Review of Hulk (2003) by Stephen Z — 18 Aug 2014

Popular not only because of the comics, but because of the Bill Bixby TV show, the Green Goliath makes his way to the big screen in "Hulk". Directed by Ang Lee, "Hulk" is a deep investigation into what makes Bruce Banner/The Hulk tick, with lots of great character development. But in his attempt to make The Hulk a tragic character, Lee seems to have forgotten that this should, first and foremost, be an action movie.

Don't get me wrong! Plot is just as important as action. And as I said, there is a lot of great character development in "Hulk". But this is too much of a dramatic, psychological piece, and it's long enough without leaving time for some fights. While it is interesting to delve into the psychology of the Hulk, in the end, all we want is to see Hulk smash! And while there are some fun scenes of Hulk tearing through the military, the giant Hulk-dogs and the shape-changing father make crummy villains. Additionally, I take issue with how bad and disproportionate Hulk looks, and with the annoying comic-book panel transitions.

The acting in this film is mostly good. Eric Bana is excellent as Bruce Banner, until he gets angry. Then he's just silly. Jennifer Connelly is a pleasant love interest as Betty Ross. Sam Elliot is brilliant as General Ross. Nick Nolte on the other hand...well, let's just say there are moments that he made me laugh, and I don't think it was intentional.

"Hulk", much like the comic-book movies that have come before it, is a film with a lot to prove. The character moments are about the only thing that saves this film. Even though what Ang Lee gives us is good, this is not what I want from a Hulk film. Comic book fans might like "Hulk", but otherwise this is not a film with a lot of appeal for casual moviegoers.