The Incredible Hulk (2008) Review

            Marvel’s streak of success began strong. Though for whatever reason, The Incredible Hulk, starring Ed Norton and Liv Tyler, isn’t so fondly talked about by the film studio itself. A simple synopsis of the movie breaks down like this, it’s the late 70’s-80’s television show, on a Hollywood budget, and it tried to keep the spirit of the comic book alive. Although the film is in and of itself effective, behind the scenes, things are said to have been difficult.

            Ed Norton was brought onto the project, not just to star as Doctor Robert Bruce Banner, but also as one of the film’s writers. And apparently there is another cut of the film floating around somewhere that has yet to be seen that dove deeper into the drama of the life of the Hulk and Bruce. In short, there were creative disagreements that got bad to the point that Marvel Studios opted not to green light a sequel for the film. This is significant when you consider that Iron Man (2008), Thor (2011), and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), all had their sequels green lit before their releases.

            But how does The Incredible Hulk do on its own? What are the strengths of the film? And why did Marvel ultimately never talk about it too much after it came out? The film is a sequel, and a remake to the poorly received 2003 version of the film, Ang Lee’s “Hulk.” It re-establishes the character of the Hulk, while “continuing” the story of one man’s struggle with his literal internal monster. And it’s interesting to note, that while this film re-establishes who the Hulk is to its viewers, it’s really not an origin story for the character. Although the argument could be posed that it is a true origin film for the character being that it establishes him as a Hero by the end of the film, not just a monster.

            The introduction of super villain, “The Abomination” played in both human, and mutated monster form by actor Tim Roth, is a welcome edition. He applies an opposite for Banner, being that the character is a military man, preferring brawn over brain. And then as the Abomination he applies a great challenge to the Hulk. Not only does Abomination retain his human intelligence, he is also more ruthless and more powerful. This is a character, whom in both forms, is out to fight for the sake of a fight, and the Hulk is the perfect target for this character. He is so out to prove his toughness that he is willing to take experimental chemicals, risk his own wellbeing, and put innocent people in harm’s way for the right to brag about taking down the Hulk.

            In the end, the film is a great look at the Hulk’s struggle, while not being the psycho analysis the 2003 version was. It also makes a mark as a superhero drama and beat-em-up movie for children of all ages to enjoy. Or the inner child of older audience members who never had the pleasure of watching “Good” superhero movies when they were kids. Interesting to note, the Abomination wasn’t killed at the end of the movie, and given the Marvel Cinematic Universe is built on continuity, I’m optimistic we will see this villain again someday.