INCREDIBLE HULK: No Wit Just Hulk

THE INCREDIBLE HULK (fantasy thriller)
Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth and William Hurt
Director: Louis Leterrier
Time: 112 mins
Rating: * * * (out of 4)


WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? If Marvel Comics fans were put off by Ang Lee's rendition of HULK five years ago, they can take heart that they have got it right, this time around. It has paid off for Marvel Studios to get back to the drawing board for a total reboot of the Hulk franchise (created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby way back in 1962). This remake is not that Incredible, but enough to keep the fans entertained.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Dr Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) is still desperately seeking a cure for the gamma radiation that poisoned his body, causing him to transform into a massive green Hulk. He is forced to live as a fugitive in order to stay one step ahead of his nemesis, General “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt), who will stop at nothing to track him down.

Ross wants to tap into Banner's indestructible power in a bid to create a new weapon. Helping Ross is Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), a fearless Super Soldier whose lust for power eventually transforms him into the deadly Abomination (who made his debut in Tales to Astonish No. 90 way back in 1967). Banner's only hope lies with Dr “Betty” Ross (Liv Tyler), the General's estranged daughter, who must help him find a balance between living a peaceful life as Bruce Banner and a rampaging one as the mean green guy.

HITS & MISSES: Director Louis Leterrier (who gave us the “Transporter” movies) not only piles up on the action and stunts, he also keeps the movie fun and tongue-in-cheek, toying with the character's mythology, particularly the one found in the TV series that starred Bill Bixby. Some of the action stunts looked like they were copied from the Bourne films. The TV theme song is audible in Craig Armstrong's musical score, and Lou Ferrigno, who played the Hulk on TV in the 70s, adds a nice touch in a cameo and also provides the voice for the Hulk.

Of course, the better part of the movie is the'Beauty and the Beast'-type relationship that develops between Betty Ross and the Hulk, which can be as touching as the bond that develops between Ann Darrow and King Kong.

THE LOWDOWN: Well, not quite as solid as Iron Man, but wild enough to please the fans.