Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 10 > Entry
‘Incredible Hulk’ shows some considerable bulk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To describe “The Incredible Hulk,” entertainment-happy IGN.com is using a fairly new word: requel.
Yes, not prequel, or sequel, but requel, meaning a movie that does not continue from a previous work or start a storyline over again.
In comic book-turned-movie lexicon it means “The Incredible Hulk,” which debuts in theaters this week with Oscar-nominee Ed Norton as the genetically enlarged mean, green, fighting machine, is really nothing like Ang Lee’s generally reviled “The Hulk” of a few years ago.
The new “Hulk,” screened here Monday night for an audience of metro Atlanta film critics and often cheering and applauding fans, wastes little time before leaping into and an action sequence that starts with characters on the run and builds to a deafening crescendo of bullets, huge chunks of tossed metal and the human changeling’s ferocious roar.
Like Marvel’s “Iron Man” before it, “Incredible Hulk” is shaped to entertain and also please a rather rabid fan base. While it definitely would be a surprise for the new “Hulk” to match “Iron Man’s” box-office muscle and critical reception, the likelihood is that Marvel, with these two enterprises, will emerge as the summer movie season’s premier powerhouse.
With only quick flashes of background material, the new “Hulk” has Bruce Banner (Norton) on the run from the military as he tries to find a cure for the gamma effects that change his body or, at least, a way to control it. Ultimately, he must fight a renegade militarist (Tim Roth) who has himself injected with some of Banner’s blood to alter himself into a rather grotesque, hulking monster.
Here’s what fans will likely be talking about after “Incredible Hulk” opens nationwide on Friday (there are also dozens of midnight and 12:01 a.m. screenings late Thursday night):
The fights: They are plentiful and brutal. The Hulk smashes a police car in two and uses both parts as boxing gloves. In the long, final battle, Roth’s behemoth is seen in a distance smacking at least three men into the air. Some fans might complain that these characters look more animated than real, but the action is fast and more involving than, say, Matthew Broderick’s ill-fated “Godzilla.”
The cameos: There are multiple nods to actors from the old “Hulk” TV series. And comic book guru Stan Lee, who appears in all Marvel films, shows up in what will likely be judged as his best cameo to date.
The supporting cast: Roth’s part calls for aggression and obsession and he delivers both. In a crucial scene, Tim Blake Nelson plays the intelligent — and slightly off-kilter — researcher Samuel Sterns. One possible fanboy Internet argument that might emerge: which Betty Ross do you prefer … delicate Liv Tyler of “Incredible Hulk” or brooding Jennifer Connelly of “Hulk”?
The humor: It’s infrequent and often subtle. One on-screen text message regarding morphing into the Hulk reads: “Days without incident — 158.” Later, after anger has unleashed the beast an on-screen message reads: “Days without incident — 1.”
Are you planning on seeing “Incredible Hulk”?
Permalink | Comments (12) | Post your comment | Categories: Bob Longino
Comments
By d a da man
June 10, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I saw it at a sneak peek yesterday. It is way better then the other one. It starts out slow but stay with it because it gets good real quickly
By KIm
June 10, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
I agree with Da Man, saw it yesterday and it is definitely better than the first movie. The cameo appearances are great too.
By D
June 10, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
One reason for the requel of the “Incredible Hulk” was Marvel’s inability to get other production houses to agree on the use of multiple characters in the same movie.
Iron Man was the first of Marvel’s projected series of releases and followed by the Incredible Hulk. The appearance of some characters in these two hint at some of Marvel’s future plans
Keep watch for future releases that will culminate with the release of an “Avengers” movie.
By D
June 10, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
One reason for the requel of the “Incredible Hulk” was Marvel’s inability to get other production houses to agree on the use of multiple characters in the same movie. So marvel will be releasing its character movies from its own production house to circumvent the conflicts with Sony and others.
Iron Man was the first of Marvel’s projected series of releases and followed by the Incredible Hulk. The appearance of some characters in these two hint at some of Marvel’s future plans
Keep watch for future releases that will culminate with the release of an “Avengers” movie.
By D
June 10, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
One reason for the requel of the “Incredible Hulk” was Marvel’s inability to get other production houses to agree on the use of multiple characters in the same movie. So marvel will be releasing its character movies from its own production house to circumvent the conflicts with Sony and others.
Iron Man was the first of Marvel’s projected series of releases and followed by the Incredible Hulk. The appearance of some characters in these two hint at some of Marvel’s future plans
Keep watch for future releases that will culminate with the release of an “Avengers” movie.
By Doug
June 10, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I’ve already pre-purchased my tickets for Friday night! I’m excited to see Hulk handled the right way; a mix of the comic and the 70’s TV show. The first film is okay, but got too philosophical considering it’s about a massive green man. I’m excited to see Ed Norton, Liv Tyler and other capable actors continue the progress that Iron Man started. Bring on Captain America and the Avengers!!
By rey-man
June 10, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Hey where’s remember the Titans or Radio. Titans: when his buddy is laid up in the hospital after the accident! Radio: when the give radio the game ball. C’mon. Does aanyone have a tissue.
By It's Fine...
June 10, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
This review proves why Bob Longino is the bestest movie critic in the whole wide world. His reviews can be a little sour and pouty at times though. Maybe we should start calling him The Incredible Sulk! LONGINO RULES!
By KJ Sampson
June 10, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I’m looking forward to this after all…now more than ever. (Darn you, Bob.) I thought the previous Hulk movie was ambitious yet about 3 years too late. Had it come out the same time as “X-Men,” it would have been far better received by the fanbase (but let’s face it, compared to “Batman & Robin,” the then most-recent comic book film, anything would be a masterpiece).
By Jordy Ray
June 10, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
He IS the bestest, ain’t he!!
By The Grinch
June 10, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Jennifer Connelly.
By LeftWingLoon
June 10, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Does Liv get naked?