A slight improvement

Rating: 8/10 (16 June 2008)

First thing's first: I don't care what anyone says, I liked the Ang Lee movie from 5 years ago. I liked that it was more of a story about human tragedy, and less of what you'd expect from your average comic-book flick. Jump forward to now, and you have this version of Hulk, which is everything the first version maybe should have been. But there's a trade-off: the strength of the Lee version was that it was character-driven, whereas this version is entirely action-oriented. Edward Norton (another genius casting decision by Marvel) is more effective and believable as Dr. Bruce Banner, than the rugged and pretty-boyish Eric Bana from the Lee version. William Hurt's "Thunderbolt" Ross is a draw with Sam Eilliot's, but for Betty Ross, Liv Tyler was the only mistake. She was your typical damsel in distress, whereas Jennifer Connelly's was such a stronger-willed character. With the exception of Tyler, I liked this Hulk better than the Lee version, but only a by hair. Though it lacks character development, the action is incredibly fun and should please those that were looking for it in the Lee version.