This movie wouldn’t like me when I’m angry. I watched the superhero movie Hulk, released on June 20, 2003. Directed by Ang Lee, it takes place in Berkeley, California. Starring Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, and Sam Elliott, it is rated PG-13.
A scientist named Bruce Banner becomes exposed to gamma radiation, causing him to become a powerful green monster. The transformation is triggered whenever he gets angry. As his ex-girlfriend’s military General father tries to have him locked up, Bruce’s biological father also starts appearing, having done something in the past Bruce has repressed. Can Bruce use the monster to be rid of his father?
I am a big fan of the superheroes present in the Marvel Universe. They are not only awesome, but still feel relatable in a way that has made them endure. The Hulk is one of my personal favorites. He represents how easy it can be for people to lose their tempers, literally becoming a monster when angry. As such, a movie about him seems super interesting. Unfortunately, I found this movie to be super boring. Let us start with the attempts at excitement. This film has very little of the Hulk doing cool stuff. There are only 4 times in the entire movie we see him transform, with only the latter two having any sort of good payoff. The film is mostly just people talking. While this could be great dramatically, what people came for is severely lacking. The special effects are also terrible, with the Hulk not being rendered correctly. The worst CGI comes in a scene where poorly animated dogs attack the Hulk. Speaking of which, when the film is not being uninteresting, it has scenes too ridiculous to enjoy like the aforementioned dog scene or the Hulk being trapped by foam. The movie additionally is way too distracting with tons of weird imagery during transition shots that take up almost the entire running time. There is a cool scene with the Hulk fighting the military in the desert, but otherwise it is so lame for such an awesome character.
In terms of the actors, most of them are just as bland as what is mentioned above. Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly barely give any emotion as Bruce Banner/Hulk and Betty Ross. As such, you are unable to empathize with their struggles or relationship. I did enjoy Sam Elliott as General Thaddeus Ross. I was worried his performance would be bad too as I am a big fan of his work, but I thought he really delivered. I also thought it was interesting that this version of the character does not want to capture the Hulk to weaponize him like other incarnations, but rather for people’s protection. I think the best part of this movie is Nick Nolte as Bruce’s father David Banner. He gives a memorable performance and steals the show in every scene. He does work as a good contrast to his son. Despite the strengths of these two, the acting feels “meh.”
Overall, this was a disappointing superhero movie. It had such potential to be amazing, given the source material, but it failed spectacularly. It was rebooted with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 2nd movie The Incredible Hulk in 2008. Despite that movie’s flaws and several people not liking it, I enjoyed that movie much more and found it to be a better representation of the character. They were able to utilize the character even more in that universe’s following movies. As is, while I cannot say this film is terrible, I would not want to watch it again.
The Hulk is a character who transforms based on his anger. In real life, there are many people who struggle from anger issues, lashing out and causing problems. I can emphasize, as I too struggle with anger issues. I have better control now, but it is likely something I will struggle with for the rest of my life. It is okay that you have this flaw. No one is perfect. What is important is you find the right ways to manage it. Think about whether it is a small deal or big deal before you react. Do something you like to calm down. I recommend a stress ball to squeeze. Talk with people about how you can improve. With help, you can find anger manageable and you can lash out less. After all, isn’t life about improvement?
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