We Disavow Any Knowledge of the Hulk
That is to say, Marvel Studios is largely pretending Ang Lee’s dialogue heavy, action-light take on the Incredible Hulk didn’t happen. The studio’s president Kevin Feige told Sci Fi Wire the 2003 film will be summed up in an entrance montage. He compares it to the opening of the classic Hulk TV series.
Marvel’s hope is that fans who didn’t see the first film will get all the backstory they need and be ready to rock with the new movie. I worry if Marvel’s going too far in its retreat from Hulk. I mean good grief, they’re treating this movie like it was Elektra or something. I really thought the only one that needed to be replaced was the director.
With a Hulk that grew in size proportionate to his anger and was also ridiculously fast, Lee had created a being that didn’t have any visible weakness. That is of course, unless some other character in the mythos undergoes a power upgrade that happens at deus ex machina speed. It could be argued that the comic book’s writers did the same thing last summer but that’s another column.
Sentry, meet Nick Nolte. Nick Nolte, meet Sentry. Have some coffee, talk amongst yourselves about the ridiculously contrived ways in which you almost beat the Hulk. O.K, I swear we’re moving on. Marvel knocked it out of the park with Iron Man. Here’s hoping they keep the momentum going.
Photo: Edward Norton, The Incredible Hulk, Marvel Studios, 2008
Tags: Ang Lee, Edward Norton, Hulk Movie, Incredible HulkRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Movie News, Movies
3 opinions for We Disavow Any Knowledge of the Hulk
Snips337
Jun 3, 2008 at 11:23 am
Compared 2 Elektra or even Daredevil, Hulk was not that bad…On the whole, I enjoyed the movie so much that I bought the DVD and it’s one of my favorite Comic movies in my library…next 2 Batman Begins, of course.
Ang Lee’s direction thru the film was 2 present the story of the dichotomy b/t man & beast or Jeckyll & Hyde thru the character of Bruce Banner as a tragedy or opera. Which I think he did and it worked. The downside 2 operas, in my opinion, is that there long…especially 4 movie-goers. It took way too long before the catalyst event that caused the Hulk 2 manifest was presented in the film. And 2, having Hulk grow to 3 diff sizes w/the final size larger than any artist/writer has created in the comic books was a bit much.
For those reasons & others you’ve stated, is probably why this adaptation of the Hulk mythos will not officially be apart of the Hulk film saga per Marvel. That said, I do believe Ang Lee’s Hulk will stand on its own as a visually exciting & creative film piece. Besides, what better casting than Sam Elliot as Gen. “Thunderbolt” Ross.;-)
–Godspeed–
Brian Allen
Jun 3, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Compared to Elektra, a swift kick to the junk isn’t all that bad. I know Frank Miller is loving the irony as he created that character for the sole purpose of killing her off.
If Hulk had been some other not associated with Marvel character, it probably wouldn’t be considered bad.
But for a character whose signature phrase is Hulk Smash, it left many fans wanting more. Had I been writing film reviews at the time, I’d have probably given it a B. But it’s not one I watch every time it’s on like Spider-Man 2 or Batman Begins.
I’m curious but hopeful this one will turn out O.K.
Snips337
Jun 3, 2008 at 8:45 pm
“If Hulk had been some other not associated with Marvel character, it probably wouldn’t be considered bad.” On that note, I have 2 agree w/you.
Yeah, comic fans/user reviews were not good on this comic film–the avg being “C”…While critic reviews gave it avg “B-”…Which is the same grade I give it.
Even though Hulk did not say much, he certainly made up for it by the destruction from his actions. Which I have to admit was the most fun for me to watch. Who hasn’t wanted to take big vehicles (military & civilian) of today and rip thru them like they were toys.
He’s an overgrown 2-yr old & just wants to be left alone.
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