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June 25, 2008
FILM REVIEW
By Madison Wise
Ed Norton Smashes Box Office as the Incredible Hulk With $55 Million Opening Weekend
 The Incredible Hulk Universal Studios’ latest installment in their Marvel film franchise is a fast paced action adventure. In a summer of movies dominated by Lucas Arts ranging from the cutting edge Ironman to the latest mediocre installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, the Hulk is a well orchestrated improvement on an abandoned Marvel film franchise. Louis Letterer, the director of the Transporter series, was originally interested in directing Ironman but when John Favreau picked that project, Letterer was approached by Avi Arad and offered the sequel to Ang Lee’s 2003 film Hulk. Letterer took the opportunity in this film to correct the mistakes of Ang Lee’s previously disappointing attempt. The result is a raging torrent of explosive action, suspense, and stunningly green special effects.
The ever enigmatic Edward Norton stars as the unassuming, shy and retiring scientist Bruce Banner, who when overly provoked is transformed into the furious beast that is the Incredible Hulk. Liv Tyler co-stars as Banner’s love interest Betty Ross. The film has William Hurt in a co-starring role as General Thaddeus Ross. He is Betty’s father and the esteemed military leader tasked with taking on the green beastie. Tim Roth plays the antagonistic Emil Blonsky, a British raised Russian mercenary dispatched by Gen. Ross to track down Bruce Banner. As a result of his close encounters with the Hulk, while attempting to capture Banner, Blonsky seeks the same power and destructive force. He subjects himself to numerous chemical and radiation treatments and these questionable processes eventually mutate him into the massive monster that is The Abomination, Hulk’s nemesis from the comics.
Casting Edward Norton as Bruce Banner suites the character much better than some of the Banners from the past. In the Marvel books, Bruce Banner is typically depicted as a relatively average man, who mutates into the raging giant that is the Hulk. The drama is in the contrast between man and beast. Ang Lee’s choice of Eric Bana was poor casting and a big departure from the comics. Bana was just too buff and has a dominating physical demeanor as well. Edward Norton is known for playing slight, wiry individuals with emotion that stews beneath the surface. Norton tackles the part of Bruce Banner with a natural presence and a sincere passive quality that makes his portrayal much more believable. So, for a good popcorn pushing, action packed movie, save your money and miss Indiana Jones, The Incredible Hulk is sure to entertain.
See tellimarin.com for local venues.
Rating: ****
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