"What
scares me the most is that when it happens, when it comes over me,
when I totally lose control, I like it." - Bruce Banner
SYNOPSIS
The
larger-than-life Marvel Super Hero the Hulk explodes onto the big
screen! After a freak accident unleashes a genetically enhanced,
impossibly strong creature, a terrified world must marshal its
forces to stop a being with abilities beyond imagination.
CRITIQUE
There were three
different sets of people sitting in the movie theaters when Hulk
was shown
larger than life on the big screen. You had the fans of the
comics, the fans of the TV show, and you had just regular
moviegoers. Movie buffs are put to the side since they already are
somewhat familiar with the comic book character, the cast, and the
director.
For the rest of the majority, everyone had their sets of
expectations. Comic book fans were disappointed with the film because it didn’t
depict the original comic book origins, although the concept was
the same, it was explained on the DVD featurette why the
filmmakers didn’t follow through on the exact scenarios of the
comics.
The TV series
fans were disappointed because it wasn’t like the TV show to
begin with, although the TV show was popular, it was also very
corny and too over the top – much like the Swamp Man series.
And what did the moviegoers think of it? They probably weren’t too
happy since there wasn’t a Hulk appearance until forty minutes
into the film.
I myself wasn’t too keen with the film at first, but after a
second viewing on DVD months later it actually is ten times better
the second time around, much like the Godzilla remake or The
Matrix, which, if anyone remembers, wasn’t loved in theaters
when it first came out.
The story in Ang Lee's Hulk centers on the less-super
heroism and more flawed-like personality of the characters. Each character in the film has a
deep flaw they must overcome - some die from it while others
cope with it after much heartbreak.
Among the film's greatness is the acting, the script writing, Ang
Lee's direction, the effects, and Danny Elfman's film score, but the
best thing about the film is really the stylish and comic
book-like editing. It’s an amazing experience to
sit down and watch it from the first frame to last; Hulk is a full-blown comic
book movie that’s made for non-comic book fans, yet it feels
exactly like you’re experiencing the comic book rather than
reading it.
THE VIDEO
Universal
presents Hulk in 1.85 widescreen format. Since the editing is so
great (and should’ve won the Oscar), there is really no problem
whatsoever with the clarity of the picture. It's as beautiful
as can be. Lots of color images (especially the color
green) are presented so it’s the kind of movie where if you
blink just once you may miss something. Sharpness and detail
look pretty nice, and there no major flaws in the presentation
overall.
THE AUDIO
Universal
presents Hulk in English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby
Digital 5.1), and French (Dolby Digital 5.1). Before I say the
sound is top notch, I have to note there are a couple of flaws
noticeable if you watch out for them. In a couple of scenes you
may notice the volume
turning up just a notch or two for some reason. Maybe it’s just me but I’ve
played the DVD on three different DVD players
and I get the same results. Perhaps this is part of the movie,
or maybe not.
Other than that, you must really see Hulk very loud so your neighbors can scream and yell at you! The score alone is
just marvelous, one of the best comic book/movie scores since
John Williams’ Superman: The Movie and Danny Elfman’s very own
Batman.
THE EXTRAS
• Deleted
Scenes
• Audio Commentary with director Ang Lee
• Captured Fury - Illustrators from around the world create a
scene from the movie in comic book form
• Superhero Revealed - The Anatomy of the Hulk
• Evolution of the Hulk - From the first metamorphis of Bruce
Banner into the Hulk on the pages of comic books to his
on-screen metamorphosis
• Hulk Cam - Flashing icons (optional) during the movie let the
viewer know when behind-the-scenes footage is available
• The Incredible Ang Lee - A tribute to the Ang Lee's hands-on
directing style
• The Making of the Hulk
• The Dogfight (making-of-featurette)
The deleted scenes should’ve been added into the film. The audio
commentary is at times a bore but it gives you an idea how
brilliant Ang Lee is. I
would say the best from the extras has to be Evolution of the
Hulk, which goes in-depth of the story behind the story, which is
interesting enough.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hulk shows
depth, wild editing, brilliant music, excellent acting, and
in-your-face action/effects. There is so much more to get out of this
film, it’s not just a must-see flick, but an experience. Hulk
is a different kind of movie to both movie goers and comic book fans
alike, and sadly it wasn’t appreciated the first time around. I say,
give the film another try – remember that, once again, the first
Matrix wasn’t liked at first but when it came out on DVD it became
a pop-culture hit. I feel Hulk has the same kind of potential.
