Cool News
Latauro has seen THE INCREDIBLE HULK as well!
The age-old argument of Ang Lee's HULK: love it or loathe it? It's a bit like the Jets and the Sharks, if the Jets were people who hated the film, and the Sharks were four guys standing in a corner trying not to advertise themselves too much. Though I haven't seen the first film since its cinema release -- and I'm well aware I could feel very differently about it if I were to watch it again -- I loved the hell out of it. I described it as a work of art at the time, and I stand by that
.
But it is what it is, and that is ANG LEE'S TOME ON THE SOUL OF MAN THAT'S STILL BETTER THAN LUST CAUTION. And that's fine. I love that take on Hulk, but I'm equally glad that we're getting the "proper" Marvel Hulk. One that will fit neatly into the current wave of Marvel movies that we're getting. That would be this one, then.
With lots of heavy SFX action, strong characters, and a healthy (but not overpowering) subtext, INCREDIBLE HULK stands proudly alongside IRON MAN. I was sceptical at those who were saying IH was just as good as IRON MAN, but it is. Almost. IRON MAN benefits from Stark's roguishness, his alcohol-swigging, womanising, smart-assery ways. That charisma knocked it up several notches, if for no other reason than a playboy with a wicked sense of humour was a nice change from the everyday-person-wrestling-with-inner-demons-and-new-powers storyline.
Not that there's not a lot left to be done with it. Norton's take on Bruce Banner is a little devoid of humour (I'll come back to that), but still captures the spirit of a man absolutely terrified of what's within himself. None of the inner demon themes from Ang Lee's HULK are abandoned, but they're definitely framed within a more lighthearted and actiony film. William Hurt makes for a terrific General Ross, Liv Tyler is solid (if a little underwritten) as Betty Ross, and Tim Roth is awesome as a soldier who feels his body is wearing out on him. I know nothing of the Abomination's history, but I like the counterpoint his character provides to Banner. If Banner is the man wrestling with his inner self, then Blonsky is the man wrestling with his outer body. That new element -- the physicality of these beasts being just as important as their mentality -- basically sums up what this new version is trying to do.
To touch on the humour point again, for some reason the jokes in this feel a little forced, like when a drama on TV decides it's time to lighten things up a bit, and suddenly writers and actors who clearly know nothing about comedy are squeezing schtick out every pore? Yes? No? Anyway, it's a bit like that. Not all the time, but a couple of moments everything just felt the tiniest bit awkward.
That's probably the only thing that didn't work for me. Everything else is so well-handled -- particularly the opening sequences with Banner trying very hard to control himself, the city-destroying fight, and, of course, the cameo-at-the-end-that-everyone-already-knows-about -- that I either need to now leave you with lots of spoilers, or simply a "go see it".
I will say this, though: if I felt underwhelmed by anything, it's that enormous glut of brilliant comic book films we're now presented with. Ten years ago, a film like this would be the only thing we would talk about. Now, it arrives alongside so many other contenders for the title of "Best Superhero Movie", that it's difficult not to feel just the smallest bit oversaturated. But hey, if that's the price we pay for an overabundance of quality, then so be it. I know I wouldn't have it any other way.
Peace out,
Latauro
AICNDownunder@hotmail.com
AICNDownunder@hotmail.com
-
+ Expand All
-
why me care what he sees?
-
Right behind ya gotham_night.
-
They used the cameo with Robert Downey as Iron Man. Interesting if not savvy marketing to lead with that given Iron Man's success.
-
Damm storm, now I'm not first....
-
Yeah, I saw that too. Basically gave the whole cameo away. Guess they couldn't resist an extra push given the big Box Office of Iron Man.
-
It's been out a while. If you went to the official site, clicked Navigate->video, then chose which TV spot you wanted to watch... it's there in HQ. And... HOW SWEET IT IS!! GODDAMN!
-
I want to remain untainted for when I sneak away to see “The Incredible Hulk”. That being said, I just saw a spot on FOX where TONY STARK has a scene with Thunderbolt Ross. Just so the powers that be know… for this one scene I will buy a movie ticket. Please also understand that I am very interested in the Avengers Initiative. Nuff said. Make Mine Marvel.
-
Because some seem to think Marvel is pulling a Nick Fury and holding the biggest surprise for opening night (though that cat has also been let out of the bag in a smaller dose)
-
Well Done. Most reviews on this site are way too in depth/unintentionally spoilerish and long. That was literally my idea of the perfect movie review. Thanks.
-
was cut. Hulk found him in the arctic. (which I find lame, since he'd be pretty deep in the ice and Hulk shouldn't have been able to "stumble upon him")
-
I will be truly happy.2003's was so boring it felt like Hitchcock came back from the dead and tried to make a horror flick.
-
know where the Cap thing came from? is there a link to info?
-
Hulk is as Hulk does.
-
Harry's original Hulk review. And why it's pointless to trust his judgement: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/15411
-
http://www.latinoreview.com/news/hulk-america-4822
-
I hope that he actually ends up in there and not some crappy stint to sell DVDs
-
Jun 10, 2008 10:16:27 PM CDT
"Did you know that in Iron Man, Captain America's shield can be
by coup
what the, when did that happen o_O
-
it totally ruled. It didn't have much in the way of plot (See Banner run. See Banner hide. See army find Banner. See Hulk rage. Rage Rage Rage! See Banner run again. See Hulk like 2 more times. See Hulk win!) but it was awesome.
-
Its on Stark's workbench when hes getting his armor taken off after the middle east rape scene.
-
Jun 11, 2008 12:50:56 AM CDT
i saw promo in NBA game Tony Stark, we also ned Bill Bixby hitc
by groothewarrior
-
Jun 11, 2008 12:52:04 AM CDT
Bill Bixby hithchiking to the sad piano music in final credits
by groothewarrior
-
Thanks for the compliment -- it's much appreciated -- but I actually prefer the overly in-depth reviews of, say, Moriarty or Massawyrm to my own. But it's nice to know I'm filling a need.
-
Have to say though, really looking forward to it...
-
i guarantee that that fanciful scenario of yours would make for a better hulk movie than this dung heap.
-
Great film, and I know there are many who'll think me mad, but I too prefer Lee's Hulk to Lust, Caution. Still, can't wait for the new film.
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 273 total posts 271 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 92 total posts 92 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 160 total posts 69 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 151 total posts 63 posts
- Does ‘SNL’ Rhyme With ‘Deschanel’?? Learn Which SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Vet Hosts After Sexy Zooey!! -- 67 total posts 59 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 60 total posts 57 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 484 total posts 49 posts
- Here's The Red Band Trailer For Drafthouse Films' THE FP! -- 69 total posts 42 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 120 total posts 32 posts
- SPACE 2099!! -- 183 total posts 24 posts