|
| Movie Review: The Incredible Hulk Alternate Title: Green-Eyed Monster
Story: The mean, green fighting
machine is back - but this time around, it seems it is good to be green.
This incarnation of the not so jolly green giant was directed by Louis
Leterrier and written by Zak Penn. It is based
on the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Jack
Kirby.
So what is different about this film from Ang
Lee's 2003 rumination? Simply put - just about everything.
While the titles are rolling we see a montage of how Dr. Bruce Banner
became the Hulk and ended up as an anonymous drone in a soda bottling
plant in Brazil. No psychobabble problems with his Dad - just a wacko
Army General in a quest to develop a super army of indestructible men. Our mild mannered Dr Banner turns into the Hulk
when his blood pressure goes above 200. (Note to self: continue medication).
Our Hulk tries to control his anger issues with deep breathing techniques,
yoga and non-engagement. But what's a Hulk to do when all of his efforts
are for naught? Our hulking tortured soul wants to be rid of his gamma
filled blood problem and be a normal guy but it is just not in the cards
(how could the franchise continue?) If you like your summer entertainment filled
with silly DGI fight scenes, monster mashes and comic book dialogue
- check out this version of The Incredible Hulk. If you are waiting
for something darker - hang in there - Batman is coming soon. You can read my 2003 review of Ang Lee's The
Hulk here. http://www.judithwolfe.com/lobosmoviereviews/reviews/hulk.html View the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSH3xtygvbA Acting: Edward Norton as Bruce Banner
does his best with what the screenwriters have given him. Liv
Tyler as Betty Ross, the love interest, delivers her usual
one dimensional non-performance. Tim Roth as the wannabe
super soldier hasn't much to do, but he seems to be enjoying his role.Tim
Blake Nelson as the wacky professor with a possible cure is
fun in his small role. William Hurt as the very bad
General Ross could have been better. A bit part by Lou Ferrigno,
TV's The Hulk, was funny, as was a cameo by Stan Lee.
An homage to the TV show was also seen as Bill Bixby
appears in black and white on a TV set in Brazil in his original role
as Bruce Banner. Predilection: I like the Hulk
Critters: Bruce Banner's dog gets shot with a tranquilizer
in Brazil.
Food: Pizza
Sex Spectrum: Sex gets Banner's blood pressure too
high so that is a no no in this PG rated film.
Blatant Product Placement: I was sure there would
be more product placement but I did not notice any.
Soundtrack: Loud
Opening Titles: The background story is revealed through
the opening credits.
Theater Audience: A handful of adult fans.
Weather: The weather was good for viewing The Hulk.
Drift Factor: I started to look at my watch after
an hour. The finale was way too long.
Predictability Level: High
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure.
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 6
|