You won't mind spending some green on a ticket for The Hulk.
Written: Jun 21 '03 (Updated Jun 21 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Wonderful computer generated graphics.
Cons: Lots of violence, plot may be to heavy for kiddies.
The Bottom Line: Parents this is a murky story with a comic hero that can be compared to, or put in the same category as Spiderman.
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| cntaur5's Full Review: The Hulk |
The Hulk was a highly anticipated film for me especially after the early 80’s television “Incredible Hulk”. One of the main reason’s I anticipated Director Ang Lee’s Marvel adaptation of “The Hulk” is because television didn’t have much in terms of cachet or production value. This version of “The Hulk” takes a few editorial liberties as they relate to the old TV show and the Marvel Comic book however the motif stays true to form as it relates to Dr. Bruce Banner.
Naturally, just like the television version “The Hulk” gets the short end of the stick. During the late 1970’s everyone was into getting super strength, in fact the TV episode had David Banner turning into the hulk whenever he was under extreme stress.
The Hulk of 2003 was an experiment gone wrong by a father who is a borderline psychopath. Dr. Bruce Banner, is played by actor Eric Bana who gets hit with gamma radiation awakening the monstrous alter ego and not so jolly green giant. Initially Banner’s doppelganger is referred to as “angry-man”, oddly enough it’s actually Banner who identifies himself as “The Hulk” expressing how good it feels.
Just as Dr. Banner is getting to know his true self he’s falling in love with the Betty Ross played by the lovely actress Jennifer Connelly. Unfortunately, Betty’s father is General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross played by actor Sam Elliot who has a few problems with their relationship. To make matters worse Bruce’s psycho father played by Nick Nolte is pursuing his alter ego for his power.
Being a fan of the late 70’s TV version, I enjoyed the cameo appearance of Lou Ferrigno, the actor who originally portrayed “The Hulk” before being replaced with the bigger greener computer generated version. The only big question in this version is how the Hulk’s pants stay on. If you are a comic’s book fan then you’ll enjoy this adaptation. The only real negative is the violence and brief partial nudity when Dr. Banner transforms.
There is a heavy amount of suspenseful, action-oriented scenes especially the part where the Hulk is attacked by mutant dogs. Although the scene is dark, the Hulk fights three mutant dogs splattering; and squashing them like bugs. (Warning Parents) There were some small kids in the theater that closed their eyes during this scene.
This is a great film that’s going to be a hit this summer. Don't let the early trailers or the critics scare you off, it’s an enjoyable movie. If you are worried about the Hulk, relax the special effects are wonderful. The facial close-ups of actor Bana's face into the computer generated or animated hulk looks truly flawless. The intermittent use of split-screen editing screams classic Marvel Comics. The only weird thing I noticed was that actor Bana seemed to have a green hue to his face all throughout the movie.
This film is like the movie "Spawn," only the superimposed cartoon character is the Hulk. The visuals and effects are quite spectacular and live up to what one would imagine had they read the comic book or watched the old TV series. The acting is decent, and the movies worth the matinee fare or full price.
Parents this is a murky story with a comic hero that can be compared to, or put in the same category as Spiderman. This comic tale, like Spiderman has more of a lighthearted childish and innocent feel to it. Ultimately parents will have to make the big decision on letting the kiddies view this film, but remember it’s PG-13.
Recommended:
Yes
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