HULK (IS A) SMASH!

I went into the latest Marvel blockbuster w/ the slightly bitter aftertaste of the Ang Lee take on the Green Goliath still in my mouth. I'm happy to report, that the Mach 2 version of 'The Incredible Hulk' exceeded my expectations and ended up being a completely engaging flick from start to finish.

In one of the biggest differences between the 2003 version and this one, the CGI FX ended up being extremely well done...much better than the trailers let on. The fight sequences pitting the Hulk against military forces sent in to bring him in and eventual nemesis, The Abomination, were tight and resisted the temptation to be as overblown as the last flick. Bringing the main character and his equally-as-mutated antagonist to life is no short order and director Louis Leterrier did a great job making the computer-generated actors seem more human (to use the term loosely).

Just as enjoyable as the eye-catching FX was the story itself and the actors that brought it to life. Ed Norton did a fine job as Bruce Banner in a well-written script much more akin to the TV show than anything else. That said, i've always believed the success of these comic films is based equally on the strength of the villain(s) than the hero. Lucky for us, both William Hurt and Tim Roth end up fitting the bill w/ stellar results. Equally as fun, is the set-up for another classic Hulk baddie in The Leader and future friend/foe Doc Samson.

The film is also loaded w/ so many little 'easter eggs' in the way of references to other Marvel entities and well-placed cameos, that my bet is that even the most jaded fanboy cracked a smile more than once while viewing. This is the second self-financed production from Marvel Studios ('Iron Man' the first) and it looks as if the creative control afforded to them makes a huge difference in comparison to some of the earlier stinkers like 'Daredevil' and both 'Fantastic Four' movies. They are hellbent on weaving these franchises together as well on the road to a possible 'Avengers' film...a prospect both exciting and frightening.

Until then, I highly recommend you 'go green' and check this one out while it's on the big screen...well worth it and enough to tie me over until July's big event in 'The Dark Knight'. Enjoy, true believers!