The Incredible Disappointment

Rating: 2/10 (10 December 2014)

The Incredible Hulk is the least satisfying of all the Marvel Cinematic Universe films by a long shot. Cramming the Hulk's origins into a five minute opening montage, Director Louis Leterrier subjects us to a boring, predictable and stupid second chapter. Writer/Star Edward Norton strikes out twice, first with a painful screenplay - everything from the romance to the Lou Ferrigno cameo to Ty Burrell's character feels forced, clichéd or unnecessary - and secondly with a dull performance. Norton is miscast as Banner, unbelievable both as a scientist and a man concealing his rage and inner demon. He is comedic when the situation calls for seriousness, and at all times bears a vacant expression unworthy of his talent. Accomplished actors like Hurt and Roth overact frequently, to the point where it is obvious that they are struggling with the stupidity. Visually, the Hulk looks like an unfinished rendering of the final product, and the action sequences are well choreographed but so full of explosions that there is nothing fun to be gained. The Incredible Hulk is an incredible disappointment, with as little character development and as many explosions, clichés and mindless action scenes as to be expected from a poor film in Michael Bay's filmography.