Going Green

No, I’m not talking about becoming environmentally friendly. I’m talking about the big green monster that invaded theaters this weekend. I have to admit that I didn’t see the last Hulk movie. Although I watched the TV show when I was a kid, it wasn’t one of my favorite “super heroes.” Besides, the movie trailors were lame (IMO), and it looked like it was overladen with CGI (of which I’m not a big fan).

When I heard there was a new Hulk movie coming out, I didn’t care. I wondered why they would even release another one since the first movie didn’t do well. Everything changed when I heard Ed Norton was in the movie. It created a dilemma for me. I love Ed Norton’s work. He is an actor that I will watch in almost anything. So, to quote Keanu Reeves from Speed, “What do you do? What do you do?”

I caved. I figured if Ed Norton was doing it, then it must be good. Well, I hoped it was good. Actually, I think the quote I gave Gary as we walked to the theater was, “I’m expecting it to be bad, but I’m hoping I’m wrong.”

I’m delighted to report that I was wrong. The movie was great. Ed Norton did an excellent job of portraying Bruce Banner and humanizing his struggle to eliminate the green monster that lurks below the surface. Another nice treat was Liv Tyler. She’s not one of my favorite actresses, but she usually does good work. This time was no exception.

My only criticism is the final battle. It had too much CGI for my taste, and the **spoiler alert** Hulk on Hulk fight was a bit over the top. I’m sure most of the men in the audience loved it, but it’s just not my thing.

The movie has a couple of fun cameos. The original Hulk, Lou Ferrigno, appears as well as Stan Lee and Robert Downey Jr.

All in all, I would have to say that The Hulk is a fun summer flick. Check it out.