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The Incredible Hulk – Spoiler Free Review

At four different moments last night, someone asked me why Marvel was making a sequel to a rather drab movie. They were referring to Ang Lee’s vision of The Hulk, while a financial success, left many Hulk fans feeling burned. Ang Lee’s Hulk wasn’t the Hulk they grew up reading. Each time I replied this wasn’t a sequel, this was a Batman Begins style reset of the character and film franchise. Most simply shrugged with indifference and made me wonder just how well this new Hulk would perform. Going into any film with a feeling of “meh” doesn’t bode well. In fact, sometimes it is better to enter a film with low expectations than indifference. At least a movie with low expectations can surprise you; “meh” is hard to get over.

So, did Edward Norton and the new Hulk stamp out indifference?

The short answer, he does, he truly does. Ed Norton, Zak Penn, and Louis Leterrier are 100% true to the Hulk’s core character. A character foundation that allowed the Hulk to endure for decades, while other "monster-in-the-man" comics fell by the wayside. Bad CGI and stilted acting not withstanding; that is what killed Ang Lee’s Hulk. Thankfully, the filmmakers behind The Incredible Hulk understand what makes the big green monster such a cultural icon. They also made the wise choice to drop the audience directly into the film, letting the credit sequence bring you up to speed with the genesis of the Hulk. It works really well. Even someone that knows nothing of the character will understand the story once The Incredible Hulk starts. Bruce Banner is a stunningly intelligent scientist cursed with a rampaging monster within, he loves Betty Ross, and her father, General Ross, is hunting Bruce Banner by any means necessary. The table is set.

Strong characters and strong acting.

Edward Norton has yet to turn in a bad performance. Sure, some better than others, but he’s yet to deliver a true stinker. He doesn’t do so in The Incredible Hulk either. His performance as a driven and melancholy Bruce Banner is unstated and balanced. You feel his pain as he tries to maintain the rage that boils just underneath the surface. More so, you understand the colossal guilt and responsibility he carries as the Hulk. Liv Tyler also brings a gentle sadness to the role of Betty Ross, Banner’s love interest and intellectual equal. You see her confliction when she first confronts Bruce Banner. She still deeply loves this man, but she knows they will never find peace until he finds peace within and calms the Hulk. Indeed, the few quiet moments between The Hulk and Betty Ross are some of the most compelling moments in the film.

William Hurt was a surprise. When it came to General Ross, I didn’t think anyone could beat Sam Elliot, in fact I remember wishing they just re-cast Elliot in the role. I was wrong. Yes, William Hurt lacks the visual and vocal gravitas of Sam Elliot, but he does bring a quiet anger Elliot lacks. General Ross loves his country and is willing to do anything to keep America #1 in the world. Still, an ethical and moral man lives under those general stars. Hurt’s acting continues the theme of unchecked emotions that live within us all. This brings us to Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky / The Abomination. Whereas every other character in The Incredible Hulk represents unchecked or buried emotions, Blonsky can’t and doesn’t want to keep it contained. Tim Roth is walking anger and regret. He is a soldier on the downward slide of a stunning career. His mind is still as sharp as ever, even sharper. Sadly, his body is slowly betraying him. When General Ross offers Emil at a chance regaining what he once was, the temptation is too strong. Tim Roth’s performance is strong. He isn’t a paper-thin villain. You understand his drive and you understand his pain. Why was a pacifist like Banner blessed with such a physical gift? His growth as a villain is true and believable. Therefore, when we finally get the massive throw down between the Hulk and the Abomination, you understand and believe the reason behind the rage and hate.

How was the fighting?

Not bad. We all know they have to use CGI. This wasn’t Iron Man nor was it The Dark Knight; they couldn’t build 8+ foot tall rubber suits and have some stuntmen duke it out. (Well, they could have, but it would have been a completely different movie). When the Hulk interacts with real people and environments, he looks rather realistic. This is important because if we don’t believe the emotional connection between the Hulk and Betty Ross, the film wouldn’t work. It is when the movie shifts to 100% (or darn close) CGI that it takes on a lifeless visage. Still, the fights are loud, brutal, and extremely violent. General Ross and his crew know they have to throw everything they can at the Hulk and short of dropping a Nuke on the green machine, they do. As shown in the trailer, the showdown between Super Soldier Emil and the Hulk are impressive; if this is a glimpse of what to expect from a Captain America movie, sweet! The fight between the Hulk and the Abomination does look a little cartoony, I know it couldn’t be avoided, but it still took me out of the moment from time to time. The final fight did have impact and tension.

The Hulk is a strong film, no pun intended.

It isn’t a great film, but it is another good outing from Marvel Studios. Attention Warner Brothers, take a cue from Marvel Studios. They’re creating an interesting shared universe, I’m buying it and more importantly, the audience is buying it. Not only does The Incredible Hulk leave itself open to a sequel, but it also pushes open the door to an Avengers movie just a little more. The Incredible Hulk isn’t as good as Iron Man, but it comes damn close. Strong performances, good story, and believable CGI promise The Incredible Hulk is a fine summer night at your local Multiplex!