The Mediocre Hulk

Rating: 7/10 (23 June 2008)

Hollywood is convinced that in order to tell a good story, especially in regards to a comic book movie, that it needs big actors and CGI effects that cost millions. While the first is understandable, the latter often means a lack of script, dialog, and overall plot which hinders the movie the CGI was supposed to help. This is the case with the latest installment of The Incredible Hulk.
Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is desperate to escape not only United States Army General Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) but the very "beast" within him that transforms him into a dangerous and powerful creature with powers of strength far beyond anything human. While in hiding Dr. Banner longs for his love Dr. Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) who, ironically, happens to be the daughter of General Ross. His existence is a lonely one that has taken him across the Western Hemisphere in order to not only stay free but to also find a cure.
General Ross, a determined officer who sees weapon potentials in Dr. Banner's abilities, brings in Royal Marine Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) to head a special forces team to track Dr. Banner who is discovered to be in Brazil. It is then that Blonsky will realize the force of Dr. Banner's power while coming to the realization that he wants that power as well.
The setup for The Incredible Hulk is one that promises more than the standard comic book fare. A unique introduction that tells the story of Banner's transformation, which later leaves to a desperate chase scene through the favelas of Brazil, are unfortunately the only moments of the Incredible Hulk worth remembering. The problems almost begin immediately when Dr. Banner returns to the US and contacts Betty before finding himself facing a now transformed Blonsky who is willing to take the power of gamma mutation to the next level.
However, if there is one thing to be critical about the Incredible Hulk, it is the poor writing which leads to unconvincing and poor dialogue. William Hurt and Tim Roth with the lines they were given might as well have been stage actors from some melodramatic stage play from the late 1890's. All they were missing where the long, black mustaches to twirl while they think of their devious plans. Liv Taylor in particular proves that either she has the ability to only find movies that give her clichéd and limited characters or, more likely, that she really can't act beyond a tearful love interest. Edward Norton himself is constrained by a script that leaves him little more than looks of desperation with wide eyes.
CGI is understandably an important factor in movies like the Incredible Hulk. However, when the CGI alone is the most impressive thing about any movie (and even some of the CGI battle scenes are silly even for a comic book movie) there is going to be problems elsewhere. The Incredible Hulk proves why CGI alone cannot and will not make a good story.
7/10