This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It's a great summer for comic-book fans.
First, there was the rousing "Iron Man." Now, Marvel Entertainment brings the equally exhilarating "The Incredible Hulk" to the big screen in the ultimate do-over of the failed and overanalyzing 2003 "Hulk" starring Eric Bana.
This time around, Marvel and studio Universal give fans what they want: a brutal, not-so-jolly green giant who also has more heart. It follows the traditions of the best comic-book movies like "Spider-Man" and "Batman Begins" by sticking to the spirit of its pen-and-paper origins.
Best of all, it follows the happy trend of those earlier films as well as "Iron Man" - the filmmakers start by casting notable actors.
This time around, the talented Edward Norton ("Rounders," "Fight Club") is Bruce Banner, the scientist who changes into a green gargantuan whenever his heart rate races (usually from anger, though we find out there are other ways, too).
Wisely, the story doesn't begin with how he injected himself with the monster-making serum as other comic-book-origins movies have, but when Banner's on the run from the military general (William Hurt) who wants his blood for the weapons division.
The movie's more akin to the 1970s television show with Banner being chased while trying to figure out how to reverse the serum's powerful effects.
That sets up some gut-busting scenes of the Hulk's uncontrollable rage, including a battle sequence between the giant and Army soldiers equipped with weapons ranging from Hummers with machine guns to sonic-powered guns.
But Norton isn't the only one who adds acting credibility to the movie. Hurt is good as the misguided general, Tim Roth makes for a creepy soldier hungry for the Hulk's power, and Liv Tyler adds a heartfelt ingredient as Banner's love interest.
All told, it's as satisfying a mix as this summer's "Iron Man," even if it lacks that movie's spirited sense of humor. Most important, it erases the miserable aftereffects of Ang Lee's "Hulk" of five years ago.
Yes, this "Incredible Hulk" gets very angry, and fortunately for comic fans, you'll like him when he's angry.
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* VINCE HORIUCHI can be reached at vince@sltrib.com or 801-257-8607. Send comments about this review to livingeditor@sltrib.com.
The Incredible Hulk
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WHERE: Theaters everywhere.
WHEN: Opens today.
RATING: PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence, some frightening sci-fi images, and brief suggestive content.
RUNNING TIME: 114 minutes.
BOTTOM LINE: The angry Hulk is back in a remake that is satisfyingly faithful to the comic-book incarnation.