Product ReviewsThe Incredible Hulk (DVD, 2008)

FOUR STAR MOVIE

Incredible Hulk is an absolutely fantastic action/superhero movie. Bruce Banner is living in Brazil, trying to keep a low profile and find a cure for himself. He has also been doing different exercises to calm himself. When he is discovered, to his dismay, the Hulk returns, and Banner gets away. Fans of the comic will not be disappointed in the new characters introduced, as well as the fantastic performances by all involved. Fantastic direction shows the Hulk as large shadows as well as the incredible CGI. Though the plot is more action than character driven, Edward Norton infuses Banner with a fantastic torn hero persona, a man who carries the weight of all his problems on himself. Liv Tyler does a very fine job as Betty, playing a woman in love with a man with two sides. William Hurt shows General Ross as a man with a cold, hard determination, but still with heart. Tim Roth plays a man intrigued and then seduced by the power within Banner. Fantastically drawn peripheral characters round out a fantastic cast. Wonderful cameos pay tribute, as both Stan Lee and Lou Ferigno have small roles. A very entertaining film, with great acting and lots of action, and highly recommended.Read full review...

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Hailing more from the pulp-melancholic spirit of CBS's 1978-1982 Hulk television series than its 2003 predecessor did, THE INCREDIBLE HULK wordlessly tells the entire gamma ray-afflicted origin story of scientist Bruce Banner's alter-ego within its first three minutes. This credit sequence in particular evokes (albeit with some cinematic weight) the lo-fi, premise-informing quality that one would find at the onset every episode of a cultish TV show, thus making two things quite clear. First, the Edward Norton-starring INCREDIBLE HULK is not a sequel to or a remake of Ang Lee's HULK, but a reboot equipped with an alternate plot, a new dynamic, and a different set of rules. Second, it is director Louis Leterrier's (UNLEASHED, THE TRANSPORTER) express intention to deliver a tightly wound, economically paced thriller in which scenes of drama and action are not mutually exclusive. THE INCREDIBLE HULK replaces cerebral family drama with the story of a lonely, afflicted scientist who, at the start of the movie, is already in hiding, training his mind-body dichotomy. As for the Hulk that inevitably comes forth, a previously poetic weightlessness is rejected in favor of gargantuan physicality, and this time there's an equal behemoth for the not-so-jolly green giant to battle. It's akin to seeing the huge robots of TRANSFORMERS face off, only with more muscle and bone. The angst, of course, isn't gone from this incarnation--not if Norton's intelligently passionate Banner and his tender, forbidden relationship with Dr. Elizabeth Ross (Liv Tyler) have anything to say about it. It's simply that this Hulk always smashes before he ponders. Rounding out THE INCREDIBLE HULK's main players are William Hurt as General Ross and Tim Roth as marine Emil Blonsky, two men in pursuit of the Hulk who, like Banner, aren't so much evil as consumed by tragic character flaws.Read full review...

The Incredible Hulk

The Hulk is back in this brand new comicbook inspired film and guess what? It doesn't suck! The storyline for "The Incredible Hulk" wasn't really based on the backstory of the character, however it did give a few scenes of his past, but mainly focused on events going on in the presence. Seeing that I can't talk too much about the story without spoiling part of the story, I'll move on.

One of my favorite things about the film is the amazing visual artwork and actual camera shots that were taken. The actual visual style of the Hulk looks realistic but not 100% from a far distance. The second that camera zooms in though on the Hulk's body you can see the form and shape of every muscle and vein in his body. I didn't like how the face was textured, but it still did look realistic. It's safe to say that the CGI in this film is used to it's advantage and some really amazing work is done here.

For camera shots this surprisingly really kept me amazed. There's a scene near the beginning when Bruce Banner aka The Hulk got cut which ending in some blood dropping to the ground. Ok, now I know what you're thinking "He can't seriously be talking about a camera shot of blood? Can he?". The answer is, yes I am talking about a camera shot of blood falling to the ground, spinning, in slow motion. Throughout the entire film I noticed three well placed slow-mo shots; the blood scene in the beginning and two slow-mo action shots near the end of the film.

One of the most disappointing parts of this film had to have been the acting. Edward Norton didn't seem to play out as the badass that the Hulk is. I don't think Norton was correctly cast as this role in the film seeing that it IS such a crucial role to the film's success. Luckily for the producers, they had a good enough script and editing to coverup for the bad acting in the film. Besides Norton's bad acting, the few love scenes in the film seemed a tad bit tiresome and cheesey. Now I know this movie is based on a comicbook, but the love scenes were just too cheesey for any type of film.

