BRAD HAMLIN REVIEWS HULK
Last night, the Mystery Island tribe took in a preview
of The Incredible Hulk movie courtesy of our pals at
retrocrush.com. Despite the shortcomings of the 2003 Hulk
film, expectations ran pretty high for this new Hulktastic offering.
Waiting for the film to begin, as giant bags of popcorn, multi-genre
fruit snacks, and a cherry Icee disappeared into our youngest
viewer’s belly … the general feeling persisted that this time the
Hulk would have all its gamma rays dialed in the right direction, not
for a bomb, but for the type of explosive action and adventure that
Marvel is famous for …and it delivers.
Here are some basic gamma-radiated facts: Edward
Norton is great as Dr. Banner. Liv Tyler is perfect as Betty, and
even has Betty Page bangs to go with the whole “Betty” theme. The
Hulk design and special effects are A+. Fans of the classic Hulk
will notice the Kirby-like influence as well as appreciate the modern
aesthetic quality presented in this film. The humor works just as
well as the action. Marvel finally took my advice and portrayed the
“origin” story within the credits (as it should be) and jumped
straight into the central plot.
The cameos are excellent, not at all overdone, and the
pacing of the film keeps everything moving right along with plenty o’
bullets, big guns, and Hulk smashing and/or throwing heavy objects.
I could have used maybe a little more Hulk dialog, but
hopefully that will develop in the next film? And William Hurt
wouldn’t be my first choice for General Ross, kind of wimpy, but I
didn’t hate him. The weakest actor in the film is Tim Roth. I really
can’t understand the choice to cast the English Roth as a United
States Army super solider tough guy, but his character goes through a
metamorphosis that certainly improves his character.
Overall I give The Incredible Hulk a solid “A”
rating, a good way up from the 2003’s C- Hulk movie. Good job
Marvel! You’re making us True Believers all over again.
Bradley Mason Hamlin, Mystery Island
brad@retrocrush.com
p.s. Now if you can get Ant-Man right, we may never
lose faith, but he would have to have the original Ant-Man helmet
that Kirby designed. He would have to have that …
