10 Jun 2008

The Incredible Hulk

Director: Louis Leterrier

Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt

Release: 2008-06-10

Oooh weee... Edward Norton has never looked hotter! Better known for his serious dramatic roles in films such as Fight Club and American X, the ultra-talented actor hit the gym and buffed up his physique in preparation for the role of the Hulk.

His pecs, biceps and back are so toned now, you would never have thought he was a character actor whom every director adores working with. He's certainly the thinking gay man's sex symbol of the moment.

But enough of him, let's talk about the movie. The Incredible Hulk is Marvel Comics' second attempt at creating a successful movie franchise after the dismal box-office failure of Lee Ang's Hulk (2003). The new version is a lot more fast-paced than the previous version, but that doesn't make it better.

When the story begins, scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is hiding in Brazil, hoping to find a cure that would stop him from turning into a green monster every time he is provoked. But the US military, led by General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt), has managed to track him down.

The general assigns a team of soldiers, which includes Emil Blonsky (an excellent Tim Roth), to capture him. Bruce/The Hulk escapes and returns to America where he is reunited with his sweetheart (Liv Tyler). Emil, however, is so determined to catch The Hulk that he decides to try a super soldier serum that turns him to evil monster...

This version of the Hulk is certainly more action-oriented than Lee Ang's version. But it also lacks the narrative coherence and inventiveness that Lee's had. Many a times, The Incredible Hulk feels just like a standard action movie that can't wait to get to fight sequences.

This version will definitely get people debating over which is the better movie Lee's or Leterrier's? We have a feeling that the opinions will be split right down the middle.