THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008) SPOILERS

[Jet_Jaguar]

It may not be at the top of my must-see list for Summer 2008, but the new Incredible Hulk movie looks like it will probably be fun. I'm one of the three or four people who actually thought that the Ang Lee Hulk movie was pretty good, but it was probably a good idea to go for a somewhat different approach with this Hulk movie.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dUpOhM8Hxx0

I'm not holding my breath for it to happen, but I'd love to see Stan's "Samurai Hulk" story hit the comic book stores in time for the new Hulk movie.

[Todd Shogun]

I'm all set to go see it at an advance movie screening this Thursday night. I have some doubts, but at least I won't be forking over any cash to see it. Only thing I don't like is the Hulk looks too animated...not very convincing CGI-wise.

I too enjoyed the Ang Lee Hulk movie. I can't see why it is so disliked. It's not Iron Man level, but definitely surpassed X-Men 3 and Spider-man 3 in terms of contribution.

What I'm really looking forward to is next year's Wolverine flick.

Hellboy 2 looks decent. I'm not expecting a whole lot with Dark Knight though. Sort of a mixed "comic book" bag this year.

[MikeM]

The Hulk was my favourite superhero character for so long. It would still be today if Bruce Johnes' run on the book wasn't so horrible and long.

I am looking forward to the new Hulk movie but apparently its going to be high on action and low on character development and plot.

Todd, let us know what you think.

As for superhero movies, I am looking forward to The Dark Knight and Iron Man was awesome. But the one I am looking forward to the most isn't even based on a comic. Hancock!

MikeM

[go]

Dear Readers,
I think the people who disliked the Ang Lee Hulk movie do not understand the Hulk.
The Hulk is very simple.
The Hulk gets mad, turns green and Hulky and smashes things.
I loved the Ang Lee Hulk movie. I think he pegged the Hulk perfectly.
Ang Lee had me when the Hulk started swinging the tank.
"I am looking forward to the new Hulk movie but apparently its going to be high on action and low on character development and plot."
Is this not typical of Hulk stories?
"I'm not expecting a whole lot with Dark Knight though. Sort of a mixed "comic book" bag this year."
Oh Mighty Shogun, do you have bad feelings about the Dark Knight?
Until now I was looking forward to my favorite Batman story as a movie.
Rarely do I frequent the Marvel or DC Universes so be aware I barely know what I am talking about.
Thank you all for the fun!
Best wishes to all.
go

[Ben]

I am looking forward to the new Hulk movie but apparently its going to be high on action and low on character development and plot.

Ironically, that's the biggest criticism directed at Ang Lee's version flipped on its head. People expected the Hulk to smash crap from beginning to end, and were outraged when he didn't smash enough crap.

[Jet_Jaguar]

Something that I thought was kind of interesting in Harry Knowles's review of the 2008 Hulk was the way that he compared the 2003 Hulk to Star Trek: The Motion Picture and the 2008 Hulk to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/36973

[ethanextravaganza]

Im really hoping Hulk will be good. I like Edward Norton, but im afraid of CGI, violence and no storytelling. As for the Dark Knight, I loved Batman Begins, I love the Joker(and the way he is being portrayed). So as with The Hulk, it should be quite good, as long as someone put enough story in with the fight scenes.

[Todd Shogun]

"I'm not expecting a whole lot with Dark Knight though. Sort of a mixed "comic book" bag this year."
Oh Mighty Shogun, do you have bad feelings about the Dark Knight?
Until now I was looking forward to my favorite Batman story as a movie.

Unfortunately this movie is Dark Knight in name only. It is not based on Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. I am assuming that's what you're referring to since it is the best Batman story ever produced.

My issue with this upcoming movie is just a bad feeling I get when I see the previews. There is simply no draw for me. I really enjoyed Batman Begins too, but the previews so far just don't do it for me. The previews for Iron Man were kick-butt and sold me early on (last year's SDCC). The movie delivered. Of course, great previews don't equate to a great movie. I learned that lesson with AVP:R. Awesome previews, but a horrid crappy movie. Hopefully I am wrong about DK.

