Hulkin' out!
June 16th 2008 07:03
The semi-reboot/sequel to Ang Lee's Hulk is here, this time it's Incredible!
Or is it?
The new cast and crew was perhaps an attempt to erase the memory of the previous Hulk movie with Eric Bana, a la in case of the infamous Highlander 2. There it was justifiable, here: not so much. Sure, 2003's philo-hulk cashed in below expectations and is considered somewhat boring by many, but it was an interesting experiment, and with $ 245 million worldwide it was far from a bomb. Why the profile change then? Because there is a profile change here, that's quite obvious.
This time it's shorter, with more action, chases and fights that are anything but sub-surface like the previous movie's end sequence between Banner's hulk and his energy absorbing father. The story continues in South America, but in the title sequence (and throughout the movie), the whole origin story is depicted as different, closer to the TV series actually. Director Louis Leterrier followed the glowing box in other aspects as well: man on the run, a Hulk closer to man size, and even the musical score has some familiar consonance in it. The result is a bit shallow mix. It's as if they tried to use the character introduction from the previous film, so that they can focus on action, but then they recast everyone, and rewrote the characters for episode two. A bit alienation is the product of this. You know these guys from somewhere, but it feels weird, maybe you just dreamed about them?
Most of the audience won't be bothered by this though. The action and the still fake, but better looking (and with a better muscle tone!) hulk will earn many fans, especially from the younger generations. The Cast does a decent job with Edward Norton in the lead, but nothing special overall. Perhaps William Hurt's General Ross has a few shining moments of sublime acting, but this is not an Oscar's movie.
A nice cameo at the end foreshadows more Marvel mayhem in the following years, so we won't be short of our superhero serum, that's for sure. Oh, I almost forgot. For those who know what I'm talking about: anoher nice cameo is in the movie (next to Lou Ferrigno, and Stan Lee... again). Ladies and Gentlemen: Rickson Gracie is in the flick! A short but funny/interesting scene, where he does the belly dance, and shares some wisdom about self control. Don't worry if you have no idea what the hell I'm talking about. Perhaps one of you will discover this, and share my surprised facial expression when seeing it in the movie.
Until the sequel(s) come, two words for you: HULK SMASH!
Or is it?
Hulk preparing for an abomination of a task.
The new cast and crew was perhaps an attempt to erase the memory of the previous Hulk movie with Eric Bana, a la in case of the infamous Highlander 2. There it was justifiable, here: not so much. Sure, 2003's philo-hulk cashed in below expectations and is considered somewhat boring by many, but it was an interesting experiment, and with $ 245 million worldwide it was far from a bomb. Why the profile change then? Because there is a profile change here, that's quite obvious.
I'm behind myself...
This time it's shorter, with more action, chases and fights that are anything but sub-surface like the previous movie's end sequence between Banner's hulk and his energy absorbing father. The story continues in South America, but in the title sequence (and throughout the movie), the whole origin story is depicted as different, closer to the TV series actually. Director Louis Leterrier followed the glowing box in other aspects as well: man on the run, a Hulk closer to man size, and even the musical score has some familiar consonance in it. The result is a bit shallow mix. It's as if they tried to use the character introduction from the previous film, so that they can focus on action, but then they recast everyone, and rewrote the characters for episode two. A bit alienation is the product of this. You know these guys from somewhere, but it feels weird, maybe you just dreamed about them?
Most of the audience won't be bothered by this though. The action and the still fake, but better looking (and with a better muscle tone!) hulk will earn many fans, especially from the younger generations. The Cast does a decent job with Edward Norton in the lead, but nothing special overall. Perhaps William Hurt's General Ross has a few shining moments of sublime acting, but this is not an Oscar's movie.
A fan's reaction after the movie is over so soon.
A nice cameo at the end foreshadows more Marvel mayhem in the following years, so we won't be short of our superhero serum, that's for sure. Oh, I almost forgot. For those who know what I'm talking about: anoher nice cameo is in the movie (next to Lou Ferrigno, and Stan Lee... again). Ladies and Gentlemen: Rickson Gracie is in the flick! A short but funny/interesting scene, where he does the belly dance, and shares some wisdom about self control. Don't worry if you have no idea what the hell I'm talking about. Perhaps one of you will discover this, and share my surprised facial expression when seeing it in the movie.
Until the sequel(s) come, two words for you: HULK SMASH!
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