As green the the boatload of cash its gonna make

Rating: 8/10 (16 June 2008)

I don't know too much about the hulk mythos, but I can easily see why he is so well regarded. I anguish of not being able to control your actions when angered and the subsequent consequences of said actions, is easy to identify with emotion that most people suffer with. The 2003 film languished too much on this and forgot that it is ultimately an action film. This film seems to ride the thin line between action and emotion, between fist fights and questions of morality.
The emotion is anchored by a strong cast. William hurt, Liv Tyler, and Edward Norton all provide strong performances even mention goes to lesser roles like Betty's boyfriend and Mr. Blue. The script is the biggest factor in creating the emotional connection between audience and film. I was startled by some scenes of blood and broken bodies showing the true extent of hulks power and the mental anguish Bruce has to deal with knowing he is the cause of it all. Scenes of anger and compassion are pervasive in the film. While the hulk is a beast of volcanic and temperamental emotion, deep down inside he is old Brucie after all and the film is smart to show that ultimately the hulk is a good guy. There are several scenes were the hulk is roaring, flexing his muscles, and all I could think about was the torment that is raging inside him. An action film that can make you think about the character and not the next action sequence is something special in deed.
Oh, but the action sequences are not to be missed. I personally feel it is important for an action film to have a brisk pace and the hulk even though being a 2 hour movie never feels slow or plodding. The exposition is all interesting and the action sequences are top notch. The action isn't just top notch it incredible. The hulk looks magnificent, his animation and facial expression are dead on, and he loves to smash things. The amount CG damage done in this movie could bankrupt a large insurance agency. Oh, and this is one of the few movies I would recommend seeing in the theaters purely for the sound. Hearing the hulk roar in 5.1 Dolby digital in the theater was worth the price of admission alone.
The one aspect I didn't particularly like in this film was its lack of humor. Call me crazy but I want a good one-liner every once and a while and the few they had in there just didn't stick with this moviegoer (though one moment when Bruce is falling from a helicopter is pretty funny). Also, I do think Iron man is a slightly better film which it is inevitable to compare two marvel films in the same summer. Still, this is one of the best comic book movies to date, a summer movie that should not be missed, and the beginning of a great franchise/ franchises (avengers anyone?)