The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Originally Reviewed on July 4 2008
This version cuts out most of the brain and adds more action, and while it works for the most part, I have so many nagging little nit picks with it that keep me from enjoying the feature in full.
As a character the Hulk has proven to be a transitory figure. One that has been explored in many ways, shapes and forms, as well as colors. Ang Lee was accused of drawing outside the lines, while in truth he explored the psychological aspects seen in the Bill Mantilo/Peter David runs (which lasted well over 10 years) - This cerebral, Oedipal tale (in the comic Robert Banner was jealous of his wife's love for their son and became abusive) didn't click with the public, who seemed to prefer the TV version with Bill Bixby, even though that clearly existed outside the Marvel universe.
So in the relaunch director Louis Leterrier (The Transporter) amps up the action, which is something he's adept at. And threads a connection to the television show, which felt like pandering. When I heard pieces of the Hulk TV theme and mention of reporter Jack McGee, I didn't feel a wave of nostalgic warmth, but rather had the thought, "Yeesh, that's bloody corny!" (It just doesn't click with me; tying a movie steeped in the Marvel world, with a TV show which distanced itself from that world)
The first part of the movie works well. Bruce is hiding out in Brazil, trying to control the beast with the help of a scientist (via the net) in the States. An accident though, alerts General Ross and his band of military thugs. Edward Norton not surprisingly, is very good as Banner. He seems a little uncomfortable in his own skin, a bit lost but has enough where-with-all to keep fighting. And that's a nice balance he's struck for the character. As for William Hurt's General Ross, I was very surprised to see how effective an a-hole he was. I think Hurt's a good actor, but I always found him a little cold and distant (and I hate that mumbley voice of his) but here he seethes with inner rage, the guys a royal dick head! Joining Ross is a Russian soldier (with a British accent) played by Tim Roth. Roth with a rat like personality to match his rat like face does well playing the arrogant jerk that will become the Abomination.
During the chase and first confrontation with the creature the film bristles with pulse pounding excitement. The creature is seen in shadow; through steam and all of this builds a nice scary atmosphere to heighten the tension. After Bruce makes his escape, we are shown the after effects with Banner looking small and fragile. All of this makes for an impressive start.
Then the cracks start to show. The second act sags, scenes with the Pizza guy and the reunion with Betty drag and the film loses energy. Primarily because these bits don't play to Leterrier's strengths, partially because Liv Tyler (Betty) is not as strong an actress as the previous one to play the part (As with Ed Norton, Jennifer Connelly can say more with a single expression, than Tyler can with an entire monolog) . I never felt a strong connection between the two. The relationship lacked the honesty and depth that was seen in Ang Lee's version.
The other problem I have with the film is that it looks grimy. Even the FX... The complaint was that the '03 version was too clean, well here they go overboard in the other direction. The Hulk looks like he's constructed of wet uncooked poultry that's been kick around a lot. The scene during the storm, when Hulk takes Betty to some rocky cliffs - this sequence features some of the ugliest cinematography I'd ever seen. And all of this distracted me. I kept wishing it was a little cleaner, a lot clearer and that the Hulk didn't look like a meat-bag who'd taken a bath in motor oil.
I wasn't too fond of the sex scene, or lack thereof (So now any emotional response will trigger the change? Why then didn't the frantic, panicked chase through the streets do the same... It wasn't until he was hit and "got angry" that he transformed). It was a cheap device done for a cheap laugh.
Anyway, the movie gets going again at the end. There is some humor with Mr. Blue, and thought I hated the design of the Abomination, his power was frightening and the fight between he and the Hulk was solid. I don't like how the Hulk just left the beast for the military to handle (I understand the idea that he needed to control his rage, but logically General Ross has never been able to hold the Hulk, he sure as hell wont be able to cage the stronger -at least in comic lore- Abomination)
Overall The Incredible Hulk is a mixed bag, not that this stuns me. The director's a one trick pony and when he sticks to what he does best (action, some light comedy) the movie soars. When he attempts to stretch himself with the romantic angles, it comes off phony. Then there are all the little things, like the look of the movie and the pandering to the TV show, that bother me enough to dampen my enjoyment. The Incredible Hulk is good but flawed and I'm going to turn against the tide of conventional thought and embrace Lee's art house Hulk, as the superior Hulk.
Hulk Vs.
Originally Reviewed on January 27th 2009
Hulk smash... And smash, and smash and smash! So what else was I to expect from a DVD titled Hulk Vs. Divided in two 40 +/- minute segments, the big draw is likely the Wolverine episode but for me it was the fight with the mighty Thor I was looking forward too. And while it doesn't live up to some of the awe inspiring battles the two fought in the pages of the comics, it had its moments. (Thor gets his licks in but is knocked around a bit too much and basically has his butt handed to him far too easily)
The story is old hat - Loki posses the body of the Hulk then wallops on the Asgard's finest before the big rumble with the God of thunder. Eventually the God of mischief loses control of the Hulk -who seems intent on destroying Asgard- and Loki must team up with Thor to keep the end times from occurring.
The movie is okay though pretty basic. It is better than all the Avenger and Iron Man animated releases, on par with Dr. Strange. Voice work is fair, Matt Wolf is notable as Thor, coming off both confident and compassionate, he sounds a bit like Luke Goss (Hellboy II). The art, well once again it's fair. I didn't like the boxy, blocked bodies and features. Hela comes off the best due in part to Jack Kirby's impressive design. They also seem to be going for the Edward Norton look with Banner. Thor fans will enjoy spotting all the characters from the comic; they do honor the Norse Gods Marvel history well.
In Wolverine, the diminutive one can't go head to head with Hulk the way Thor can, but he's tenacious and heals fast. Which means the big green can wail on Logan all he wants and wail he does. It's violent and bloody as all get out which was appropriate - but truly; this is less a Hulk story and more a Wolverine featurette.
The story gets right into it, Wolverine is sent to bring in the Hulk who went on a rampage in Canada (or did he?). Of the two stories on this disc, this one works the best. Logan is an interesting character and voiced nicely by Steve Blum. I enjoyed the animation more, though some of the movement is choppy. It's overall less 'Saturday morning cartoon' than Thor, plus the Hulk looks much better here.
Wolverine is in his classic yellow's and that was cool. Logan's classic villains are there as well. Sabertooth, Lady Deathstrike, Omega Red and Deadpool (who is hilarious by the way). There are many quotes to past Wolverine/Hulk stories, which made this very fan friendly.
In summary, the DVD delivers on its title. Though I was looking forward to the tale of Thor, Wolverine is the better of the two in all phases: Animation, voice, humor and battle. Despite the open ending, it is this 37 minute segment that makes the release worth buying. And stay to the end of the credits on Wolverine for a cute punch line.
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