This truly is an outstanding summer that’s not even at the half way point. The second of three of the big deal superhero flicks, (Iron ManThe Dark Knight the third) “The Incredible Hulk” goes out of its way to correct the mistakes committed by it’s predecessor. If Richard Donner’s “Superman: The Movie taught us anything, it’s that you must take the material seriously and treat it with respect. Ang Lee’s 2003 version of “Hulk” took that credo to an almost fatal extreme. I can see what Lee was going for and at times, it’s admirable, because the film never holds the character in contempt, but its overkill with the drama that brings the narrative to a screeching halt as the film refuses to have with its premise. Although the film is not bad by a long shot, it wallows in a stew of self-importance that subverts its comic book roots and alienates its fans. It strives to be art when the material can’t sustain it and avoids being a fun, action adventure when the material demands it. Foregoing its predecessor’s pretentiousness and cry-baby, hand-wringing, “The Incredible Hulk” begins not as an origin story or a remake, but a sideways re-jiggering that is crystal clear with its intentions- straight forward comic book fun. The film begins where the first left off in Argentina with Banner taking refuge from his world and seeking to find a cure. His hideout is found as General Ross, Banner’s arch nemesis, sends in his goons, led by Tim Roth, who soon develops a taste for Hulk’s strength and volunteers himself for a new experiment that changes him into, Abomination, an increased, even more juiced up creature than Banner and far more angrier than Hulk and provides the films highlight. I was surprised and thrilled to see all the nice and respectful references to the classic television series, (Friday nights at 7pm on CBS!) considering the first film jettisoned any kind of appeal the old series offered. Towards the end of the film, Banner is now using David as his first name and the late Bill Bixby makes a cameo as Banner watches television. The melancholy closing music is heard briefly as Banner’s loneliness is underscored. And the original series Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno has two cameos; as a Security Guard, (just like in the first film) and as the voice of the creature who gets to say “HULK SMASH!” Even Jack McGee, the investigative reporter who pursued Banner throughout the series makes a show and takes a picture of the Hulk with his cell phone during one of his many rampages. Ed Norton, an admitted fan shares co-screenwriting credit and gives Banner plenty of pathos without over-indulgence or dreariness. Unlike the previous Banner, Eric Banna, Norton injects some humor and is not a boring dolt. My favorite moment was his time in Argentina, having a hard time with the language; he informs some thugs, “Don’t make me... hungry…You wouldn’t like me when I’m hungry.” To expound further on the film would be tedious as it does what many wanted from the first, show Hulk smash and fight and he has a hell of a blow out with Abomination, instigated by General Ross of course and played with perfect zeal in human form by Tim Roth, who never met a scene he didn’t chew. William Hurt is no Sam Elliot, but his General Ross is acceptable. He’s not a monster, he’s not a self-serving a-hole, and he’s just out to do a job and actually has a change of heart by film’s end. Liv Tyler as Dr. Betty Ross is there to hot things up and she is not only wonderful to look at, but a nice support system for Banner, enabling his escape, seeing past the Hulk’s burning anger and helping him find a cure. being the first,
Director Lou Letterier does a nice, streamlined job and creates some great moments of tension and excitement with the melee between Hulk and Abomination as it offers some great visuals and recalls the classic fight in “Superman II.” His best decision was for the actors to not ham it up, (think Nick Nolte from the first film) and suck the life out of their scenes. All the actors do exceptional work and allow the material to speak for itself and never get in the way. Marvel Studios is emerging as one of the best success stories of the year, with a focused plan in place and more of their characters readying for the live-action treatment, comic book fans have only good things to look forward to. ‘Bout damn time!