Incredible Movie

Rating: 10/10 (17 June 2008)

Poised in a helicopter high above the city, prepared to risk perhaps certain death in saving it, Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) tells the love of his life Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), "Betty, I've gotta try" "The Incredible Hulk" is the compelling hero story reinvented with a yearning love story in the foreground. The action is visually enthralling, and the Hulk himself is amazingly ferocious with ripped muscles and veins. Unlike the previous incarnation, "The Incredible Hulk" has a sense of humanity and pathos. Director Louis Leterrier (of the "Transporter" movies) and Writer Zak Penn (of the "X-Men" movies) have reinvented "The Incredible Hulk" as an exploration into the darkness of human nature all in the context of a brilliantly orchestrated action movie. Understandably, "The Incredible Hulk" is based on a comic book which had the pretense of retelling the story of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". However, there is something noble in Bruce Banner's (Norton) journey to control the great anger and power within himselfThe Hulk. In that regard-- Edward Norton is powerful. His compelling performance humanizes and breathes compassion for a man coming to terms with his own darkness. Thankfully, those who saw Ang Lee's "Hulk" can finally forgive the sins of the predecessor.
Leterrier and Penn's story begins with Banner in self-imposed seclusion in Rio de Janeiro. Recall that scientist Bruce Banner exposed himself to gamma rays as part of experiments for the military. However, something went horribly wrong during a transient gamma ray exposure. Under great duress or anger Bruce transforms into the green skinned beastThe Hulk. The Hulk is a seemingly mindless enigma of rage and destruction. Bruce must find a cure for his affliction. In Brazil, Bruce may have made peace with the raging beast within. He meditates. He trains with his Brazilian Jujitsu Sensei (martial arts great Rickson Gracie) to find his path. Sensei tells Bruce, "To control your anger, you must control your body." Bruce works odd jobs at a bottling factory, while researching his own cure. His only regret in self imposed exile was forsaking his true love, Betty Ross (Tyler).
While Bruce may have found some peace the world, the rest of the world will not let him be. In particular, General "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt), who regards Bruce as missing government property, is determined to hunt Bruce and The Hulk down. Even Bruce realizes that he inadvertently participated in a covert "weapon" conspiracy. General Ross enlists the talents of expert soldier Emil Blonsky (cold blooded Tim Roth). The singular focused and ambitious Emil is not entirely what he seems. Realizing he is overmatched in capturing The Hulk, Emil willingly volunteers for an experimental "super soldier" program, so he can engage The Hulk. This of course leads to the unexpected outcome: The Abominationa creature perhaps stronger than The Hulk.
The battle scenes with General Ross's army and The Hulk are visually stunning-- thunderous mayhem. Leterrier gets his job done. The battle between The Hulk and The Abomination is dramatic spectacle. My bud Ron, pointed out that their battle is reminiscent in scale of Godzilla, but sans the camp. Through all this Liv Tyler as Betty grounds the story with an emotional resonance. There is a quietly touching moment when Betty distinguishes Bruce in a bar and a great scene when she embraces Bruce in the down pouring rain. Edward Norton's quiet power is the soul of "The Incredible Hulk". Liv Tyler is its heart. She brilliantly captures Betty's resounding regret, knowing she can never be with the man she loves. Edward Norton embodies the hero's courage and nobility. He is awesome. Also amazing is William Hurt as General Ross, who will sacrifice his very humanity and family to obtain his objective. Hurt brings a keen focus and unmatched duplicity.
Amidst the epic scale action, "The Incredible Hulk" tells the compelling story of a man's search for peace within himselfthe noblest of pursuits. Leterrier and Penn reinvent a classic hero tale. Edward Norton is powerful and amazing. "The Incredible Hulk" is a great movie.