Five years ago, director Ang Lee realized his vision of Marvel Comics superhero The Hulk, capturing Bruce Banner and his alter ego in an original story, one that examined a portrait of a man at war with himself and the world in “Hulk.”
The green giant superhero is now imagined in French director Louis Leterrier’s version in “The Incredible Hulk.” Having directed the high-octane action of “The Transporter” films, Leterrier is understandably committed to the kind of action where his vision is tuned into a meaner and greener Hulk, the reluctant hero often forced to embrace the darker side of his personality.
Stepping into the shoes of scientist Bruce Banner and his green alter ego is Edward Norton, an interesting choice for a well-established actor who brings the right note of brooding to a conflicted character.
“The Incredible Hulk” does not dwell inordinately on unresolved issues, but neither does it skirt Banner’s moody outbursts in a desperate hunt for a cure to the gamma radiation that poisoned his cells and unleashes the unbridled force of rage within him. While Banner dwells in a Brazilian slum in an effort to control his anger, his fugitive status ensures that violence is sure to follow.
Working by day at a bottling factory, Banner takes anger management lessons to avoid the triggering of another Hulk episode. Meanwhile, the scientist communicates by computer with Professor Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), a cellular biologist who quite possibly holds the key to Banner’s quest for a cure. Banner’s nemesis, General Ross (William Hurt), remains on high alert to capture The Hulk, and a factory mishap makes it possible for the rogue General to narrow the search to Brazil.
Soon enough, General Ross launches a military commando raid on Banner’s slum neighborhood, having enlisted the mercenary Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) as a ruthless fighting machine. Banner morphs into The Hulk, taking on not only the military but a bunch of malcontents at the factory. Needless to say, the bottling factory is pulverized by The Hulk’s destructive rage, before he runs off into the jungle to escape his tormentors.
Waking up nearly naked and alone in the backwoods of Guatemala, Banner makes his way back to the United States, with the eventual goal of hooking up with Professor Sterns. But first he seeks out his former girlfriend, Dr. Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), a brilliant biologist teaching at a university. Dropping in on the college town, Banner has a touching reunion with Betty, which leads to the conclusion that emotions other than rage can also trigger a Hulk episode.
Inevitably, it doesn’t take long for General Ross to descend on the campus as if a D-Day invasion is under way. This time, Blonsky has subjected himself to medical experimentation which gives him added strength, and after a confrontation with The Hulk, he imagines the next step to be a full-blown transformation into an indestructible creature capable of matching brute force with the green giant.
While Ross’ commandos fail to destroy The Hulk, the ravaged campus is nearly destroyed, but at least some students capture the action on cell phone cameras that provide footage for the nightly news.
Next stop for The Hulk is Professor Sterns’ laboratory in Manhattan, where Banner may well find the cure for his agitated condition. Meanwhile, Blonsky has other ideas about the professor’s research and wastes little time in getting some dosage of The Hulk’s blood plasma.
Appropriately enough, this infusion turns Blonsky into a giant creature called the Abomination, setting up the climactic confrontation on the streets of upper Manhattan. The resulting clash of the titans is a brutal smackdown in which taxis and police cars are hurled back and forth, while screaming citizens run through the streets to flee the battle scene.
The big showdown between The Hulk and the Abomination has the feel of a “Godzilla” movie where giant monsters are on the loose. More than anything, this lends a cartoon-like quality to “The Incredible Hulk,” which seems entirely fitting since this whole business is a product of Marvel Comics.
A cameo appearance at the end of the film (which won’t be revealed here) is certain to delight comic book fans with the promise of a future superhero reunion. One doesn’t need to be a hardcore comic book fan to enjoy the incredible action scenes that drive “The Incredible Hulk.”
DVD RELEASE UPDATE
USA Network is highly rated for many of its innovative series. “Monk” easily comes to mind as a favorite.
Last summer, the network started a series called “Burn Notice,” a new twist on the procedural crime drama, one loaded with sly humor and a fresh spin on the spy genre. As happens with many of these series, it’s hard to keep up over time.
Now the DVD release of Season One of “Burn Notice” will make it possible to enjoy the entire run.
While I haven’t had time to watch all 11 episodes yet, I know I won’t be disappointed. Plenty of action is delivered by Jeffrey Donovan’s professional spy Michael Westen who returns to his hometown of Miami broke and determined to discover who burned him and why.
Key players include the stunning Gabrielle Anwar as Fiona, the beautiful ex-IRA operative who used to be Westen’s girlfriend. Bruce Campbell plays Westen’s best friend Sam, a washed-up military intelligence contact.
I am also looking forward to checking out the gag reels and other special features.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
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