More of a remake than a sequel

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2008)

When I first saw the 2003 version, starring Eric Bana, I gave it 3.1 stars out of a possible five (with five=the best).
This version gets _all_ five.
For starters, we have a condensed origin/montage that's more reminiscent of the 1970's TV series than the 2003 movie. Absolutely no mention, or depiction, of Nick Nolte as the mad geneticist-father of Bruce Banner.
Then, there's the series of tie-ins with the recently-released "IRON MAN" flick. Equipment bearing the label of "Stark Industries;" a cyberspace patch with the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo on it; and an uncredited cameo by RDJ, himself.
Last, but not least? We have the angst and poignancy that is a mandatory part of any decent Hulk story. A prime example is the segment where Betty Ross finds out that Bruce is back in the Big Apple. When he discovers that she's moved on with her private life (in the form of psychiatrist Dr. Leonard Samson), he tries to stay away. But, when they accidentally glimpse each other, she pursues him. Picking him up on a rainy stretch of highway in a reunion scene that you'd have to be a "Star Trek" Vulcan to sit through with dry eyes.
The main villain this time around, though, is Emil Blonsky. Relative English newcomer Tim Roth (well, he's new to me) plays him as a professional covert-operations commando who prides himself on being one of the toughest men in the world. That is; until Bruce "Hulks out" on him, down in Brazil. He then becomes obsessed with getting a rematch on equal terms. And, he has very little trouble persuading Gen. "Thunderbolt" Ross to arrange just that.
As played by William Hurt, Ross is even more of an unsympathetic super-patriot than Sam Elliot's version was. Perhaps, because Hurt might have been drawing on the same sinister streak that made him so frighteningly believable as Kevin Costner's alter-ego in "MR. BROOKS."
Either way; much as I enjoyed Eric Bana's portrayal of the Hulk, five years ago, Edward Norton's was twice as good. And, if you're wondering if Marvel Studios is already at work on sequel? Take a close look at Mr. Blue's forehead after Blonksy becomes the Abomination.
That's all I'm saying...till then. ;-)