Film Annex, connect through film

DVD Review: THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008)

2009-04-26 10:04:25

"The Incredible Hulk" DVD Review. 7.5/10.
By Alex DeMattia. ALL ABOUT MOVIES.NET.
Directed by Louis Letterier
Starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt

Click here for the original review at All About Movies.net.

FILM REVIEW:
After Ang Lee’s arthouse 2003 film “Hulk”, the franchise did not look in good shape with that first film not offering the fans or the general public an accessible entry point to the saga of the Incredible Hulk. Now with a new director, cast and production team, “The Incredible Hulk” surfaces as a more rousing action adventure that manages to satisfy on many levels but suffers from being a sequel that is trying to simultaneously reboot the franchise but continue the story at the same time without re-telling the back story. As a result, the film at times feels like it is only a collection of amazing action sequences. The film does have heart, largely carried through the performances of Edward Norton and Liv Tyler, but it is not enough, making this film fun to watch but ultimately shallow overall.

The film opens with a very good looking title sequence which tells Bruce Banner’s back-story through images as he becomes the Hulk. The plot then moves to Brazil where Banner is busy trying to find a cure to his condition while simultaneously keeping a low profile. All goes pear-shaped when a sample of his blood accidentally ends up in a soft drink bottle at the factory he is working and an American citizen (played by Marvel veteran Stan Lee) drinks the liquid and is exposed to the radiation that made Hulk who he is. Before long the Army, led by General Ross (a possibly mis-cast William Hurt), track him down and the story becomes a battle between Hulk and those who wish to either steal his power or want to destroy him.

Much of what works in this film lies in the visuals, the effects and the action sequences. Unlike the previous film, Hulk looks much more real and has been rendered with a level of detail that is worthy of the big screen cinematic treatment. The action sequences are first rate, particularly in the finale when the Hulk battles the Abomination across Harlem in New York City, destroying just about everything in their path.

Edward Norton and Liv Tyler work extremely well in their characters, delivering very sympathetic and three-dimensional performances in an environment that could have easily been more bland given the comic-book nature of the film. Tim Roth is also great as Blonsky, the Russian agent who becomes the Abomination. A disappointing let down is William Hurt, who just does not seem tough enough in his role as General Ross, however this may be more a case of mis-casting rather than anything else.

The film is unfortunately caught in the nether-world of being both a sequel and a reboot. Ang Lee’s “Hulk” was clearly not going to get a sequel, so this film had to serve as a very different take on the character and the comic book. However, it is also a sequel in that we do not get the origin story of Hulk as that was told in the previous film. Since we do not see Edward Norton as Banner go through this story, it is hard to get in to this plight as in this film he is on the run from the get go, giving us no way in to his character or his story. As a result, the narrative lacks depth and feels shallow.

“The Incredible Hulk” is a fun comic book movie that will entertain with its action sequences, but feels somewhat shallow.

TECHNICAL REVIEW:
The film has been given a stellar video transfer, with perfectly clear images of great colour, richness and vibrance. The audio transfer is likewise equally impressive, making full use of the surrounds and will make your home theatre rumble in the big action sequences. Overall, an excellent transfer.

EXTRAS REVIEW:
Given this is only a single disc edition DVD, the extras package is nothing short of first-rate, providing extensive material and featurettes on the making of the film that serve as a perfect complement to the main feature. The audio commentary from director Louis Letterier and actor Tim Roth provies excellent insight in to the production, as well as being a lot of fun to listen to as both bounce off each other, remembering their time making the film and the effort required by all to put certain sequences together. The making-of documentary lasts for thirty minutes and features excellent behind the scenes material and cast-crew interviews which provide an honest and extensive insight in to the production. Three other featurettes focus on the creation of the Hulk, the Abomination, and a sequence from one of the original comics which served as the inspiration for the Betty/Hulk night cliff sequence. There are also six deleted scenes and an alternate opening sequence. Overall, this is an extensive and thorough collection of extras for a single disc edition DVD.

BOTTOM LINE:
Rent it.

Click here for the original review at All About Movies.net.
Become a fan of All About Movies.net on FACEBOOK

Alex DeMattia is the lead DVD reviewer at ALL ABOUT MOVIES.NET.