G.I. D'oh

Rating: 5/10 (7 August 2016)

Summary: G.I. D'oh *** This review may contain spoilers ***
The Incredible Hulk (2008) is by no means a bad movie, but there are too many moments where I found myself unconvinced, or even confused, by what the characters were trying to accomplish. As the second entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film does something unique by not concentrating on the origins of the titular character, but that decision ultimately leaves too much confusion and fluff in the main plot.
That's not to say I disagree with this decision, as the creation of a mad green monster is a well- played movie trope that I'm am a bit glad they avoided (a trope most likely originating from Frankenstein, in which the original cinematic production creations an excellent creature). The problem with the film lies in what is actually on the screen, which in my opinion are a lot of nonsensical decisions.
The beginning search for a government project gone awry becomes too much of a concentration that comes off as a Jason Bourne movie instead of a concentration on who the character actually is. This problem may arise from the way I view Thunderbolt Ross, played by William Hurt, who seems too one-dimensional and obliviously ill-advised in his attempt to recreate green super soldiers who just seem so uncontrollable. In other words, by jumping immediately into action spy- thriller style, Ross seems unconvincing and that leaves little time to develop his character with any doubt to his own motives, something that worked so well in Iron Man.
Similarly, mercenary soldier Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) seems like none other than a blockhead, and it's hard to relate to a character who stands toe-to-toe with a megaton creature like the Hulk who merely shakes his head with "Is that all you got?" Ross' lack of reigning in Blonsky just seems like another example of bad life choices in this movie. Finally, as far as negatives, While I like Liv Tyler, I found her romance as Betty Ross with Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) rather flat, again amplified by Thunderbolt Ross' lack of empathy for her situation when it seems very clear rather early that Banner is not a bad guy.
It is worth noting that I enjoyed some things about this movie. I felt that Norton does a decent job as Banner/The Hulk, providing some seriousness to the role, albeit maybe too serious at times. Second, the cinematography was very well-done, especially the scenes in Brazil. Finally, while the film lacks emotional chemistry, an exception to this is ironically with the CGI; some of the most emotive scenes occur when Banner's alter ego comes out and I would liken this to Andy Serkis' work, notable in Lord of the Rings.
All in all, this film provides a credible Hulk but I feel like I still needed more convincing given the excellent cast, so I give it 2 out of 4 smashes.