The Incredible Hulk

Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Lou Ferrigno

Dir. Louis Leterrier
Scr. Zak Penn

After the truly off-the-mark Ang Lee Hulk movie of 2003, it seemed inevitable Hollywood would try again. And although the result is ten times better than Lee’s version, this outing is by no means perfect. But they are working with perhaps the most boring superhero of all time – the film, for instance, is completely humourless, but how do you make a big, stupid green monster funny? He gets angry and roars and creates mayhem – not a lot of nuance to be had. What is interesting about The Hulk are all the bits when he’s not The Hulk and this version certainly keeps the audience engaged on that front. A largely enjoyable film, The Incredible Hulk will ensure the survival of this newly revived franchise.

The Incredible Hulk picks up with fugitive Dr Bruce Banner hiding out in Brazil, desperately trying to find a cure for his “hulk-like” tendencies, having fled the US, leaving his lady love – fellow scientist Betty Ross – and all those chasing him, behind. We see Banner working on his anger issues – deep breathing and so on – and communicating with “Dr Blue” in an effort to get rid of what’s inside him. It doesn’t take long for an accident at work to betray his whereabouts to General Thaddeus Ross and his team of top-class soldiers, including enigmatic and brilliant Emil Blonsky, and Banner decides enough is enough. He returns to the US in an effort to find that cure and live happily ever after. And, well, it nearly turns out that way.

This film looks pretty good and is paced just about perfectly. The scenes in Brazil are an interesting insight into Banner and once he returns to the US, it’s just a rollercoaster until the end. While Ang Lee wanted us to understand the Hulk and make him more humane, director Leterrier and writer Penn understand that this is not a winning formula – understanding Banner and his attempts to stop the Hulk getting out is much more interesting. The Hulk is a big lug and that’s about it. And while he recognises and protects Betty, that’s really just a plot device to make sure she doesn’t die (although I think the film might have been vastly improved if she did). When the Hulk is unleashed, we want to see the Hulk – end of story.

The acting is mostly pretty solid in The Incredible Hulk. Edward Norton does a good job as Banner – he’s believable as a scientist and as a strongman. It helps, as is the case in Batman and Ironman, to have a skilled actor in an exaggerated and clichéd role – a less capable actor is prone to hamming it up and the result can be terrible. The only kink in Norton’s armour is the lack of chemistry between himself and Liv Tyler, who plays love interest Betty Ross. Tyler is not believable as a scientist. Or even an actress, for that matter. That look in Norton’s eyes is not love; it’s disbelief at her attempts at acting. She is bad and that’s all there is to say. Fine performances are delivered by both Hurt (as General Ross) and Roth (as Blonsky) – gutsy, strong, horribly evil. Watch out for a nicely played cameo from the TV hulk, Lou Ferrigno, who also provides the voice for the Hulk for such inspired lines as “HULK … SMASH!”

An inspired, cryptic final scene guarantees The Incredible Hulk II (or will it be Ironman II?) an eager audience. This Hulk is entertaining and a good night out. It’s not going to ever be in the same league as Batman Begins or Ironman, but then the big green guy is not exactly known for his charm or wit. If you’re a fan of action, Marvel or big lugs, go see it.

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General Ross: As far as I'm concerned that man's whole body is property of the US Army.