Review: 'The Hulk' A Smashing Success

'The Hulk' (PG-13) (out of four)

Pardon me, but I have to use the word "incredible" to describe the latest movie based on a Stan Lee-Jack Kirby Marvel comic book hero.

But for the lack of a better word, incredible is what "The Hulk" is. Not only is the creature a spectacular visual achievement; most importantly, its presence is complimented by an intense atmosphere, emotional performances by its actors and ingenious filmmaking techniques by "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" director Ang Lee.

But for all its brilliance, "The Hulk" is not a perfect movie. Most notably, its excessive length gives you the feeling that the filmmakers couldn't decide where to end it. But even a fault like that -- sure to hurt other films -- can't touch a mean, green movie like "The Hulk." It has too much else going for it.

Eric Bana stars as Bruce Banner, a quiet, intense scientist on the cusp of making a significant discovery with genetic technology, with the help of his ex-girlfriend and colleague Betty Ross (Jennifer Connolly).

But the shortfalls of their research pales in comparison to the events yet to come: after an accident in the laboratory leaves one of Banner's colleagues in peril, he makes a heroic, split-second decision that exposes him to a lethal dose of gamma radiation. Banner miraculously survives the accident, but in the process, his genetic make-up has been altered, leading him to grow into a giant, green hulking creature every time he experiences anger triggered by massive stress.

That wouldn't be such a problem, if not for the fact that the Hulk virtually destroys everything in his path. And that's the sort of behavior that's sparked the interest of the military -- namely Betty's dad General "Thunderbolt" Ross (the ever-dependable Sam Elliott), a rival researcher Glenn Talbot (Josh Lucas) and Banner's long-lost father, David (Nick Nolte), who's harboring dark secrets about his family's past.

For fans of the comic book, the inclusion of David is the most significant addition to "The Hulk" storyline, and it's a welcome one at that. It bursts wide open the possibilities for in-depth character development, which dates back to David Banner's early research and a traumatic incident that happens to his son as a toddler.

Making it real are intense performances by Bana and Nolte, who make you believe that they have some serious issues cooking in their brains. Connolly nails her performance as Betty Ross too, as a traumatic incident she's trying to work through from her childhood gives the story even more weight. Elliott delivers as expected as the gruff General on the Hulk's trail, and Lucas gives a smarmy touch to Talbot, making him more than a one-dimensional bad guy.

As you can imagine, "The Hulk" is one dark movie. In fact, it may be the darkest adaptation of a comic book to ever come down the pike. It probably mirrors the daunting atmosphere of "Batman" the most, but even "Batman" and its sequels had their fine share of comedic moments.

"The Hulk," on the other hand, is almost always serious business. Needless to say, it's not as family friendly as your friendly neighborhood "Spider-Man," nor does it have the sleekness or sex appeal of the "X-Men" movies and "Daredevil." Sure, those movies had their share of dark moments, too, but seemed to have captured more of a comic book tone than "The Hulk."

That's not to say "The Hulk" isn't entertaining, even in the absence of the creature. In fact, a thought-provoking stretch of events holds off the introduction of the Hulk for a good quarter of the film. That may test the patience of younger viewers who want nothing but the mean, green monolith; but rest assured, when he appears, they'll get a fine dose of the Hulk and then some.

Avoiding the Jar-Jar Binks jinx, the entirely computer-animated Hulk for the most part comes off a real, breathing, living creature. Only the wide shots -- where the Hulk leaps for miles at a time, for example -- have the look of a video game; but they're exhilarating nonetheless.

The computer-animation works best where he needs to -- for the close-up shots. Whether he's smashing a laboratory to bits, or gently holding Betty Ross in a King-Kong like manner, the character oozes emotion. Not only can you see a certain hint of Banner in the creature, behind the computer-animation are the moves of Ang Lee, who acted out all of the creatures thrashing movements and subtle gestures. He knew exactly what he wanted out of the Hulk, and he gets it.

The filmmaker also punctuates "The Hulk" with innovative filmmaking throughout. Most notably, he often divides the film into anywhere from two to six frames, showing the action from different perspectives and/or angles all at once. The added dimension gives you the feeling, essentially, that you're reading a comic book.

With the marketing blitz aimed at mostly younger viewers in the past few months, parents should take note that "The Hulk" isn't as family friendly as those lovable Hulk-sized hands and growling action figures on store shelves would suggest.

Apart from dealing with serious psychological themes, the movie has its share of action that may frighten younger viewers, including a scene where the Hulk comes under attack from a set of genetically enhanced creatures. As far as the rage of the Hulk himself goes, it'll be less disconcerting to your kids if they're familiar with the comic book, any of its animated series or the television show starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno.

By the way, baby boomers should keep their eyes peeled for a cameo by Ferrigno, as well as creator Stan Lee -- and no, Lou isn't dressed in green. Look for him instead in security guard blues.