“The Incredible Hulk”

Rating: 7/10

STARRING

Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt and Tim Roth

THE PLOT

Man-on-the-run Bruce Banner(Norton) tries to rid himself of the Hulk. General Thaddeus Ross (Hurt),however, wants to find him first to weaponize a super-soldier serum from Banner’s DNA.

THE GOOD

Norton’s portrayal of Bruce Banner/Hulk stays very true to the comics. The film delves into the dual life of Banner and his attempts to control and cure himself of the Hulk.

Banner ‘s loneliness and longing for his old life shine through Norton’s performance and add a level of complexity to the character.

The fugitive aspect calls back heavily on the 1970s television show, something Ang Lee’s 2003

“Hulk” never did. Aside from these themes of the old show, there are a few direct references to the show that fans will enjoy.

The action scenes involving the Hulk are intricate, creative and rooted in the comic book. And it is great that he actually has a real opponent to fight in the Abomination.

THE BAD

There was nothing really bad about the film, though it did lack a certain “pop” to push it into great territory. Roth’s performance as Emile Blonsky sometimes seemed too subtle for the role he was playing, but given his circumstances – playing an aging special forces officer – Roth played up Blonsky’s internal struggles.

THE LOWDOWN

This rebooted Hulk is above and beyond Lee’s vision. It is a solid movie that explores

Banner’s fugitive lifestyle and his attempts to cure himself.

The action sequences, besides being visually impressive, show off the Hulk’s power and personality.

Writers Nor ton and Zak Penn and director Louis Leterrier give a portrait of Banner and the Hulk that do justice to the characters. And bonus points for continuing to lay the groundwork for the “Avengers” movie, which “Iron Man” started, by having a cameo by billionaire industrialist Tony Stark.