Viewed in
2008
Premise
A movie about the Incredible Hulk.
Who should watch
Fans of the comic. Those who want a summer movie with some nice computer generated special effects.
Thoughts
Better than the Ang Lee version. Naturally this version was more action-packed, but in comparison, I liked the tone and pacing better.
It was cool that the film did not disavow the existence of the first movie. The story started basically where the first ended. The story was more for a summer movie, which was fine to me since I never found Hulk to be that interesting of a character.
I liked all the actors, they brought gravitas and believability to their characters. While the film didn't contain as many laughs as 'Iron Man', Lou Ferrigno's cameo was hilarious.
The best part of the film was the computer graphics, especially how it excellently integrated with live action footage. My favorite was the subtle special effects, such as Bruce Banner transforming, and the fate of Timothy Blake Nelson's character. When he's standing still, the Hulk's body stood out like computer graphics, but it's probably better to avoid the 'uncanny valley'.
I appreciated the Ang Lee's ambition to make his version more than a comic book movie, but like the Hulk, sometimes you just got to accept what you are and just 'Hulk Smash!'.
What I would change
Put the Tony Stark cameo after the credits, similar to how 'Iron Man' did it. Reward those who wait.
Speaking of 'Incredible Hulk' and 'Iron Man', I am genuinely excited that Marvel Studios seem to have a long-term plan on how to integrate their superheroes, and I hope that this is the start of an epic tapestry of different characters crossing paths.
