The Incredible Hulk (2008)

[Anthony G Williams]

I hadn't seen any version of Hulk / The Incredible Hulk before, but noticed that the 2008 film was on TV with a good write-up so decided to take a look. I'm sure I don't need to use space in explaining the story here, but basically the film has three stages: the first is a lightning-fast infodump explaining the entire backstory is a rapid rush of images; the second covers an interesting period while Banner (Edward Norton) is hiding in Brazil, desperate to maintain his human form; and the third – and by far the longest – is an endless series of chase and especially fight scenes while the Hulk does his stuff, briefly interrupted by interludes with love interest Liv Tyler. I thought it was competently made but superficial, with the constant fighting becoming rather boring. Reading about the Hulk films suggests that maybe Ang Lee's 2003 version would have suited me better, but I can't say I'm interested enough in the story to take the time to see it – a little Hulk goes a long way!

(An extract from my SFF blog: Science Fiction & Fantasy)

 

[alchemate]

Ang Lee's version was way worse. The 2008 version was great to me, but maybe that's because I saw Ang Lee's version first. The 2008 version had solid acting and directorial work, but the story didn't have the depth and flow many expect from the superhero movies coming out these days.

 

[Starbeast]

The first HULK movie (2003) was intended to be a drama (with action), because the 1970's live-action HULK tv show was a hugely successful soap oprea. Big mistake! Times change, and people (like myself) were expecting an action-packed story.

The second HULK movie (2008) was made into a fast-paced film, and did far better than the first movie. I loved it.

One last thing, both movies were geared for superhero fans. So, sci-fi fans may, or may not like them.

 

[Anthony G Williams]

The first HULK movie (2003) was intended to be a drama (with action), because the 1970's live-action HULK tv show was a hugely successful soap oprea. Big mistake! Times change, and people (like myself) were expecting an action-packed story.

That's what I thought. For my taste, modern films of this type that are packed with little but action become rather boring before they reach the end. I prefer more variety in the screenplay.

 

[Starbeast]

I agree, an "all action" movie can lack depth. That is easily seen in many over-the-top action (make-a-quick-buck) flicks.

But HULK 2, stands tall for me. It flowed like a comic book.

BTW - Nice to see you again.