The Incredible Hulk (12A)
Posted by Guest Writer on Mon, 16 Jun 2008.
Starring: Edward Norton, William Hurt, Tim Roth, Liv Tyler.
Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is pursued as a fugitive by General ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross (William Hurt) who is determined to reclaim the Hulk as military property. Ross enlists the aid of foreign military elite Emile Blonsky (Tim Roth) and injects him with the same gamma radiation that transformed Banner, while Bruce searches for a cure with the help of girlfriend Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) and the mysterious Mr. Blue.
After the extreme disappointment of the last screen adaptation of one of the best known comic book characters in 2003’s Hulk, it is hard to imagine that this next attempt could be much worse. However, this thought does little to quell the apprehension with which this film should, rightfully, be approached.
But occasionally, handing over your pennies to watch a film that could possibly be the worst thing you’ve endured in some considerable time can enhance the relief and enjoyment when you find that the movie in question isn’t a dull, rambling, incomprehensible waste of time and money after all.
And here is such a film. Ok, so CGI Hulk is not the best effect comparatively but it has been stepped up several significant notches since last time and, to be fair, how real is a 10ft green monster guy ever going to look?
The script and plot are kept interesting, simple and occasionally witty and the whole film moves faster. With characters and elements introduced that fans will recognize (including a great surprise ending), this version is much more akin to its comic book origin.
It still has some way to go to rival the spectacular Iron Man, which is still playing, but it’s certainly entertaining and action packed. And if that isn’t enough to keep you watching, well Liv Tyler alone should be.
“HULK SMASH”
Thanks go to the Odeon for making this review possible.
By Tom Smith