"HULK" (a) Smash!

Rating: 9/10 (25 June 2008)

THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008) ***1/2 Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, Christina Cabot, Debora Nascimento. Reboot of the Marvel Comics cult hero is serviced well this time out with a fine mix of cool visual effects and a decent storyline/screenplay by Zak Penn depicting the account of mild-mannered scientist, Dr. Bruce Banner (Norton excelling with his nuanced agonizing performance) and the side-effects of being exposed to gamma rays resulting in the titular creature whenever he is angered. Adding to his fury is the US military's ploy to capture the fugitive for further testings led by macho jerk Gen. Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (Hurt) and interfering with Banner's romance with Ross' beguiling daughter Betty (Tyler) who is also trying to help Bruce return to 'normal'. Director Louis Leterrier goes gonzo with the action sequences, which prove satisfying with "Hulk Smash!" results including a spectacular throw down with nemesis gung-ho soldier Roth's "The Abomination". Look for Lou Ferrigno and Stan Lee's cameos.