Review of The Incredible Hulk (2008) by Jemma J — 12 Sep 2013

Moderately successful reboot of the Hulk storyline; this film was somewhat better than the Ang Lee version of the Hulk released in 2003. This version provides a different backstory as to the originals of the story. Bob Banner did not get his gamma radiation from exposure during an experimental bomb explosion, but due to military medical experiments. This was probably done so the studio could easily incorporate Hulk into the Avengers franchise. The teaser at the film' conclusion when Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., meets Gen. Thunderbolt Ross alludes to this.

The CGI effects were the film's best point. Suspending belief in the laws of psychics allows the film viewer to enjoy the numerous actions scenes, particularly the ultimate battle scene between Hulk and Abomination that, reminiscent of Godzilla vs. Megalon lasts for about 20 minutes and trashes most of northern Manhattan.

The acting was emotionless and tepid at beast/ Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth and William Hurt were miscast for their roles and were trapped in inane dialogue.

The movie includes cameos by Stan Lee - creator of the Hulk comic book series - and Lou Ferrigno, who played Hulk in the old TV series and was the voice of the Hulk in this movie. Also, the film included the main theme music from the TV series, starring the late Bill Bixby, who also appeared briefly in a television clip from the 1960s series, The Courtship of Eddie's Father.