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Review: 'The Incredible Hulk'
Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence, some frightening sci-fi images, and brief suggestive content
(out of four)
Garrett Conti can be reached via e-mail or at 412-380-5685.
"Iron Man" swept through theaters in May and took with it a superhero-sized score in theaters. Now comes June, and the comic giant's looking green again.
That color scheme has much to do with expected box-office bucks, but even more to do with the next hero in the wings -- "The Incredible Hulk."
Getting it out of the way early, this new take on the muscle-bound behemoth is a vast improvement over director Ang Lee's 2003 flop. A superior story, more-polished acting and a nice dose of fun make sure of that.
"The Incredible Hulk" doesn't carry the same appeal as its summer predecessor, but it's a smashing picture nonetheless. The special effects lag in certain instances and the story jumps off track in a couple of places, but, next to those minor issues, the film is a quality comic-book adaptation.
The story has Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton, "The Illusionist") on the run from Gen. Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt, "Mr. Brooks") and the U.S. military. Hiding out in Brazil, Banner is working at a juice factory and trying to find a cure for the dose of gamma radiation that has created his alter ego -- the Hulk. When a clue leaks back to the United States, Ross and his lead soldier -- Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth, "Reservoir Dogs") -- are hot on his trail. After a close call, Banner heads back to the states to find answers.
Banner soon reunites with his former girlfriend and partner, Dr. Elizabeth Ross (Liv Tyler, "Reign over Me"), and they're on the lookout for a cure. What they don't know is that Blonsky and the general have a massive plan in the works to bottle up the Hulk.
Outstanding cinematography and plenty of action-packed sequences highlight director Louis Letterier's picture. Additionally, Norton, Hurt and Roth are expectedly solid in their roles. Roth makes for a great villain to Norton's hero role.
Most importantly, though, "The Incredible Hulk" pays homage to the green giants that previously stepped into the limelight. Just look out for that security guard.
• In wide release
