cygweb

Beginning with "Blade", the big-budget movies based on Marvel characters have been visually impressive, but some have lacked a compelling plot. Not so for the "The Hulk"; even though it is an origin story, it has a steamroller of a plot (fitting for the green guy). The pseudo-science behind the origin has been updated for this version of the story, and I think it makes the story much more interesting. After seeing the trailers, I thought the Hulk would look very cartoonish. The final result is obviously computer-generated, but photorealistic enough and integrated well enough with the real elements that you can sit back and enjoy it without thinking "that looks so fake". The first real "battle" scene with the Hulk taking on three baddies is pretty intense and longer than I would have expected, and it works. When the Hulk is fighting the military, it's particularly fun to watch.The story, plot, and acting in this movie is probably the richest offered in a Marvel movie to date. The relationship between Bruce Banner and his father was invented for this film, as far as I can tell. Casting Nick Nolte as "mad scientist" David Banner was brilliant, and Sam Elliott as General Ross was excellent as well. They both were great. All of the lead actors in this movie are particularly excellent; Josh Lucas' "Glenn Talbot" is a particularly nasty villain. The ending of the movie is a little confusing, but still very interesting. One of my favorite authors, Peter David, wrote the novelization of the movie, and I think I'm going to check it out since I've heard his story is a bit more detailed.Some reviewers have complained about director Ang Lee's use of comic-book like panels with multiple camera angles or subjects, but I thought it was cool.If you're a fan of the Hulk or action movies in general, definitely see this in the theater. You won't be disappointed. I can't wait to add this movie to my DVD collection when it's released.