The Incredible Hulk

Far superior to 2003's Hulk starring Eric Bana, this second cinematic whack at the venerable Marvel Comics franchise was a resounding hit—for good reason. Unlike the earlier film, The Incredible Hulk doesn't attempt to delve into the tortured psyche of scientist Bruce Banner (played here by Edward Norton); instead, director Louis Leterrier confines character interaction to stock situations and crams in as much mayhem as possible (reportedly, Norton favored a more subtle, organic approach, but Leterrier opted for plenty of slam-bang action and daredevil stunting, enhanced by CGI technology). A brief opening montage establishes research scientist Banner's peculiar problem—exposure to gamma rays has resulted in a genetic alteration that turns him into a huge, green-skinned monster when his heart rate and blood pressure accelerate past a certain point—as well as that he has gone into hiding to escape General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt), who wants to produce lots of Hulks for combat service in the U.S. military. Hiding in Brazil while collaborating via e-mail with a brilliant biochemist (Tim Blake Nelson) on a potential cure, Banner is flushed out of his hole by a Ross-commanded task force, and eventually makes his way to America, where he reunites with his former sweetheart, Thunderbolt's daughter Betty (Liv Tyler, as prettily vapid as ever). From that point on, the film serves up a series of literally earthshaking confrontations between the Hulk and his would-be captors. The Incredible Hulk doesn't have the charm and wit of Iron Man, but as comic-book movies go, this one's still pretty darn satisfying. Recommended. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, or a three-disc version, DVD/Blu-ray extras on this three-disc “special edition” and the Blu-ray include audio commentary by director Louis Leterrier and costar Tim Roth, deleted scenes (43 min.), a “making-of” featurette (30 min.) three “Anatomy of a Hulk-Out” scenes (28 min.), “Becoming the Abomination” (10 min.) and “Becoming the Hulk” (9 min.) production featurettes, a seven-minute “From Comic Book to Screen” animated comic sequence, an alternate opening (3 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a picture-in-picture comic book gallery, a “Thunderbolt Files” viewing option with pop-up info (on characters, locations, and events) during the film, a “My Chat” function that allows viewers to chat with others while watching the film, and a “Scene Explorer” that allows viewing of select scenes without special effects and in storyboard mode. Also included is a bonus digital copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a decent superhero flick.] (E. Hulse)