*MILD SPOILERS*
To begin with, it's simply not 'right' that HULK has received so much negative criticism. Of course, it's still receiving the obligatory slurs from a mob of po-faced fan-boys, pedantic 'nerds' or simply those who are too myopic to see past (pointless) comparisons with other Marvel franchises; say, Spider-man, for example.
What HULK presents us with is a very engrossing and entertaining piece of cinema. Granted the pace may be a little slower than other 'hero' flicks that's not to say that it is lacking story, motive, superb effects (think what you will ), and a unique directorial style. I personally found the CGI HULK to be a real success. It was near impossible to make it not look so animated but during fight/action scenes it really does not become a factor.
The direction is certainly above par and the cinematography and arrangement stinks of quality. I was particularly impressed with the way that Ang Lee utilizes the 'story board' effect throughout the film. Scenes literally move from frame-to-frame in a similar manner to regular comic books. Sure, it's a gimmick but it does work surprisingly well regardless of the kitsch factor. Lee manages to focus on the troubled nature of the HULK/Banner identity 'crisis' which culminates in the HULK coming across as a very tragic character someone who wants to do right yet due to circumstances out of his reach, doesn't always do so. In that respect it has a very appropriate and contemporary feel about it.
Eric Bana does a good job as the subdued and (mildly) introverted Bruce Banner and Nick Nolte proves that he's still very much on top form playing a sort of haggard, wino-looking villain Bruce's father...who appears to become the Absorbing Man. What's really worth noting is the prolonged scene in the desert where the HULK takes on a slew of military muscle tanks, helicopters and such, in an all-out acrobatic fight it's in true comic book style and an amazing feat. It reminds me of the old HULK cartoon I loved as a child!
In closing, I wanted to defend this film because it seems that most people didn't even give it a chance. Those who did were far too willing to pan it before it could gain anything as much as a good reputation. Bana has personally said that he was very happy with the outcome and there is indeed a strong following of viewers (fans or not) who found this to be a far superior film to the likes of (the lamentable) Daredevil, or (no-brain) X-men. Hopefully it will stand the test of time it deserves to.
To begin with, it's simply not 'right' that HULK has received so much negative criticism. Of course, it's still receiving the obligatory slurs from a mob of po-faced fan-boys, pedantic 'nerds' or simply those who are too myopic to see past (pointless) comparisons with other Marvel franchises; say, Spider-man, for example.
What HULK presents us with is a very engrossing and entertaining piece of cinema. Granted the pace may be a little slower than other 'hero' flicks that's not to say that it is lacking story, motive, superb effects (think what you will ), and a unique directorial style. I personally found the CGI HULK to be a real success. It was near impossible to make it not look so animated but during fight/action scenes it really does not become a factor.
The direction is certainly above par and the cinematography and arrangement stinks of quality. I was particularly impressed with the way that Ang Lee utilizes the 'story board' effect throughout the film. Scenes literally move from frame-to-frame in a similar manner to regular comic books. Sure, it's a gimmick but it does work surprisingly well regardless of the kitsch factor. Lee manages to focus on the troubled nature of the HULK/Banner identity 'crisis' which culminates in the HULK coming across as a very tragic character someone who wants to do right yet due to circumstances out of his reach, doesn't always do so. In that respect it has a very appropriate and contemporary feel about it.
Eric Bana does a good job as the subdued and (mildly) introverted Bruce Banner and Nick Nolte proves that he's still very much on top form playing a sort of haggard, wino-looking villain Bruce's father...who appears to become the Absorbing Man. What's really worth noting is the prolonged scene in the desert where the HULK takes on a slew of military muscle tanks, helicopters and such, in an all-out acrobatic fight it's in true comic book style and an amazing feat. It reminds me of the old HULK cartoon I loved as a child!
In closing, I wanted to defend this film because it seems that most people didn't even give it a chance. Those who did were far too willing to pan it before it could gain anything as much as a good reputation. Bana has personally said that he was very happy with the outcome and there is indeed a strong following of viewers (fans or not) who found this to be a far superior film to the likes of (the lamentable) Daredevil, or (no-brain) X-men. Hopefully it will stand the test of time it deserves to.
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