I still like "Iron Man" better, but "Incredible Hulk" was very much OK with me. You can't go wrong with Edward Norton, an actor I'm not in love with but whom I follow with great attention, watching every movie of his ("The Illusionist" wasn't bad either). He also wrote part of the script, adding Doc Samson (see below), for which I love him. The only non-geeky problem (see below) I had with the movie is that it felt a bit too much Michael Bay-ish. You know, "BOOM - hero looking heroic - KERANG - sunset - CRASH - hero looking pensive - RA-TA-TA-TA - sunset - KRAKABOOM - hot girl looking hot - BOOM BANG KABOOM - hero looking at sunset. (KA-POW.)" The rhythm was this and it took a bit away from Ed and the other's excellent performances. For the rest, it was joy for a Marvel fan. The first few seconds were a quote fest - Stark Industries, "Nick Fury" on the memo, "Leonard Samson" (see below) mentioned on something-or-other. There was the usual cherished cameo by Stan Lee, though the one in "Iron Man" was more brilliant - Stan the Man as Hugh Hefner! And there were a million other Marvel reference, see here. I died of laughter when I realized he was saying in Portuguese "Don't make me hungry. You wouldn't like me when I'm hungry." instead of "angry", his trademark phrase. Then we get Bruce Banner in Brazil, trying to live a normal life and controlling his transformation through yoga, which is extremely logical, but probably not spectacular enough for Marvel comics - so much better sending him into space and make Tony Stark look like a fascist again! (/sarcasm) The Yoga and "Mr Green - Mr Blue" thing was taken straight from the 2002-2004 Bruce Jones run on the comics, which many hated and I adored for the insight into Bruce and the role given to Doc Samson (see below), despite the poor doctor getting mauled in the end. It diverged from that when they made Mr Blue turn out to be Dr. Samuel Sterns, that is the future villain "Leader", though I have to admit that I realized this only reading Sally's excellent review (do I have to turn my Marvel Geek card in?) The relationship between Betty and Doc Samson (see below) was taken straight from the story arcs of the Seventies. And then... THE CAMEO!!! Yes, do form that new team, please... The actors were great. I thought I'd miss Jennifer Connelly, but Liv Tyler was believable as Betty Ross, she didn't have "I'm Liv Tyler" or, worse, "I'm Arwen" in neon letters on her forehead. She's a versatile actress. William Hurt as General Ross was wonderfully ruthless and human at the same time. Tim Roth as the Abomination confused me a little, I couldn't get his motivations at first - I'll have to rewatch it, oh woe! The CGI Hulk was an improvement, modelled on Norton's movement and looking more like his comics counterpart. OK, this is below. Doctor Leonard Samson. One of my favourite Marvel characters. Remember, I was ecstatic when I learned he'd be in the movie, and I still am. I think Ty Burrell would look great with long green hair. Doc also acted caring and logical, not like a jerk like some Marvel writers make him to be. The problem was that only Marvel hardcore geeks knew who he was! At least one scene that was in the trailer, where he talks to Bruce, was cut from the movie. I don't think he's ever mentioned in the dialogues. Even the credits were messed up - "Dr. Lennord Samson" in the IMDB, something else that I don't remember in the actual movie credits, and just "Leonard" in the list of dubbers. Poor Lennie! Still I'm happy, so much that I'd love to write some more about him. When I'm breathing again I'll post the slash story I wrote for him and Bruce. They are the slash couple I liked writing the most, and one of my favourite couples of any kind among my characters. They make sense together, it's not a PWP. Damn... I want to write! |