JOLLY GREEN GIANT ----HULK REVIEW
June 28th 2008 07:59
The main thing that sets this film apart from the 2003 Ang Lee effort is that the Hulk actually has a nemesis and is not merely trying to outrun the military. It gives it a more rounded feel as a film because as everyone knows - all super heroes (and I'm still not sure I see the Hulk as a Hero) need an arch nemesis just like cornflakes need milk.
The hulk in this film also has a better look. Plenty of pumping veins and a nice dark shade of green, as opposed to the bright green desert hopper of Lee's film.
Casting Norton as Banner is a marked improvement on Eric Bana's moody, sulky sook. While the role doesn't need Norton to stretch his considerable acting muscle he does bring the right amount of anguish to Banner. He looks suitably execerbated at having the worlds worst temper.
The film begins with a kind of vague recap of Banners gamma experiments going wrong and the ensuing rampage which leaves his girl Betty injured. This angers her father - General Thunderbolt (a slightly out of place looking William Hurt). He continues to search for Banner eventually tracking him down in Brazil, where he's been practising anger managment (like that'll work) and trying to find a cure through a mysterious scientist contact.
A thrilling chase through the back streets by a military team led by Emil Blonsky (a too cool Tim Roth), while almost catching Banner, only causes him to lose the cool. And we all know what happens when Brucey boy loses the rag.
Banner sneaks back to th US and meets old flame Betty. He has another encounter with General Thunderbolt as well as by now juiced up Blonsky before meeting with his mysterious scientist contact.
And after some science speak and an experiment, as well as some longing looks between Banner/Hulk and Betty we arrive at the big showdown between 'the green one' and the abhoration (or is it abomination?). It's a spectacular battle with the brilliant special effects taking over.
The last scene in the film, when Downey Jr makes an appearence as Stark, drew a bigger reaction from the theatre audience than anything else in the film. This is probably a little unfair because while Iron Man is a better film, this was still pretty good viewing.
I'd like to see more.
7/10
The hulk in this film also has a better look. Plenty of pumping veins and a nice dark shade of green, as opposed to the bright green desert hopper of Lee's film.
Casting Norton as Banner is a marked improvement on Eric Bana's moody, sulky sook. While the role doesn't need Norton to stretch his considerable acting muscle he does bring the right amount of anguish to Banner. He looks suitably execerbated at having the worlds worst temper.
A thrilling chase through the back streets by a military team led by Emil Blonsky (a too cool Tim Roth), while almost catching Banner, only causes him to lose the cool. And we all know what happens when Brucey boy loses the rag.
Banner sneaks back to th US and meets old flame Betty. He has another encounter with General Thunderbolt as well as by now juiced up Blonsky before meeting with his mysterious scientist contact.
And after some science speak and an experiment, as well as some longing looks between Banner/Hulk and Betty we arrive at the big showdown between 'the green one' and the abhoration (or is it abomination?). It's a spectacular battle with the brilliant special effects taking over.
I'd like to see more.
7/10
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