Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim blake Nelson, William Hurt, Tim Roth, Ty Burrell, Lou Ferrigno
Directed By: Louis Letterier
Written By: Zak Penn (Script Revisions By: Edward Norton)
Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr.
Editing By: Rick Shaine & Vincent Tabaillon & John Wright
While a somewhat improvement over the first movie this re-take of the comic character still doesn’t find the right tone for a satisfying hulk project. This film seems to be trying to give the fans everything they want that the first film lacked the only problem is they have a very bare blueprint to base the story elements around
The effects were better in the first film and I liked the moving comic canvas of the first film it at least showed some inspiration here with Edward Norton in the lead and helping with the script I expected a better output then what I saw on the screen. The plot wasn’t that interesting or engaging. This film was very paint by numbers story wise it had classic action scenes and a cgi battle between two beasts but when I watched this film I don’t remember asking for an animated film sure I want a comic book movie that might involve a little fantasy but do want some realism. It also does the requisite by involving a character who seems minor but perfectly setting up a villain for the sequel for those who notice.
One of the problems I don’t think louis leterrier was the right director for this project he is used to making fast paced action films I know directors are supposed to have a wide range but he’s not ready for that yet. This is a hero film for the MTV generation with all the fast cuts and such. It also appears that the film was entirely filmed on backlots and soundstages I can understand the need for secrecy during filming so that no one knows in advance what is happening. But the budget for this film is huge the funny thing is it doesn’t show on screen other then the effects everything else looks cheap or false not making for the best looking film.
The one female they showed in Brazil must be the only one for miles around and she is over the top hot yet has no lines. Tim Roth was one note as the villain that really showed no motivation at all for his villain. Liv Tyler and Edward Norton for old long lost lovers seem to have no chemistry and both seem to try very hard to have it. Which hurts the film since at the heart of this tale is a love story in the middle of a comic book film. For all the ingredients in this tale the poetic and artistic integrity this film doesn’t feel very deep that it wants to be. William hurt as General Thunderbolt Ross made me remember. How much I missed Sam Elliot as the same character from the first film he was compassionate and doing his job William hurt here just seems like a jerk who says he loves his daughter but his actions prove otherwise.
Don’t get me wrong there were good things in this movie the chase scene through the favella comes to mind. But nothing too noteworthy.
Why is it in colossal disaster films New York is the city all the destruction takes place in and where the epic battles must be fought? Does New York really need more publicity we have enough tourism go and destroy some other cities it would be nice to see maybe to have stuff go down in Miami or Arizona there’s a lot of open space and dessert there.
Spoiler – Plus what the hell are they going to do with the abomination now that the hulk didn’t kill him and he can’t turn human again and we know the professor is going to turn into the villain the leader the smile on his face is like a wink to the audience or fans of the comic at least. Spoiler end
So in the end you have to wonder was it worth all of attention to make a film that is the same quality as the original but instead of character and emotions this film is all about action and special effects. Though this film does indeed feel like it has a more comic book universe feeling.
GRADE: C-
I do think it's better on the whole than the first, but yeah, it's not phenomenal. I totally agree about the favela chase though. I liked the ticking clock of days without incident. I was disappointed in the CG realization of Hulk; he seemed unreal; like his musculature was TOO muscly. But at least he was a consistent size, unlike in the first one.
ReplyDeleteI also hated that the Marvel universe people tried too hard to set stuff up in this movie for later. That sort of thing is what made Favreau walk off Iron Man 3.
The set-up was weird too, starting in Brazil. It's like they wanted it to be a sort of sequel to the first (picking up where it left off), but ignore all the story points they didn't like. I did really like Ed Norton as Banner though, and its a shame he won't remain the Hulk.