Special thanks to guest writer Paulie V, who submitted this post.
One of the first among the many super hero blockbusters to come thundering into theatres this summer, The Incredible Hulk pounded his big green hands into our hearts this June. Essentially, a story of love punctuated by tank smashing, bone pulverizing, big green monster mashing action, as presented by newbie director, Louis Leterrier, whose other claim to directorial fame was the action laden, Transporter 2. Unfortunately, Leterrier’s vision of the jade giant translated into a struggling action flick, slowed only by scenes of indulgent sappiness.
Edward Norton delivers as the overstressed Dr. Bruce Banner on a quest to find the cure to his radioactive anger management issues. Always jumpy and conscience burdened, Norton’s representation of the good doctor did not disappoint, especially in his internal struggle to suppress his brutish half. Liv Tyler portrays Dr. Betty Ross, Dr. Banner’s love interest. While she musters an adequate performance as a worried woman, I personally believe she had too much screen time and likewise, way too much sway over the storyline. Pouty lips do not a good character make.
Tim Roth is dark and convincing in his portrayal of a Russian Mercenary (with an English accent) Emil Blonsky’s sole purpose is to best Dr. Banner and his monstrous alter ego. Action hungry and pumped with super soldier serum (ahem, Captain America, 2011), Blonsky is the perfect catalyst this time around, delivering over-the-top action and successfully reminding us that the Hulk is the good guy. Despite Blonsky’s killer instinct, the title of head badass would have to belong to Gen. Thaddeus Ross. Played by William Hurt, Ross’s tunnel-visioned endless war mongering provided the perfect fuel for the fire constantly under Dr. Banner’s ass. Hurt’s portrayal of Gen. Ross was deep and disturbing, showcasing a character whose determination to capture and replicate The Hulk was as formidable as his vast and deadly arsenal of terrifying future-weapons.
This incarnation of the beloved behemoth came complete with his comic book antithesis: The Abomination. In contrast to the Hulk’s accidental creation and quest for peaceful solace, The Abomination was purposefully created from ego and malice for nothing other than destruction and mayhem. Unfortunately, on screen The Abomination was not too convincing, mostly due to poor animation. Overall, the film’s CGI was decent, as far as the Hulk and his rampaging exploits were concerned. However, The Abomination appeared too cumbersome and very tame looking at best. His comic book rendition is much more menacing in appearance. I think for the film, they tried to make him appear more realistic but failed to realize that The Abomination is an evil radioactive monster, and doesn’t need to look realistic; he needs to look scary as hell. When will these movie execs learn? Hopefully by the sequel, whose seeds were carefully planted and much appreciated.
Was The Incredible Hulk better than Ang Lee’s miserable attempt at turning the monster into a sad self pitying case? Absolutely. Was it better than Iron Man? Absolutely not. But seeing Tony Stark in the final frames certainly didn’t hurt.
The Abomination as portrayed in comics.
