Yes, this will be a fun one to see a second time, on DVD, to try to spot references, etc. Should be fun to watch if they have a good commentary to go with it.
SG: I had few expectations as well which probably helped with my outlook on the movie…that and only paying $5 to see it! I was amazed with some of the locations and couldn’t believe that city. It had a beauty to it when viewed from afar and yet was very disturbing to contemplate folks living like that.
I really enjoyed this movie. The hulk looks so similar to the comics and to give him some language was cool.
I still love the cameos. I always look forward to seeing where they put Stan Lee in. Lou Ferrigno is still a monster. He could play the hulk today. THAT would be so nostalgic.
E. Norton is perfect. This reminds me of how I felt when I saw Batman Begins as it related to the original movies. No comparison.
i rather enjoyed the ang lee one in the end. it was a bit weird at times, but overall i liked it.
i’m also looking forward to this one, and its good to know that so many like it.
ok smarty so I went and looked it up!
Lou Ferrigno … Voice of The Incredible Hulk / Security Guard
Cool Beans! lol lol
Wow, I’m surprised to hear this is so good. I can’t see all the movies that come out in the theatre, so this has to go on my DVD list. “Dark Knight” takes precedence.
I like Edward Norton and Liv Tyler though.
I really enjoyed the movie as well. I still loved Iron Man more but The Incredible Hulk is only slightly behind it. The movie stay’s true to the character, throws in just enough fun fanboy nods to please the true believers and the Edward Norton / Liv Tyler romance is believeable which lets you buy into the whole movie.
This summer is stacking up to be the best one for comic book movies. I can’t wait for Hellboy 2 and have high hopes for The Dark Knight, Wanted, and Hancock as well.
Carl brings up a good point though when it comes to price. $5 for week days against $ 10 for weekend showings in our area make for a big difference in how I will ultimately feel about a film’s entertainment value. I know it shouldn’t but it does.
My husband took the kids to see it. They loved it. Personally, The Hulk is one of my least favorite characters. Despite my love for Ed Norton, I just had to pass on this one. (Especially since the last Hulk movie was so bad!)
But I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Maybe I’m just not a Hulk sort of person.
Really looking forward to the new Hellboy film though. That looks like it is going to be great
My kid dragged me kicking and screaming to this one as I have no love of Hulk and the first one was so awful. Well really, since Mr. Norton was making a show, the screaming was minimal. Ed Norton & Robert Downey Jr. could not have been more perfect for what looks to be a fantastic franchise (AVENGERS!). I think we’ve got a few great summer movies to look forward to from the looks of these guys (not mentioning the actor at the end of Ironman to keep spoilers at bay… BUT OMG!) Marvel Universe movies are headed down a fantastic road!
Glad to hear you enjoyed this so much! As thunderstorms are ruining “the guys” camping plans, Rich is going to take the boys out for a day of fun while Annie and I read-a-thon. One of the things they’re going to do is go see this movie.
I love what you said about Liv Tyler…and couldn’t agree more, there really is something unique about her beauty. I’ve always thought she’s the perfect example of the miracles of genetic recombination!
The Hulk was so great. I thought they were going to have a hard time with making him stand out next to the recent Ironman, but somehow they pulled of this completely different kind of hero, with a separate story who can really stand on his NEXT to the all-great Ironman. haha Impressed, I am.
But I’m also UNGODLY amounts of excited for this epic Marvel Universe movie they keep hinting at lately!
Thanks for the great review, Carl! I am moving the movie up on my list to see now….like Deslily, I love Edward Norton, and I watched the original Hulk on TV, so I was hoping it would be similar to that. Thanks to your review (and you didn’t give the plot away!!! thank you!) I now know I WANT to see this movie!!!