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The one thing you don’t want to do is “MAKE HIM ANGRY”. For over
four decades, the comic book character “The Hulk” formerly known
as The Incredible Hulk found its way into the minds of children
as well as adults as Bruce Banner’s alter ego. Older generation
knew him as the muscle bound weight lifter dipped in green paint
played by ex- wrestler Lou Ferrigno. However, for today’s generation
he is new and improved.
“What have they done with ‘The Hulk’?” I thought to myself. Sooner
than later, I would receive the answers to all my questions once
I saw the film and was reintroduced to the green giant.
Unlike from what was established in the comic book, the producers
and writers of the film have come up with a new story explaining
the transformation of Bruce Banner (Bana). After an upbringing that
one would never want, Bruce has done quite well for himself as he
is a scientist working on a project with his ex-girlfriend and fellow
researcher, Betty Ross (Connelly). When an accident occurs in the
lab and Bruce saves the life of a colleague, everyone is surprised
and wondering why Bruce isn’t dead. He was exposed to some heavy
dose of gamma radiation that killed all the animals in the lab,
but him. While at the hospital, he receives a visit from the new
janitor who claims to be his father, David Banner (Nolte). Not only
that, Betty’s father, General Ross (Elliot) comes in town not to
see his estranged daughter, but figure out what Bruce is up to.
It seems that the elder Banner and Ross worked together in the past
and Ross had David locked up for 30 years. While Bruce struggles
with his repressed memories from his childhood, the anger within
him unleashed “The Hulk”, a tall-green eyed creature with massive
strength and an enormous leaping ability. Glenn Talbot (Lucas),
the corporate executive and also a rival researcher, never liked
Banner but wants to befriend him for ulterior motives. Meanwhile
General Ross enlists the full force of the government to protect
the country and his daughter. When the Hulk is able to transform
himself back to Bruce Banner, it leaves him with blackouts. As Bruce
tries to find a cure with a reluctant Betty, evil and danger lie
near as father David, Talbot, and General Ross and the military
close in on him.
“My you’ve grown” I thought as I watched him fight off DNA altered
super powered dogs and whisk his way through big buildings angry
as can be. The new computer generated Hulk leaves a huge impression
on screen. I got used to him quickly.
Though “The Hulk” truly is the star of this movie, we can’t ignore
the excellent performance given by Australian born Eric Bana. Moviegoers
fell in love with this young hunk in The Chopper and will
continue to support the rising star after seeing this film. His
passion and dedication to his craft illuminates the screen as he
portrays the infamous Bruce Banner. The chemistry between Eric Bana
(Bruce Banner) and Nick Nolte (Bruce’s father, David) is remarkable
and memorable. Jennifer Connelly, as always, captivates the screen
with her beauty and talent. Aside from a slow of pace of direction,
it is safe to say Director Ang
Lee, best known for the critically acclaimed and four-time academy
awarding winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, gave
this film his best effort and heart. The CGI in the film was adequate
enough to dispel the negative rumors that existed on various websites.
Expect to see tons of crushing, breaking and throwing of objects
in this blockbuster.
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