Targeting An Older Demographic...
Anyone
familiar with my reviews is all too aware that
comic book adaptations and super-hero adventures
have a hard time earning a recommendation from
me. It is not my favorite genre of film. So it
may come as a surprise to hear that I really
liked this movie. It will end up as one of the
best action blockbusters of 2003.
There are so many things that I really
appreciate about this film. It is one of the few
comic book adaptations that doesn't play down to
accommodate five year-old kids. It is one of the
few whose director isn't a film-school clone
that mimics all the other blockbuster popcorn
flicks of his era -- 'The Hulk' is a fantastic
looking film that embraces the visual style and
feel of actual comic books. I also love the
original and colorful transitions that the
editing team utilizes throughout.
I appreciate that the screenplay doesn't tell us
everything up front -- It teases us with
information and clues to the root of the story.
I thought the character development was of an
unusually high standard in a movie like this. I
am also very grateful that they assembled such
an accomplished cast. Usually, these types of
films tend to cast actors based on
attractiveness and marketability rather than
actual talent. All in all, it appears as if
those involved in the creation of this movie
used some things that are very rare in this
genre... a brain, good taste, and a vivid
imagination. Who'd have thunk it?
Eric Bana is a good choice as the not-so-jolly
green giant. He's not so famous that it becomes
a detriment to our suspension of disbelief, but
he is a young talent that has the chops to pull
off what could have been a very hokey
performance. Jennifer Connelly is her usual
brilliant self as Betty Ross, the most beautiful
scientist you are ever likely to see and the
requisite love interest for Bruce Banner. Nick
Nolte, Josh Lucas and Sam Elliot round out a
very good cast with nice turns in their
respective roles.
I have heard some grumblings over the CGI
animation... most notably about the Hulk
himself. To be honest, I thought he looked quite
good. I grew up watching the television show in
the late 70's and early 80's. But I was able to
get past the memory of Lou Ferrigno's Hulk and
accept that this film is more faithful to the
original comic strip.
Overall, I think 'The Hulk' is a far superior
entry into the comic book genre than
'Daredevil', 'Spider-Man', 'X-Men', 'Batman' or
'Superman'. It is the only one of the bunch that
isn't primarily intended to sell action figures
to 6 year-olds. In fact, I suggest that this
film won't play at all well to a younger crowd.
I think that the average kid will be bored by
this movie... and, oddly enough, that is great
news for us adults.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
n/a
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
