Quite an Incredible Film

The Incredible Hulk
Directed by Louis Leterrier
Paramount Pictures



I can hardly believe it. First, we were presented with the glory and wonder that is Iron Man on the silver screen (see my review here). Now, the second big superhero film has found its way to theatres and, although not quite as good as ol’ shell-head’s film, it is a damned fine addition to the list of great comic-to-screen movies.

This isn’t the first time the mean green machine has been committed to celluloid. The poorly reviewed and received Ang Lee interpretation of the character (Hulk, 2003) was cast aside for this new “reboot.” Frankly, I didn’t think it was all that bad, but recognized its over esoteric themes and heavy handed symbolism. Poor Eric Bana has been cast aside for A-lister Edward Norton who takes on the role of Bruce Banner, a scientist whose desire to help mankind compels him to use himself as a guinea pig. The end result - he turns into a giant green juggernaut whenever he gets angry.



No real hero would be complete without a significant other. This film gives us Liv Tyler as Dr. Betty Ross, Bruce’s main squeeze. She’s trying to help Bruce stay under the radar while he searches for a cure. Betty’s dad, General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (played brilliantly by the amazing William Hurt) doesn’t feel that Bruce is good enough for his little girl, and unfortunately for them, he has the whole of the US Army on his side to support his point. All Banner and Betty have is Dr. Samuel Stern (Tim Blake Nelson), a colleague who is trying to find an answer to their problem.



Ok so, see if you can follow this. Bruce wants to get rid of the monster within him for a number of reasons. First off, it nearly killed Betty the first time he changed. Second, it’s a huge social crippler for him because if he gets too excited for any reason, he gets big, green, and starts hurling SUV’s all over the place. Third, he knows that General Ross wants to use The Hulk as a military weapon and, like any morally-bound scientist, Banner cannot let that happen.

So he’s on the lam and doing pretty well. Of course, if he’d managed to stay hidden then we wouldn’t have a movie so eventually he slips up and the government tracks him down. Not wanting to take any chances, they hire a team of top notch mercenaries led by super spy Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) to take Banner down. Naturally, the whole thing goes to hell and the Hulk takes out everyone but Blonsky, who vows revenge.



Long story short (too late), Blonsky and Ross decide to try to make their own monster, creating The Abomination, a creature stronger and smarter than The Hulk. This culminates in an earth-shaking final battle, the likes of which have never been seen on film before.

It is notable to mention that there are a number of tributes to the original television series from the 70’s including the origin story, a cool cameo from Lou Ferrigno (who also provides The Hulk’s voice), and repeated use of “The Lonely Man” theme song. You remember it…whenever an episode of the TV show ended and the late great Bill Bixby would walk off alone, it played that simple piano tune. I felt goose bumps, folks, goose bumps. What an awesome blast from the past!



The film blends fine acting with pretty decent CGI to create an exciting and rich story. Norton is great as Banner and Tyler plays her role amply, but I think the real star performances in this film come from William Hurt and Tim Blake Nelson, both of whom embrace their characters and add depth to otherwise shallow emotional pools. Between Nelson’s bug eyed enthusiasm and Hurt’s tooth grinding determination, I wasn’t sure who to cheer on. I think, in the end, I just cheered.

Let me drop a line to all my fanboy and fangirls out there. The final battle between The Hulk and The Abomination actually brought a tear to my eye because it was exactly what an old comic book geek like me has always wanted to see. In addition, without giving too much away, expect to see a plethora of in-references designed to make those in the know wiggle and giggle in their seats. These include allusions to Captain America, The Leader, S.H.I.E.L.D., The Super Soldier Program, and Doc Sampson. To top it all off, Robert Downey Jr. shows up as Tony Stark to make another inference that The Avengers film will soon be here.



The Incredible Hulk is a film for everyone, whether you are a comic book fan, a lover of the original television series, or just someone who loves action films. It’s accessible, exciting, and fun. I left the theatre smiling, and I saw a lot of others with the same satisfied grin heading out into the lobby after the credits had rolled. Make no mistake, it’s a popcorn movie and won’t challenge you emotionally or intellectually, but it will give you two hours of serious entertainment.

Two superhero films down and two home runs have been hit out of the park so far. We have a few more before this season is over. I hope that Hellboy 2, Hancock, and The Dark Knight know that they have some pretty big green metal shoes to fill.

The Incredible Hulk is now in theatres.