The Incredible Hulk

Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson
Running Time: 1h 54min

Revisiting a superhero franchise that had a false, yet interesting starting attempt in Ang Lee's The Hulk, it comes as a surprise that the big green monster would get another go around so soon. And, not being much of a fan of the character in the first place, i was pleasantly surprised with what was accomplished with The Incredible Hulk this time around.

Edward Norton has given us plenty of film work to suggest that he has a knack for selecting smart, thought provoking films. So, seeing him star as perhaps the dumbest character in comic books, whose claim to fame is the one liner, "Hulk Smash!", seemed like a serious mismatch. Thankfully, Norton does the smashing here, hammering out a winning performance and a clever script (Norton apparently had some say in the film's direction), resulting in a much more balanced film, that is realistically approached and rendered.

The idea of the Hulk, a mild mannered man whose rage causes him to lose control and hulk out, as it were, is a very interesting concept. However, i never cared for the comics that waited for that moment for Bruce Banner to turn green and wreak havoc and destruction. i did enjoy a storyline that had the "grey" Hulk remain highly intelligent whilst in the rage of the Hulk, and Norton's take on the green machine is more closely in tune with the Hulk that has his wits about him, even in the moment of rage.

Playing the character as an afflicted, intelligent man, desperately trying to control and solve his rage issues makes him much more relatable. Norton takes a long time before succumbing to the rage that gives him a super strength makeover, and the result of that wait and the emotional impact surrounding it plays out nicely. The fact that he seems somewhat aware of his actions and cleverly strategizes his movements pays off in a true sense realism and tragedy that the character needs.

As with other recent super hero success stories, the supporting cast is every bit as important as the lead, and this film's stars don't disappoint. Hurt is good as an old army man with a dark past, and Roth goes over the top with much fun and flavour to give the film a little bit of that comic book cartoonery. Tyler gets very little to work with, and spends much of her time screaming and looking on in horror, but she looks good doing it. You could have told me her part was played by Jennifer Connelly and i wouldn't have noticed.

For such a limited character who really only has one story to tell, this film does a great job nailing it. There really isn't any other direction to go with this beast who poses a threat to all the people he loves, and hopefully there isn't a sequel. That being said, this is an excellent installment in the Marvel series of films, and Norton and company should be proud of their ability to pull off what a talented director like Lee had some difficulty doing half a decade ago.

Grade: B+