Makes Ang Lee's Hulk look like Batman and Robin.

Rating: 10/10 (22 February 2015)

When Ang Lee's version of the big green monster came out in the summer of '03, it smashed box office records and outdid all expectations and was soon on its way to becoming one of the grandest comic book films ever made, then came the bad word of mouth and by the next weekend the film had plummeted a massive 60% and was left thrashing in theaters and was only able to make a profit thanks to a worldwide opening. Marvel was left not knowing what to do as the movie's massive opening had shown a natural appeal to the film, yet Hulk fans obviously didn't enjoy what they were watching on screen. While Lee's film was splendid in its scale and motivations, it clearly wasn't a typical comic book action film and at the end of the day, most movie goers don't care for a two-and-a-half hour mental investigation when watching a Hulk movie, they want to see epic battle scenes and lots of smashing things, both of which the 2003 version of the Hulk failed to give audiences.
Now, I never saw this film when it came out in the summer of '08, so much like Iron Man, I didn't know what I was going to see when I watched this movie; well fear not, this movie is miles better than then the '03 film in every way from the diction to the acting to the action.
The film opens with General William "Thunderbolt" Ross meeting with Bruce Banner about testing that will supposedly make people resistant to gamma radiation, but the test doesn't work and causes Banner to turn into the Hulk and go on the run from the military and Ross who now wants the Hulk weaponized. It then cuts to five years later with Banner working at a soda factory in Rio de Janeiro until Ross dispatches a SWART team to arrest Banner, but Bruce transforms into the Hulk, fights off the army and escapes. Once he reaches the US, Banner reunites with Betty Ross and now must contend with her father, the whole US army while battling the monster within.
The story here is great, with a superb script thanks in no small part to Edward Norton, particularly when it comes to the dialog. Despite being somber, the movie does have humor sprinkled throughout, making plentiful references to the TV show and characters in the Marvel universe. The directing by Louis Leterrier is also great for this kind of summer action film, effectively providing both action and more personal scenes to the viewer and making the movie a cinematic answer to a well-oiled car: a expertly, fast-paced, action-filled film that doesn't talk down to its audience. The true heart is the movie is the emotional moments. It's apparent that Bruce has an anger issue. He's plagued and has some of the poorest luck of superhero in any comic book film and because of that, he has become his own worst enemy, leading him to try and find a cue for his gift and always failing at it. The romantic stuff works well too. In Ang Lee's film, we never see a lot of romance between Bruce and Betty mainly because the story never requires it, but here, Bruce and Betty have more time to share on screen and it is used to great effect because while Banner may be invulnerable, but underneath beats the heart of a man who can not be with the woman he loves due to the gift that has been bestowed upon him.
One of the things that sets this film apart from the 03' film is its wonderful visual effects with this Hulk looking more updated, elegant and realistic as opposed to the 03' Hulk that looked more like Shrek. While there are those who might complain about Bruce's transformation into the Hulk being mostly done in the dark, it does prove to be effective in building expectations and amplifying tension as ton when Hulk finally shows up in full grandeur. The action set pieces are also fantastic and while there only three in the movie, they last quite a while and gives the viewer heart-stopping action with the battle between the army and the Hulk bringing spectacularly deafening mayhem and the final show down in New York City between The Hulk and the Abomination making your inner kid giggle with joy along with hearing the words "Hulk Smash!" which is sure to spend a chill running down your back.
As for the actors, they are just fantastic: Edward Norton plays a far superior Bruce Banner/Hulk than Eric Bana due to Edward being much more convincing as a scrawny, geeky scientist while also exemplifying the agony and fight his character must endure by always being on the run, hiding and trying to find cue for the monster within him. Liv Tyler does a great job playing Bruce's love interest, Betty Ross, capturing the unquestionable shame of a woman who can never be with the man she loves surprisingly well, not to mention she and Norton have great chemistry. William Hurt plays General Ross as a no-nonsense villain, representing a man preoccupied with controlling something even he doesn't understand. Tim Roth is unquestionably credible as Emil Blonksy, tottering on uselessness and is willing to sacrifice his soul for power. Tim Blake Nelson makes the character of Samuel Stern his own by filling him with an amusing amount of intelligent irresponsibility that flutters in the face of logic and common sense. Robert Downey Jr. even shows up at the end of the film to set up the future of the MCU. Lou Ferrigno also shows up as a cameo and provides the voice for the Hulk.
All and all, I will say that The Incredible Hulk is fantastic and if Ang Lee's film disappointed you then be sure to give this one a watch, it's way better and a must see superhero movie.