Anger Management
The Incredible Hulk
Review by Ross Anthony

Ed Norton and Tim Roth both possess considerable acting power. I dare say, if allowed, they could create far more emotional cinematic impact than an army of noisy computer-generated images (CGI). Still, the potential of a film offering both intrigued me. Unfortunately, it's the CGI that this film favors.

In fact, even as the lead, Norton nonetheless has little opportunity to show off any of his ability. His role as Bruce Banner is scripted razor thin as to allow more film time for big noisy action. The picture tells us nearly nothing about him except that he's a rather shoddy scientist.

Over fifty percent of the action consists of the US army chasing this scientist on foot, yet unable to catch him. Another chunk of action pits the Hulk against the US army. The last chunk is the interesting bit, when Roth's character mixes it up in the fray. This is when the film steps up and makes itself worthy of the big screen.

Also done well -- the introduction to the audience of Banner in Brazil. There's a long sweeping aerial shot that is simply gorgeous. Most of the scenes in Brazil are likewise beautiful. A Latin master of Martial Arts and/or Yoga teaches Banner to control his heart rate, his anger. What an excellent way to bring us into the film! Why did filmmakers taint it with the quick collage of flashbacks that came before? That information could have (and nearly completely was) inserted intermittently.

Overall, the film is at its best when brandishing a smart sense of humor, and winking a knowing eye to comicbook lovers -- especially with relevant cameos. But the action is more noisy than memorable and fails to carry a script lacking in impact, depth and originality.

Related Links:
My Review of Iron Man.

The Incredible Hulk -- Book Contest --


  • The Incredible Hulk. Copyright © 2008.
  • Starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell.
  • Directed by Louis Leterrier.
  • Screenplay by Zak Penn, Edward Harrison.
  • Produced by Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd, Kevin Feige at Marvel/Universal.

Grade..........................C+ (1/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Thursday, 12-Jun-2008 10:03:46 PDT