After a science experiment gone wrong, and exposure to gamma radiation, Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is transformed into the green monster known as The Incredible Hulk. When Banner is unable to control his anger he physically changes into the Hulk, wreaking havoc and destroying everything in his path. When his inability to control himself causes damage to Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), her father, General Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross (William Hurt) makes it his job to bring the creature to justice. While Bruce will do all that he can to remain calm and remove himself from unpleasant situations, stress will follow him wherever he goes, leading to a series of unfortunate events.
While it may be unfair to compare The Incredible Hulk to the rest of the MCU films, it seems impossible not to do so. Iron Man was groundbreaking when it introduced the world to a superhero with a serious edge immersed in a story that truly resonated with viewers. In addition to the compelling story, Iron Man consisted of a top-notch cast. The Incredible Hulk attempted to follow in the same footsteps with greats like Hurt, Norton, Tyler, Tim Roth (Emil Blonsky), and Ty Burrell (Leonard Samson). The talented cast is brilliant in portraying their respective characters, but there is something missing in terms of chemistry among the bunch. Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, and Carol Danvers are emotionally drawing characters that intrigue viewers as a result of that powerful characteristic. The relationships that they form throughout the MCU films keep viewers attached and give them something to root for. I never felt that emotional attachment in The Incredible Hulk, and it makes it difficult at times to buy into what transpires throughout the film.
Norton is a talented actor who is capable of expressing emotion (something that has been made clear time and time again in hits like Fight Club and The Illusionist). He, however, aesthetically, just doesn’t fit the role of the genius Banner. In addition to the difficulty of appreciating Norton’s aesthetics, I can’t be entirely sure if it was the writing or Norton’s inability to express things properly, but I fail to find the character as endearing throughout The Incredible Hulk as I do in future installments with Mark Ruffalo. I love dry humor, but Norton’s attempt to relate to viewers in this fashion is lost, easily, and much of the character misses its target audience.
The Incredible Hulk is dark, and that aspect of the film is appealing. The ominous nature of the film keeps viewers on their toes and the edges of their seats. They know, from the opening moments (even the opening credits really), that something horrific is going to happen, they just don’t know when. Writer Zak Penn and director Louis Leterrier dangle this hypothetical carrot in front of viewers for some time and that gives those viewers a reason to remain engaged. When the time comes where everything converges, the payoff is everything audiences could have hoped for. The final battle, something that seemed throughout the course of The Incredible Hulk would be simplistic and underwhelming, is, to date, one of the most entertaining in the MCU. As the Hulk and Abomination meet for the first time, the exceptional CGI, brilliant choreography, and high-octane nature of the fight leaves viewers speechless. The final act of the film is unrelenting and nearly perfect as the two monsters duke it out all over Harlem. While the film struggles to entertain as many had hoped, the film’s denouement is something extravagant and captivating.
Just one month prior to the release of The Incredible Hulk the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began with the release of Iron Man. Viewers were enthralled with what Jon Favreau, and the rest of the cast and crew, were able to accomplish and began anticipating what would come next. The Incredible Hulk certainly does not live up to the standards set by Iron Man, but independently from the rest of the MCU, this film does have something unique to offer its viewers. It’s graphics are precise, the bridge between Banner and the Hulk’s struggles, and the simple fact that the film is connected to the greater MCU are reasons why viewers remain entertained. The Incredible Hulk is nothing to write home about, but it has its moments of beauty.
Directed by Louis Leterrier.
Written by Zak Penn, Stan Lee, & Jack Kirby.
Starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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