Film

'The Incredible Hulk': Awesome Green Punch

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

Friday, June 13, 2008

The latest ‘Hulk’ film has been surrounded with some major gossip. The creative differences between Edward Norton and Marvel. The director’s vision with that of the studio. All of that gave the slight hint to fans that this version of the green hero could very well become another disappointment. So gossip is just that and without it Hollywood wouldn’t be as entertaining. ‘The Incredible Hulk’, however, is the most entertaining film for this weekend. Louis Leterrier’s take is a more sophisticated film with a new take on the green superhero.

The story takes off with Bruce Banner (Norton) as a fugitive in Brazil looking for a cure and staying off General Ross’ (William Hurt) radar. The latter a resilient army men who wants to control his power at no cost; even if involves his daughter’s life. From then on Ross enlists Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), a Special Forces soldier, to capture Banner who becomes the villainous Abomination. Zak Penn and Edward Norton are able to capture the originality of the comic book and TV series characters in the new ‘Hulk’ with great finesses. The story touches on the very beginning of the superhero through flashbacks and dialogue revelations and still moves the action forward. There’s also the human connection to the character, unlike Ang Lee’s version, there’s a clear struggle between Bruce Banner and the monster within him. Ultimately, a successful character development that all comic heroes go through, that of tapping into a superpower or ability they are not quite aware they had to begin with.

There’s also the love story subplot between Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) and Banner that runs throughout the film, which works at times when the stakes need to be raised. But I most admit, I was not attracted to the ‘Hulk’ for the love story alone since like many comic book fans I want to see the special effects and the action sequences in the film. That said, the effects are a marvel to look at – if you excuse the pun – and though it is mostly CGI for many of the sequences the attention to detail of the character and action is superb. To just call one brilliant scene in the film will be to disregards all the rest, but my favorite is by far the final fight between the Hulk and the Abomination. I’m certain that many comic book fans will be pleased with the end result. Of course, there are the cameos – Stan Lee, Lou Ferrigno and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) show up – and slight hints to sequels and other superhero based films – a mention of ‘The Avengers’ is thrown in – make the cut in the latest ‘Hulk’ so pay close attention because you might miss it if you blink.

On an all, ‘The Incredible Hulk’ will certainly make a big impact in this weekend’s box office. The film is entertaining, action packed and brilliantly written; a combination that will satisfy comic book fans and movie going audiences alike. The powerful green monster is back with an awesome punch.

Check out ‘The Incredible Hulk’ Official Site