Second time's a charm for Marvel's 'Incredible Hulk'

By: Stephanie Rancier

Posted: 6/17/08

Life is full of opportunities for those placating clichés such as, "if at first you don't succeed, try again." Apparently the creative minds of Marvel and the Hulk dynasty took this proverb to heart when they decided to recreate "The Incredible Hulk" just five years after their first attempt.

Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is a scientist who experiments with gamma rays in the hopes of improving human DNA. One day, his confidence in the science leads him to try out the experiment on himself, resulting in a calamitous side effect that turns the scrawny, harmless Bruce into a destructive green giant. After his uncontrollable alternate persona hurts Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), the one person Bruce loves, he banishes himself to a nomadic life in which he tries to find a way to rid himself of the Hulk.

While working in a Brazilian bottling company, Bruce accidentally bleeds on a bottle that is shipped to a consumer in the United States. When the consumer drinks from the contaminated bottle, he becomes a victim of gamma poisoning and sends alarms through the U.S. government. General Ross (William Hurt) is trying to track down Bruce and use the Hulk as a weapon. General Ross assembles a band of soldiers, including legendary soldier Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), to capture Bruce.

When the U.S. government finally embarks upon a mission to find him, Bruce found a cure for his condition through correspondence with a scientist in New York City. When Bruce returns to America, he reunites with his old flame, Betty, who tries to help him escape from her father, General Ross, and get rid of the Hulk once and for all.

For the most part, the cast offers solid performances. Norton was a good choice for a geeky, good guy scientist that turns into a violently menacing creature - he was a believable character who required both sympathy and viciousness with the same role. Tyler was adequate as the "damsel in distress" - not overdone, but still helpless enough to be somewhat annoying. Roth proved to be a remarkably effective villain.

The story is a bit over the top and absurd, but as it's based on a Marvel Comic, it's expected. There were also more action scenes and better attention paid to special affects than to dialogue or plot development. However, the film is entertaining.

Apparently, Marvel is reaching for redemption after 2003's "Hulk" disaster that disappointed audiences and critics despite its Oscar-winning director, Ang Lee, and all-star cast. This year's "The Incredible Hulk" is very different from its predecessor. This film is more action-driven whereas the 2003 version was more story-oriented. Those who were less than amazed five years ago will probably prefer the latest Hulk flick.