Uninteresting and without flavor.

Rating: 5/10 (7 July 2008)

If I were Ed Norton, I wouldn't be too pleased either. Because when all is said and done, 'The Incredible Hulk' doesn't feel like anything much more than a second-rate superhero flick set on auto-pilot. It's never unwatchable, though the deafening noise doesn't help, but I felt resoundingly uninterested throughout the whole experience. 'The Incredible Hulk' hits many of the right notes, but without any gusto or flavor.
Louis Leterrier's unsure direction seems evident around every corner, as if he's afraid to take any real chances to avoid another failure like the original 'Hulk' saw back in 2003. The result is a film that replaces any hint of developing plot and character with mindless action that pushes the decibel limit. It's entertaining in a forgettable kind of way, but it simply lacks the spark to make this stand out from the rest of the comic book crowd. 'The Incredible Hulk' plays a predictable hand and never branches out. And that's a disappointing shame.
A month after 'Iron Man' set the bar for the summer blockbuster season (and it's yet to be surpassed), 'Incredible Hulk' doesn't do much to follow in its footsteps. Edward Norton does fine in his turn as the green monster, though admittedly he doesn't have a great deal to work with. But after Robert Downey Jr.'s stellar performance practically made 'Iron Man', 'Hulk' lacks the substance and character to make a particularly memorable action flick. Do keep an eye out for a Tony Stark appearance though, continuing Marvel's clever ploy to market its upcoming 'Avengers' movie.
By the time we see Bruce Banner in all his green glory, we're reminded that while special effects have come a long way, they've still got a ways to go. The film looks good enough, but at times it feels as though we've watching a giant video game. The film culminates with an adequately exciting climax, but it doesn't do much to leave a lasting impression. 'The Incredible Hulk' is seeking to reinvent itself after an unsuccessful debut, but this second attempt seems to lack the confidence to really make us care.
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