Top 10 reasons to see The Incredible Hulk
This past weekend, I had the joy of seeing The Incredible Hulk. I came up with the top 10 reasons every geek should see this movie NOW. The top 5 reveal some spoilers…so read on with caution. Check it:
10. The musical score: Composed by Craig Armstrong who won a Golden Globe for Moulin Rouge! (2002) and a Grammy for Ray (2006), the soundtrack is moving and well matched to each scene.
9. Liv Tyler: She stole your heart in Lord of the Rings as Elven beauty Arwen Undómiel, and she will do so again as apple of The Hulk’s eye, Betty Ross. Jennifer Connolly didn’t do a bad job with this character in The Hulk (2003), but Tyler proves to be more believable and has more of that “comic-book girl” look.
8. Action-packed: Some of the fight scenes are the most amazing I have seen in a comic book film. If you liked the Magneto vs. X-men battle in Xmen: The Last Stand, the end battle in The Incredible Hulk is like that on steroids.
7. Good Direction: Louis Leterrier knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t have a number of blockbuster hits under his belt, but he definitely proves himself with this film. The story is told in a cohesive and entertaining fashion.
6. Location, location, location!: The Incredible Hulk was shot on location in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, New York, and various places in Canada. If you read the comic book, you know that The Hulk was constantly on the run. This was well depicted by a variety of landscape changes throughout.
*Warning: Spoilers ahead…Proceed with care!*
5. Cameos: Like every film by Marvel Studios, Stan Lee makes an appearance. The difference is that he actually has a speaking role, albeit minor. Also stopping by is the original Hulk, Lou Ferrigno, and Iron-Man himself, Robert Downey Jr.
4. Taglines: “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry!” You can bet your bippy that you will hear some classic Hulk phrases. I recognize some from Marvel vs. Capcom, but they are well timed and not corny.
3. The Abomination: Perhaps one of the best showdowns in Marvel comics is The Hulk vs. The Abomination. This massive villain usually had the initial edge because of his massive strength and size, but as the Hulk gets more angry, he proves to be an equal contender. Additionally, Tim Roth plays a mean Emil Blonsky.
2. CGI effects: Ang Lee’s 2003 attempt to produce this film was commendable, but one of the big issues was the technology available to create Old Green Skin. With advents in graphic design, it seems that The Hulk has arrived in the way he should be seen– in all his green glory. The movements were more realistic, as each movement was modeled by Edward Norton himself.
And the number 1 reason so see The Incredible Hulk is:
1. Edward Norton as Bruce Banner: Norton is known for his good acting as seen in American History X and Fight Club, but with this film he really stepped it up. Not only did he act, but he was known to re-work parts of the script (which he had a hand in writing) on the spot. Norton portrayed a pragmatic Banner, and captured each and every emotion with detailed facial expression.
I hope this list inspires you to get out there and enjoy this summer blockbuster. I leave you with the trailer, which just teases the awesomeness to behold!