Movie Review - “The Incredible Hulk”
** 1/2 STARS
Over 5 years ago Ang Lee released his version of the “Hulk” to scathing reviews and little fanfare from audiences. His looney translation of the popular comic angered fans and made the film a phenomenal flop. Edward Norton’s recent outing as “The Incredible Hulk” is a fun ride but the pay off at the end feels empty. But this time around I walked out of the theater much more satisfied then the last time I saw the big green monster on the silver screen.
Most of the excitement and thrills in this film come from Edward Norton’s testosterone charged action scenes as Bruce Banner. Once the “Hulk” comes on the screen the pay off doesn’t feel worth the wait. The visual effects in this movie don’t cohesively exist with the real life actors and backdrop they feel more like animation than CGI. When the “Hulk” is on screen he doesn’t look real and at times he borders on looking cartoonish.
The performances in “The Hulk” save it from sinking into campy B-movie territory. Liv Tyler does a sweet job as Betty Ross the love interest to Bruce Banner. One of the most fun aspects of this movie is watching Tim Roth chew up the scenery as the evil Emil Blonsky (who later turns into “Abomination”). Edward Norton is terrifically cast as Banner but the rest of the script doesn’t rise above being silly and familiar.
If you put some of the visual styles aside, this movie was fun and entertaining. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was a tad bit disappointed by this latest rendition of the popular green superhero. I can’t help but feel that a truly incredible “Hulk” film is still waiting to be made. Norton’s sexy charismatic personality and acting aren’t enough to make this film a classic along the lines of “Spiderman 2″ or “Batman Begins”.
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