The Jolly Green Giant

After Ang Lee's cerebral and introspective Hulk in 2003, hopes were high that the big green man's new outing would do justice to the pulse pounding action that the series warranted. It seems that in order to address the criticisms of the first film, Marvel have lurched a bit too far in the opposite direction.

The Incredible Hulk is a big, action-packed, rip roaring, slug-fest of a movie, with huge set pieces and titanic battles, but it seems to gloss over any emotional investment along the way.

We join Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) hiding in Brazil, the back story being shown to us in 10 minutes under the opening credits. He's been forced into hiding by the military, who are seeking to capture him for their own research. Inevitably the not-so-jolly green giant makes an appearance as he runs for his life and Bruce is forced to return home to seek a cure and the love of one Betty Ross (Liv Tyler).

In pursuit of Banner is General Thunderbolt Ross (Hurt) and Emil Blonsky (a rather subdued Roth), who want the Hulk for use as a weapon. The film follows a rather predictable formula - short plot exposition followed by an enormous great battle scene. The film is essentially bookended by two big set pieces; the first one where Banner attempts to flee the military in a Brazilian bottling plant, predictably tearing the place to shreds and the second in his battle with the Abomination in New York, predictable reducing the city to rubble.

These feature some good if rather pedestrian special effects; cars are tossed aside, buildings are smashed, ballistic shells are batted away - it's all par for the course, here a bit Power Rangers, here a bit Transformers. The power of the Hulk is admirably conveyed though, easily tearing through tanks and subduing spiky-boned beasties alike. Plus he actually says “Hulk Smash!” which brought a little smile to my face.

The film feels rushed. It bounds a along at such a pace that it feels that it's in a hurry to get to the next action sequence, as if it's consciously aware that the audience might get bored.