I'm really satisfied with the fact of some of the cameos that were in the film. Of course since this is a movie based on a Marvel comic, Stan Lee made an appearance in the film. I wasn't really too happy about the role that Stan Lee played in the film since it seemed kind of disappointing. Stan's role's are never the biggest in Marvel's films, but they always seem to make me smile; this one however was kind of a downer. Another cameo in the film was made by Lou Ferrigno; to Hulk fans Lou was the original Hulk in the tv series of the same name as the film, Lou does the voiceacting for the Hulk in the film as well as making an actual appearance as a security guard. Oh and guess what Lou's on screen appearance was in the last film. Yeah that's right; a security guard.

As always; I love to take a look at the poster and advertising for the film. The Incredible Hulk's advertising is not a personal favorite of mine since I think things should of been more in proportion. Even with the angle of the camera shot Bruce and the Hulk are way too tall for the picture. Bruce is around 5'10-6'0, where the Hulk stands around 8'0 tall. Besides showing you who the Hulk is the poster doesn't really do much for telling you about the movie. The helicopters in background indicate they're looking for something, like the Hulk, but not more is told through the advertisement.

There were a lot of improvements since the last Hulk film (Hulk, 2003Read full review...

BIG NAME STARS + INCREDIBLE HULK=Credible Acting

What a GOOD movie! You really get a good feel of the homage to the Bill Bixby era (see how many easter eggs you can find). And yet there was a sense to not detach too far from the Ang Lee version. Of course with actors like William Hurt, Edward Norton, and Tim Roth pressing themselves through your screen, you know you're in for a treat. Liv
Tyler wasn't too bad, however you had a feeling she was more along for the ride than really fleshing out Jekyll/Hyde relationship of Banner. Give up for Ed Norton, I had my doubts, but when he said he wanted to be rid of the Hulk and not control, that sealed it for me. This is a movie you can watch with the kids and see what nuances they pick up on as well. No the violence wasn't over the top, and the dialogue wasn't forced as much up until the end. I will say this Tim Roth wasn't as easy on the eyes and ears as I had imagined when I first saw him, especially sized up against William Hurt (who oddly sounded similar in tone and voice like Jeff Bridges in another Marvel flick). I think his diminuitive stature and weasely looks does help you understand the desperation and motives in this wannabe napolean. I did have concerns about Banner's ability to stay high-tech even on the run, but Marvel hasn't been known for the best continuity in the comic book to movie deal. The CG is a little hokie, but that's to be expected with a 10ft tall green/gray hued behemoth. That aside the CG doesn't fail to give you a good sense of the Hulk's abilities and impact on an environment. I hope the sequel involves an avenger/spiderman teamup deal.

Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and its pacing. A must buy!Read full review...

A refreshing update

I'll try hard not to over-elaborate, but the Louis Leterrier version of The Incredible Hulk was clearly a much needed and better take in comparison to Ang Lee. Additionally, Ed Norton was a much more enjoyable and believable choice for Bruce Banner instead of Eric Bana's lethargic character. So Betty Ross and Banner WERE in love after all?! You would have never known in the confusing mess of the Ang Lee movie.

As a fan of The Incredible Hulk series and of the comic, there's rift in what people are expecting in the movie theaters. I actually applaud Ang Lee in his attempt to create something unique, because that's what was needed. However, Louis Leterrier was much more successful in capturing the sincerety of both the Banner and Hulk character without an overly artsy or psychological analysis. Sure there were some inconsistencies (changing back and forth from day to night during the village chase scene), and the effects still don't seem to be quite at a level to make them seamless with live-action...but both the writing and action were much better this time around.

While there are various origin stories at this point, most people understand the concept by now. The Hulk is a great character: The classic innocent brute who has a basic concept of good, but who is persecuted by the world around him. One of most recognized characters in comic book history is deserving of a creative and solid interpretation. I'm glad it worked out better this time...and I hope there will be even more impressive sequels to come.Read full review...

Fugitive Dr. Bruce Banner

Honestly, as soon as I heard they were making another Hulk movie I was surprised. When I heard they had cast Ed Norton, I was shocked. So going into this movie I had no idea what to expect. Coming out, I feel like an idiot because it was really masterfully done. Lettier does an amazing job, Norton was fantastic, and as far as a comic book movie goes, this one is just about on top with little nods and mentions. If you don't walk out of this film screaming HELLL YEAAAA, then you are not normal. Far better than Ang Lee's attempt at the green man and as far as this year, it's definitely Marvel's year. No better way to make up for Spiderman 3 than releasing Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk just a month apart. Thank you Marvel for cleaning the mess Spiderman 3 left and clearing your name. This film just makes me thing of one word...AVENGERSRead full review...

