by Chris Buckle

Created on: June 11, 2010

Opinion about Ang Lee's 2003 Hulk movie is divided. A critical success but at the same time derided by fans it was a brave attempt to do something different (and ultimately un-necessary) with an iconic character. 

Come 2008 and Marvel Studios fancied having a go themselves, and given that Hulk is one of their own creations, felt that they could be a bit cheeky. By making this a sequel that at the same time dismisses the events of the previous film, The Incredible Hulk manages to do away with the need for a long origin story and getting to the meat of what makes a good Hulk story. 

Any need for character setup is neatly wrapped up in the opening credits and then it's straight on to the story of Bruce Banner and his self imposed exile in an attempt to contain his destructive alter ego. 

Banner spends his days trying to find a cure for his condition whilst at the same time, trying to stay under the rader and under control. But inevitably, with the military hunting him down, this can only last so long. 

Whilst this does deliver a much better action quota than the previous film, that's not to say that it skimps on character, plot or themes. 

Norton clearly put some time into his vision of Bruce Banner. Gone is Eric Bana's po-faced loner with daddy issues and in his place is a man who carries a subtle but deep rooted shame. Played out like a recovering addict, Norton's Banner carries the weight on his conscience that comes with his egotistical meddling of nature. The Hulk is his mistake, and his burden to bear. 

The only times he really seems capable of carrying this load is when with Betty Ross, played with real spirit here by Liv Tyler. Norton and Tyler work really well together and you really get the sense that these 2 characters have a history together. 

The plot which follows Bruce's attempts to find a cure whilst being hounded by the US military is straight forward enough and allows for plenty of Hulk based action, and by throwing in plenty of nods to the comics, this is a Hulk film guaranteed to appease those fans who felt short changed by the 2003 film. 

The Incredible Hulk also shows alot of the spirit of the Lou Ferringo TV show, using alot of imagery, themes and even some of the music from the show to good effect, really embracing the popularity that it brought to the character. 

In giving the Hulk a real flesh and blood bad guy to pound on in the shape of Emil Blonsky and his anti-Hulk creature The Abomination, Marvel seem to have given the fans what they wanted. And in several nods to future villains and would be allies they've set Hulk up for many more adventures in the future. 

And although the effects and CGI are generally excellent, it does make the action feel like it's lacking a real crunch sometimes, however this can be remedied in future installments, it's still a significant improvement from the previous film. 

Ironically enough, without Ang Lee's version, this film wouldn't be anything to rave about. But in a way, Marvel owe alot to Lee for putting a "trial version" out there and allowing them to give fans what they wanted from a Hulk film. 

Good work all round and a promise of things to come, especially with the Robert Downey Jr cameo pointing towards the ultimate fate of Marvels flagship characters.

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