Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence, some frightening sci-fi images, and brief suggestive content.
112 Minutes
Directed By: Louis Leterrier
Written By: Zak Penn
Staring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, and Christina Cabott
No, sir, I’m a fighter, and I’ll be one for as long as I can. Mind you, if I took what I had now, and put it in a body that I had ten years ago, that would be someone I wouldn’t want to fight. -Emil Blonsky
Review
I can’t say I was an avid fan of Ang Lee’s “Hulk” even though I enjoyed Eric Bana and the comic way it was shot, but it was simply too slow paced to revisit a character that’s main concept is a monstrous reaction to a radioactive 
substance. Director Louis Leterrier didn’t hold back and made a film that was much more acclimated to what is good about superhero movies now rather than the Fantastic Fours and Spidermans (yes..SPIDERMAN ). Even though the entirety of the film is basically a long chase scene, there are character developing moments that give us an essence of who Bruce Banner is and why he and Betty are important to one another without an in depth explanation destroying the tension built by the action. This is the kind of movie that is worth seeing on the big screen.
The audience is given a quick flashback of what transpired to make Bruce the “Hulk” and the how and why he is a fugitive. There is little detail, only flashes of Bruce’s memory giving us enough to understand what happened without spending an unnecessary amount of time explaining everything. It was clever and fast just like most of the 
movie. The pacing was relentless, but even in the midst of tons of action and special effects Norton really managed to give Bruce and the “Hulk” a deeper quality than what this movie seemed to give off. With the government chasing the “Hulk” with their own dirty tricks up their sleeve, it might be an obvious conclusion, but it’s a fun ride getting there.
Solid lead actors gave the special effects crew the ability to use a ton of CGI without it feeling like it overwhelmed the story or the characters. I admit to having my reserves about the new vision of the “Hulk” physically, but found myself rendered without any contempt to a fully computerized creation. His face was full of life and emotion and his mammoth size was absolutely amazing to behold. When he faces his foe at the end 
it was utterly phenomenal, but even as amazing as it was, some of the best moments were the brief intimate scenes between the “Hulk”, Bruce and Betty.
Even though Tyler and Norton really brought their character’s to life, there was a still a superficial quality to the film. For what it strived to be and what it attempted to sell it did a great job, making an enjoyable and entertaining film that I will enjoy watching again and again. Will it resonate as strongly as The Dark Knight or Iron Man? Probably not. There wasn’t a mind blowing depth here, or an extraordinarily developed plot that has challenging character arcs, but it still was a good and fun movie, and a great way to spend a Friday night with some popcorn and friends. The Incredible Hulk was an absolute success in what it attempted to be.
This film was in my top ten best list of 2008 (#9). Edward Norton kept this movie centered and grounded (in a good way) !!!
Heather, I’m really digging your crisp, non-snobby, non-academic, pro-intelligence and pro-fun reviews here at Movie Mobsters.
Writing a Hulk movie is like writing a wrestling movie, I suppose, but it’s refreshing to read that for what it had to be, this wasn’t an embarrassment.
Keep writing these and I’ll keep reading.
I agree this movie was good from beginning to end. I don’t know why everyone wouldn’t just leave him alone? I wonder what other partts are huge?
This one was at least much better than their first attempt at the Hulk. And at least the Hulk was a more earthy green as opposed to that day-glo green look from the first one.
I agree with the other posters. I thought this was one of the better movies of 2008. It was a simple action/science fiction movie that entertained. I don’t always have to be personally moved when I go to the movies. Sometimes I just like to be entertained, and The Incredible Hulk did that. I’m geared for a sequel after watching the final scene!
Thank you everyone for the awesome comments. I’m happy to see I’m not the only person that felt this way about this movie. As I was writing my review I had the feeling that I was going to get slammed for feeling so enthusiastic about it, but for once I’m happy to have been wronged!
I had no intention of seeing this but after reading everyone’s comments and the review I’m putting it on my to see list.
Am I the only one who thinks that Eric Bana didn’t make THAT bad of a Hulk? I am? OK, fine, the cheese stands alone.
I will say that Edward Norton brings a new dimension to the acting, but I was disappointed with the special effects (again). With all the CGI out there, why can no one make the Hulk look like something other than a really pissed off pickle?
M. Carter
M. carter your not the only one…i like eric bana too….so that makes two of us.
As do I. He was the best part about the “other other” Hulk movie. But I didn’t think the CGI was too bad in this one. However, nobody gets it better than the WETA team. Gollum and Kong were amazing.
I can’t stand CGI in todays film. 95% of the time it detracts from the movie. Even Speilberg has lost sense of what to do with it, and George Lucas who maybe never had the sense has just gone absolutely delusional with his creations. It’s depressing.
However, I didn’t enjoy either Hulk. But this one was just one neverending chase scene to me. Nothing of substance.