Review of The Incredible Hulk (2008) by Michael S — 03 Sep 2015

On our road to the review for Avengers 2 let's keep this train a rolling by stopping off at The Incredible Hulk. The reimagined reboot starring Edward Norton instead of Eric Bana and directed by Louis Letierrier (Clash of the Titans, The Transporter)and not Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger,Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain). Where this version differs first and foremost is in focusing more on the action and not so much on the psychological welfare that is Bruce Banner dealing with the inner conflict of his own psyche vs the Hulk.

We pick up our story that briefly covers the origins of what happened to Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) in the opening credits and just picks up with Bruce Banner hiding out in a South American country away from the military until he's discovered and has to escape again. Pretty much the whole film is the US military trying to track down Bruce Banner as he attempts to get closer to dealing and possibly ridding himself of the Hulk. In their efforts the US military headed by General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt) and hiring mercenaries among those Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) who as a character tries to keep himself as the superior soldier at all times. with the aid of general Ross's daughter Betty Ross(Liv Tyler), Bruce attempts to quell the military who is constantly on his tail all the while trying to keep himself mellow and not allowing The Hulk ro take control. I really enjoyed this movie, but where it is ultimately lacking is any Hulk movie will is the idea that sadly the audience doesn't pay to watch Bruce Banner as much as the Hulk. So sadly the movie, no matter what. The Hulk, on the flip side doesn't make for a good main character which is why in the Avengers movies they always use The Hulk sparingly and keep Bruce Banner as a side character which is where he should be. He's used to much greater effect as a side character because he is as both forms more interesting in sparse moments then as the central focal point. In the end this Hulk movie is the best audiences can ask for as these stories start intermingling into the Avengers story arch. I definitely loved Norton's performance, but sadly to all those who know what happens, Edward Norton does not stick around and I stand firm that we gain a better Bruce Banner in Mark Ruffalo. Let's keep this train a rolling and when I bring you guys another Marvel movie review it will be the god Thor.

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