Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1 hr 54 mins
Cast:
- Edward Norton
- Liv Tyler
- Tim Roth
- William Hurt
- Tim Blake Nelson
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Review - "The Incredible Hulk"
Reviewer: Charise Payne
Rating:
In 2003, Ang Lee released the highly-anticipated movie The Hulk. And even though purists would have liked to see more smashing, car ripping, and action in general, most people were satisfied, and moved on to the next blockbuster and hoped for a sequel. After fives years of waiting, the hopes for a second film were squelched, and fans began to lose hope. Marvel, however, had other ideas. They didn't want to do a sequel; they wanted a pass for a do-over, and the fans gave it to them. And in return for their patience and devotion, fans were given The Incredible Hulk, an action-packed, emotionally-charged film that stays close to the Marvel comic and the original television series.
Louis Leterrier (The Transporter and Unleashed) was given the honor of directing the Hulk reboot, and the way he filmed the movie made me forget about the first film. In my opinion, this is the first Hulk movie, and from this film, a series can be built.
As the film begins, we find Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) living in hiding from his would-be capturers in a Brazilian hole-in-the-wall. During the day, he works at a bottling factory as a fix-it boy, and studies martial arts to help him learn to control his anger. But at night, he uses his scientist skills to find a cure for the gamma radiation poisoning that turns him into the Hulk when his body gets to stressed or angry. Bruce, along with a scientist back in the USA, code name Mr. Blue, think they have found a cure for his poisoning, but need all of the information at Bruce's former lab, back in the USA, to find out for sure.
While searching for a cure, Bruce's Brazilian hideout is discovered by the mean and loathsome General Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt). He wants to replicate what is inside of Bruce so he can harnesses it and create thousands of soldiers just like the Hulk. The General doesn't see the flaw in his plan, of course, and Bruce, knowing the Hulk can't be harnessed or controlled, makes a run for it. He turns into the Hulk, and after some great action scenes, ends up alone, practically naked, and with no money or food in Central America. Bruce has decided he need to go home, get the data from his lab, and get rid of this parasite that has attached his body. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, he is able to get back to the U.S. so he can retrieve the scientific data regarding his illness.
While trying to get access to the University he used to work at, Bruce sees the love of his life, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), who is also the general's daughter. He wants to approach her, but knows he can't, as he could endanger her life. But he does turn to an old friend who gives him the help he needs: a bed, some food, and cash.
In the meantime, the General has found a new toy — Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth). He is an elite forces soldier who has seen the Hulk in-person and wants to know more about his powers. He is gagging to sample some of Bruce's superpowers himself; he wants his old body back, and believes the gamma radiation poisoning will give him back his youth. And in classic super-hero fashion, Blonsky is able to become a new version of the Hulk and challenges Bruce to a fight. For who will win and what happens next, well, you will have to see the movie — I don't want to give too much away.
The Incredible Hulk is a lot of fun. The acting by Edward Norton and Tim Blake Nelson (Samuel Sterns) is great and captivating to watch. I loved all the subtle hints to Stark Industries and Nick Fury, and laughed with pleasure when a certain someone came on-screen. I also loved the tributes to the television series of the 1970s, and enjoyed the respect given to the actors who played in the series before. But my favorite part had to be Stan Lee's cameo; it made bust my seams. His face was priceless, and this cameo is, by far, my favorite to date.
The Incredible Hulk is everything that a moviegoer is looking for: action, romance, drama, and a whole lot of fun. I loved how faithful it was to the comic book series, and that it has tied itself to other Marvel heroes, such as Iron Man and Captain America (look for subtle hints about Captain America in both Iron Man and this film), preparing the audience for even more Marvel goodies in the future — can anyone say the Avengers Initiative? I can't wait!
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