Latest Hulk, Incredible
July 30th 2008 02:42
Marvel Studio’s latest independent release, The Incredible Hulk, and second for the Summer season (Iron Man) landed with a thud in theaters around the world on June 13, adding the massive green man’s almighty strength to an already burgeoning Summer season.
Close to eclipsing Ang Lee’s tepid ’03 box office effort within days of release, the ’08 version blends action with the pathos and gravitas the story deserves.
But, I think you all know the story well enough not to have it retold, or if précised then in very brief form. So here goes.
Mild-mannered Scientist (Dr. Bruce Banner, played by the brilliant Mr. Edward Norton), and girlfriend scientist, Betsy, (Liv Tyler) stumble across the ultimate performance enhancer, inadvertently infecting Banner with disastrous results. Not only does he turn green when angry, but remarkably keeps his trousers on as he morphs into a 12 foot (with a waist measurement to make even the biggest of losers feel anorexic) all powerful behemoth.
On the run from his ‘creator’- and beloved Betsy’s daddy - Gen. Thaddeus Ross (the over-mustachioed William Hurt) is desperate to capture his property and bottle Banner’s ‘essence of Hulk.’ The General enlists Emil Blonsky – Russian-born, British-trained military killer - to hunt down the good Doctor, and ‘bring him back alive!’
Having serendipitously found Banner living a calmer existence in the ghettos of Brazil, the chase begins, and basically, everything goes pear-shaped for all concerned. Any more of the story, and I’ll give too much away. To find out the rest go see it.
This movie is a decent, fun couple of hours. With plenty of nostalgia for Hulk-lovers – cameos for Stan Lee (creator), Lou Ferrigno (voice of the Hulk, and the original green guy before CGI), and a tribute to Bill Bixby (Dr. Banner from the classic 70’s TV series) – a serviceable intro to the back-story for non-Hulk aficionados, and enough action to keep viewers chomping on their popcorn, Hulk ticks all the boxes.
The action is certainly intense, but not graphic. The intent of the action brings the PG-13 rating, with much of the action being to either capture the Hulk against his will, or in the closing scenes, kill him…also against his will, I assume. There is no gushing, or even flowing, blood. The language is honorable. I heard nothing more than very limited tier one cussing – a couple of D’s, and one or two OMG’s – all of which are almost too woven into the modern vernacular to expect writers to leave out. This is not to excuse their use, but it is PG-rated language by definition.
And the love scene? Aborted before it began, brought on by Banner’s extreme need to ‘control’ himself. Nice message for the hormonally challenged!
As such, Hulk won my admiration. Due to the action, I wouldn’t take my younger sons (6 & 8), although many will. And yes, they will protest, but they are used to talking to the hand by now. But my 11-year-old boy will love it, and I believe, see the movie for what it is – a bit of well-made fun.
Finally, we can only hope Marvel Studios, as an independent producer, continues to bring its myriad comic-born characters to life with such respect for family audiences. If Hulk, and May’s release, Iron Man are indicators, then movie goers have a lot to be excited about.
Their decision to include two of Hollywood’s most respected artists, Edward Norton and Robert Downey, Jr. – serious actors, who are seriously good at their craft – as the leads in Hulk and Iron Man, strengthened each film significantly, and will leave viewers with a memorable taste. Add to that, stellar supporting casts in both flicks - Jeff Bridges, William Hurt, Gwyneth Paltrow, et al. – and we have much to look forward to.
Bring on Iron Man 2, Captain America, and Thor, I say.
Close to eclipsing Ang Lee’s tepid ’03 box office effort within days of release, the ’08 version blends action with the pathos and gravitas the story deserves.
But, I think you all know the story well enough not to have it retold, or if précised then in very brief form. So here goes.
Mild-mannered Scientist (Dr. Bruce Banner, played by the brilliant Mr. Edward Norton), and girlfriend scientist, Betsy, (Liv Tyler) stumble across the ultimate performance enhancer, inadvertently infecting Banner with disastrous results. Not only does he turn green when angry, but remarkably keeps his trousers on as he morphs into a 12 foot (with a waist measurement to make even the biggest of losers feel anorexic) all powerful behemoth.
On the run from his ‘creator’- and beloved Betsy’s daddy - Gen. Thaddeus Ross (the over-mustachioed William Hurt) is desperate to capture his property and bottle Banner’s ‘essence of Hulk.’ The General enlists Emil Blonsky – Russian-born, British-trained military killer - to hunt down the good Doctor, and ‘bring him back alive!’
Having serendipitously found Banner living a calmer existence in the ghettos of Brazil, the chase begins, and basically, everything goes pear-shaped for all concerned. Any more of the story, and I’ll give too much away. To find out the rest go see it.
This movie is a decent, fun couple of hours. With plenty of nostalgia for Hulk-lovers – cameos for Stan Lee (creator), Lou Ferrigno (voice of the Hulk, and the original green guy before CGI), and a tribute to Bill Bixby (Dr. Banner from the classic 70’s TV series) – a serviceable intro to the back-story for non-Hulk aficionados, and enough action to keep viewers chomping on their popcorn, Hulk ticks all the boxes.
The action is certainly intense, but not graphic. The intent of the action brings the PG-13 rating, with much of the action being to either capture the Hulk against his will, or in the closing scenes, kill him…also against his will, I assume. There is no gushing, or even flowing, blood. The language is honorable. I heard nothing more than very limited tier one cussing – a couple of D’s, and one or two OMG’s – all of which are almost too woven into the modern vernacular to expect writers to leave out. This is not to excuse their use, but it is PG-rated language by definition.
And the love scene? Aborted before it began, brought on by Banner’s extreme need to ‘control’ himself. Nice message for the hormonally challenged!
As such, Hulk won my admiration. Due to the action, I wouldn’t take my younger sons (6 & 8), although many will. And yes, they will protest, but they are used to talking to the hand by now. But my 11-year-old boy will love it, and I believe, see the movie for what it is – a bit of well-made fun.
Finally, we can only hope Marvel Studios, as an independent producer, continues to bring its myriad comic-born characters to life with such respect for family audiences. If Hulk, and May’s release, Iron Man are indicators, then movie goers have a lot to be excited about.
Their decision to include two of Hollywood’s most respected artists, Edward Norton and Robert Downey, Jr. – serious actors, who are seriously good at their craft – as the leads in Hulk and Iron Man, strengthened each film significantly, and will leave viewers with a memorable taste. Add to that, stellar supporting casts in both flicks - Jeff Bridges, William Hurt, Gwyneth Paltrow, et al. – and we have much to look forward to.
Bring on Iron Man 2, Captain America, and Thor, I say.
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