Now THAT'S what I call an action epic. Wonderful.

Rating: 9/10 (13 June 2008)

The Incredible Hulk, in a word, is indeed incredible. If you're going to the movies to be entertained, and to see almost everything (including the film's villain) Hulk smashed into oblivion, odds are you're going to love Louis Leterier's take on the epic Marvel brute. Edward Norton is perfectly cast as Bruce Banner, and simply fantastic action sequences make all memory of Ang Lee's 2003 disaster evaporate. Leterrier's film is very good, well made, and wonderfully entertaining.
First things first. This is NOT a sequel of the previous Hulk. It's a restart. The Hulk's backstory is told through a series of flashbacks (a much better technique. What separates this Hulk from Lee's version is the fearless approach taken by the Green Machine's new engineers: Leterrier, Norton, and Zak Penn. Penn's script is far and away the best of his career, and Norton's assistance completely polishes it. Leterrier, of "Transporter" fame, definitely injects a sense of originality into the movie. It feels like a huge cross between the Hulk of old, the "Transporter" films, and also, the "Bourne" films. This is definitely a good thing.
Norton's performance as the reluctant hero Bruce Banner is tantalizing and engaging. You feel the hatred he has for not only the Hulk, but himself for allowing it to take over his life. It's a layered performance, and a fresh feeling after years of bland superhero performances *glares at Ben Affleck, Eric Bana, and Jessica Alba*. Liv Tyler's performance could go either way, as I can see why people may dislike her, but I enjoyed her take on Betty Ross. She brought the emotion to a movie where there isn't likely to be a lot outside of anger, and really shared excellent chemistry with Norton. It's magical. William Hurt does usual William Hurt things in his role as General Ross, but I wanted a bit more from him. The true gem is Tim Roth as the deliciously power hungry Emil Blonsky. Roth is simply excellent as Blonsky. It's a classic villainous showing from one of the best of his time. Brilliant casting. Tim Blake Nelson is a nice addition as Samuel Sterns...and it is because of his character that we have an opening for a sequel (Hulk fans rejoice)...that and the appearance of a certain Marvel hero at the end of the film...
The biggest difference and improvement in the film is the major increase in action. The action is INTENSE, not to mention breathtaking and jaw dropping. I see many technical Oscar nominations in this film's future, especially for Visual Effects, Sound, and Sound Editing. See this in the theater. The sound is very loud, yet distinct. You'll fell as if you are in every major sequence. What I also admired about Leterrier's direction is that the action is vast and varied, despite the simplistic Hulk. You've got chase scenes, fight scenes, martial arts scenes, explosions, projectiles, and just flat out ass whoopings. It's a hell of a time, and the action really puts the film over the top. HOWEVER! It is not bland and repetitive. There is your fair share of drama in it. Like I said before, Norton and Tyler have wonderful chemistry and it makes the Bruce/Betty scenes that much more entertaining. There is also some great comic relief, mostly between Bruce and Betty.
All in all, this is definitely an improvement and a gem of superhero films. While I wouldn't say it's better than Iron Man or Spider Man 2, The Incredible Hulk is definitely a great time at the movies, and a great action film. To not see it would be an...Abomination...(I had to say it).