As for Hulk, the moment I get home from the movie Thursday night I'll have a spoiler-free review up.

[go]

Dear Readers,
No Frank Miller?
The Dark Knight Returns would make the best movie.
Thank you Oh Mighty Shogun for the clarification.
Best wishes to all!
go

[Jet_Jaguar]

It does seem a little bit strange that none of the Batman movies have been based on Frank Miller's work. For some reason, before Batman Begins came out, I kept thinking that it was going to be based on Batman: Year One.

Maybe someone could make a good animated movie based on one of the Miller Batman graphic novels somewhat in the style of the upcoming Gotham Knight collection of Batman-based anime shorts (somewhat like the Animatrix, which I liked a lot).

[Todd Shogun]

Okay just got back from the new Hulk movie. Not bad. Not great, but not bad. I would say on a par with the Ang Lee movie in some ways, but not in others. Definitely NOT "every bit as good as Iron Man" like they've been touting. It was a worthy effort but there was nothing new to the story itself. No major surprises or plot twists. In fact the story was pretty much limited to the same formula "government chasing down the Hulk" theme we've already seen. If you're looking for something new, look elsewhere.

The acting was only average at best, but not terrible by any means. There was very little true character development I thought. I felt the Ang Lee version had more.

The positives: the CGI wasn't as bad as I first thought it would be...maybe because it was on the big screen. It worked well and fit into the movie without looking too animated. So we're okay there. The Hulk's enemy was very neatly done, design and animation-wise. The action sequences were awesome, but not over-the-top like I was expecting. There were a few WOW moments, but this was not common.

I said I wasn't going to include spoilers. Well I lied. But I'll hide them below for those not interested in learning more about the movie (highlight to reveal):

SPOILERS BELOW - PROCEED AT OWN RISK


1) Tony Stark played by RDJ makes a cameo appearance at the end, delivering more on the upcoming Avengers team being formed. There is also Stark Industries references early on.

2) S.H.I.E.L.D. does have a presence in the movie, but Nick Fury is absent (his name appears early in the movie though...look for it!)

3) Supposedly there is a Captain America-related cameo after the credits are finished rolling...but this was absent in the version I saw...it may have been an internet rumor that was not true...not sure.

4) Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, and Stan Lee make guest appearances. Bill's is obviously not an actual movie appearance, but you'll see what I mean.

5) Hulk uses the CLAP to put out a fire...it was awesome!

[Ben]

THE INCREDIBLE HULK is the polar opposite of Ang Lee's HULK, in that it's dull, inoffensive, and unimaginative. I suppose it gives the audience exactly what they want - and I mean exactly. The filmmakers were obviously so frightened by the critical slamming of Lee's version, they didn't want to challenge or deviate from the norm at all. The result is a triumph of mediocrity.

[Andy]

I was among those who enjoyed the Ang Lee movie. I don't think they'll ever make a superhero that makes every fan happy, since there have been so many interpretations of the characters even in the comics.

I give the new movie a C+ or B-. First of all, they just made a Hulk movie 5 years ago. Are we supposed to forget everything we saw in that? They could have built on that one more and still had a movie different in tone.

For me, the acting left something to be desired. The Iron Man movie gets an A! One thing I do like is how they are tying these movies together.

[knightmagetim]

It does seem a little bit strange that none of the Batman movies have been based on Frank Miller's work. For some reason, before Batman Begins came out, I kept thinking that it was going to be based on Batman: Year One.

Batman Begins did lift some elements and themes from Batman: Year One like the emergence of a younger Gordon and the final scene with the Joker's "calling card" of theatrics.

[Wily Pueo]

Saw this Saturday night right after watching Iron Man in the same theater. Whereas I'd give Iron Man a 8.5 to 9.0. I'd give Hulk mebbe a 6.5. I thought Norton did a good job but I did not find the CGI particularly convincing. But truth to be told, never was a big Hulk fan.