This Film Just Confirms...

...why the mainstream movie going public doesnt' get behind many comic book movies.

I have been into comics for many years, before the start of the Marvel Age of Comics actually. I was so pleased to see Marvel's characters finally being done right, with the X-Men and Spidey Movies.

The Iron Man Film was the Best of them all IMHO so far...

Too bad that the newest Incredible Hulk film depended too much on green screen and CGI. It didn't flow like the Iron Man film did, nor the Spidey Films.

My wife and I saw the hype at the San Diego Comic Con International for the Ang Lee version, and then later for the Edward Norton version... well, the second version is better, but not one I would take non-comics fans to go see the film with. The storyline is better this time, and I liked most of the actors' roles but...

Sorry, but this is why several mainstream film goers don't want to co to comic book movies... too cartoony or 'comic booky'.

It's a shame really, because the film shouldn't be done without CGI, but once again it is overused here IMHO and my wife's...

MichaelRead full review...

good movie

When the first version of the Hulk hit the screens it met with a rather lukewarm reception but now Marvel have gone back to the drawing board and given us a new film which hits the mark one hundred percent.
Set five years after Bruce Banner's accident with Gamma radiation, we find our hero living in South America, holding down a part time job and trying to learn how to control the beast that rages within him.
Banner is in contact with the mysterious Mr Blue who is trying to help him find a cure for his problem but things get hectic when a military team succeed in tracking Banner down with the intention of examining him to find out how he got his abilities so they can replicate the treatment.
Seeking help from Betty Ross, Banner returns to the USA to cure his condition once and for all, unaware that the military has taken further steps to bring both him, and the Hulk inside him, back home.
Now this is exactly what the first Hulk film should've been. However, this one has been made by someone who obviously had a real passion for the original television series in the 70's as there are numerous nods to the show, right down to the opening title sequence and some of the music too.
Norton is spot on as Banner and looks freakishly like Bill Bixby in some scenes. William Hurt is excellent, as always, as General `Thunderbolt' Ross, Liv Tyler is surprisingly good as Betty Ross and Tim Roth plays Banner's nemesis Emil Blonsky with zeal and gives us some great scenes.
The film is well paced and builds to the satisfying conclusion as the Hulk and The Abomination fight it out while another classic Hulk villain is born in the debris of the battle. Readers of the comic book will spot him as soon as he appears on screen! There is a nice tie-in at the end with an appearance by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark.
For those who haven't seen it yet it's advisable for continuity purposes to watch Iron Man first, specifically the scene at the end of that film's credits, before this film and then the last scene will make perfect sense.
The second disc contains some great extras including an alternative opening which comic book readers will understand the significance of, nearly 45 minutes of deleted and extended scenes, the ubiquitous making of and lots of behind the scenes info.
As Marvel films go, this rates as one of their best and it's a must have piece of the puzzle that leads us towards the upcoming Avengers movie.Read full review...

This was worth the time. Exceptional Emotional Ride!

While most film remakes tend to be predictable, this film was a surprising breath of fresh "Movie Air". Wow. Edward Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner was extremely impressive and teaches us that artistic creation does matter.

I wouldn't have missed this at all in theaters, however, I might have had something going on at that present time that caused me to miss the initial introduction in theaters. After over a year after its release, I finally caught this on video. Thanks to the wondrous world of Ebay, I finally caught this last evening.

While more than over the top, we find our buddy that we always loved Lou Ferrigno in a small part as a security guard. The U.K. Born Tim Roth is totally awesome in his role. We get to hulks for the price of one in this film.
Little do we know until the very end that Stark Industries, Inc., our old buddy Tony Stark is going to show up and get involved, yet during the first 4 minutes of the beginning, we almost figure all this out because the headlines and information flashes telling us of Stark's involvement. Perhaps this may be pointing us toward a second movie involving Ironman as well. Let be hopeful

Amazing graphics was only the icing on the cake. The screenplay didn't waste any time at all in telling us through the 4 minute screen credits what had actually occurred with our main character becoming mutated by gamma rays. I'll have to hand it to the production and design team and wonderful acting on the part of Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Ed Norton, and the rest to present this film in an absorbing rendition of the most incredible story in comics.

5/5 for genius.

IF YOU LIKE MY REVIEWS, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO LET ME KNOW BY VOTING. THANKS.Read full review...

Holds its own

Great movie, I didn't think Edward Norton would be a good fit for this role, but he really pulls it off. And I had never been a big fan of the original series, but ended up really surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Great addition to the Marvel universe, and good as a stand alone movie if you haven't watched any of the other Marvel superhero filmsRead full review...

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