The Incredible Hulk - Movie Review by SRA

 

The Incredible Hulk, released in 2008, is the second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and a reboot of the Hulk film franchise. Directed by Louis Leterrier, the film stars Edward Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner, a brilliant scientist who, due to an accident involving gamma radiation, transforms into a monstrous green creature known as the Hulk whenever he becomes angry or stressed.

The film opens with Bruce Banner on the run, hiding from the military and trying to find a cure for his condition. We see that he is living in isolation, working in a factory in Brazil and communicating with a mysterious online contact known as Mr. Blue, who may be able to help him find a cure. However, he is soon tracked down by General Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) and his team, who are determined to capture the Hulk and use him as a weapon.

One of the strengths of The Incredible Hulk is Edward Norton's performance as Bruce Banner. Norton brings a vulnerability and intelligence to the character, making him more than just a monster. We see the pain and frustration he experiences as he struggles to control his emotions and find a cure for his condition. Norton's chemistry with Liv Tyler, who plays his love interest, Betty Ross, is also excellent, and their relationship adds an emotional depth to the film.

The film's supporting cast is also strong, with William Hurt playing General Ross as a ruthless military leader who will stop at nothing to capture the Hulk. Tim Roth plays Emil Blonsky, a soldier who volunteers to undergo a similar experiment to become a super-soldier and take down the Hulk. Roth brings a menace and intensity to the role, and his character's transformation into the Abomination is one of the film's highlights.

The film's action scenes are also impressive. The Hulk's battles with the military and the Abomination are thrilling and well choreographed, and the visual effects used to create the Hulk are some of the best in any superhero film. The film also has some quieter moments, such as when Bruce and Betty visit the Brazilian favela, which adds to the film's world-building and character development.

One of the film's themes is the idea of power and responsibility. Bruce Banner, as the Hulk, is one of the most powerful beings in the world, and he struggles with the responsibility that comes with that power. He knows that if he loses control, he could cause untold damage and harm innocent people. General Ross and Emil Blonsky, on the other hand, are obsessed with gaining more power and control, even if it means sacrificing others.

The Incredible Hulk is not without its flaws, however. The film's pacing can be uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on too long. The film also suffers from some tonal inconsistencies, with some scenes feeling too serious or too comedic. The film's final battle, while impressive, is also somewhat anticlimactic and lacks the emotional weight of the film's earlier scenes.

Additionally, the film's connection to the larger MCU is somewhat tenuous. While there are some references to other Marvel characters, such as Tony Stark and S.H.I.E.L.D., the film feels somewhat disconnected from the larger universe. This is likely due to the film's troubled production, which saw Edward Norton clash with the studio over the film's editing and creative direction.

Overall, The Incredible Hulk is an entertaining and well-made superhero film that brings a new dimension to the Hulk character. Edward Norton's performance as Bruce Banner is excellent, and the supporting cast and action scenes are also strong. While the film has its flaws, it is a worthy addition to the MCU and a fun ride for fans of the character and superhero films in general.