by Thomas Ferguson

When I heard Edward Norton was in talks to star in a new version of The Incredible Hulk, I admit I had my doubts. Just like the ones I had when I heard Robert Downey Jr. was on tap to star in Ironman. Luckily, both actors proved they had the right stuff to fill these massive shoes.

Norton easily steps into the role of Dr. Bruce Banner, a scientist with a dark and destructive secret. A secret involving a top secret military experiment gone horribly wrong.  He steps into the role left vacant by Eric Bana who starred in the commercially and critically panned Hulk. In this latest version, Banner is on the run from the military. To be more exact, on the run from General Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt), the man responsible for turning Banner into the Hulk.

Banner has been in seclusion for five years when he gets targeted by Ross. Also heavy on his trail is Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), a military officer with loads of rage and distain for Banner. He is envious of the great power given to Banner and is hell bent on getting some of his own.
Helping Banner in his quest to find the help he needs is Elizabeth Ross (Liv Tyler), an old flame who just happens to be the General’s daughter. Both try to find the antidote that can release Banner from his rage filled alter ego.

I have seen just about every superhero movie in the past decade and I will go on record by saying this one ranks in the top five. From its Bourne Ultimatum styled chase scene at the beginning to its bone-crushing final battle scene, this movie packs a serious wallop.
The performances were fine, but it’s the special effects that drive this movie. I can’t say enough about the final battle. It was spectacular. This has been the summer of Ironman, but in my humbled opinion, The Incredible Hulk is a bit better.

Although I’m one of the few who actually liked 2003’s Hulk, I feel this latest version will rejuvenate the franchise and will open the door to some sequels. There is also a plug at the very end for the much anticipated Avengers movie that will include; The Hulk, Ironman, Thor, Captain America, and Spiderman to name a few. I believe Marvel comics are doing the right thing by tying all these movies and characters together. They are definitely getting me ready for The Avengers Movie which should hit the screens in a few years.