The Incredible Hulk (2008)

I'm a DC fanboy. Having said that, i'm also one who doesn't really understand why people fans hated Ang Lee's Hulk (2004). So much in fact to made the producers, the powers that be, refreshed the story with "The Incredible Hulk". But, i could be persuaded to understand that Ang Lee's Hulk was best be left forgotten although i would stand firm that if there's ever a superhero film SEQUEL that need to be forgotten, it's "Batman & Robin". Again, i'm a DC fanboy.

Bruce Banner is now portrayed by Ed Norton. As far as the origin story goes, he's far better than his predecessor, Eric Bana. However, i refused to made a comparison between Liv Tyler, now as Bruce's lost love, Dr. Elizabeth Ross, with her predecessor, Jennifer Connelly. The film gave us a sneak-peek of the Hulk's origin during its extended opening credit (also note in-reference to Stark Industries and Nick Fury to indicate a further proof that Marvel Studios is indeed planning something big for its superheroes. Yay, plural). Five minutes gone, and so does Ang Lee's Hulk. When the film really begins, it started in Brazil where Bruce has been hiding. But as all things hid, it screams to be found. Hot in his pursuit is Gen. Ross who supervised the project that allow Bruce turns into Hulk in the first place. It's his mistake, and he intends to make it right. Whatever the cost. His aide this time is Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) a seasoned warrior who want nothing more than a good fight. When it is clear that nothing in his armory could forestalled Hulk, Gen. Ross made his second mistake by turning Emil into Abomination. Thus, it's all come down to what we've been waiting for ever since the theater's lights get dimmed. Hulk vs Abomination.

For a yet another comic-adaptation film, i think (remember, i'm a DC fanboy) that "The Incredible Hulk" is pretty faithful to its origin story. He's all brawls and growls, and even had his signature "Hulk Smash!" move that only a comic-geek would notice with a nod of understanding. It also features a cameo from the original Hulk actor from the TV! There shouldn't be any question asked about wether this film is aiming to make an amend to its fans concerning the previous Hulk film's incarnation.

Obviously laded heavily with CGI works, "The Incredible Hulk" took a very different route than Ang Lee's Hulk four years prior. Comparing them won't give either a fair judgment. Therefore, i digress from making such comparison. "The Incredible Hulk" aimed to blow things apart, and in that respect it works. Ed Norton, as i've said before, made for a better Bruce Banner, truer to his comic pages counterpart character, at least. And in my opinion, "Tim Roth" is one way to spell "character-actor". He's a bad-ass warrior. In fact, i've felt that he's provided slightly more grit when he's Emil Blonsky as opposed to when he turns into Abomination. Liv Tyler is, well, she's there for us, guys and do you hear me complaining? The CGI wasn't perfect, it's not that bad, but it's not that good as well. All in all, it may not be as fun as "Iron Man" but as far as comic-film concerned, Marvel Studios has scored two for two, so far.

My rating: *** / **** - Two for two from Marvel Studios. And the Avengers is more of a plausibility than ever.