Hulk-Hell, Hulk's Not the Only One That's Mad
Hulk is one of those films that truly saddens me, here's why. The first two-thirds of the film, are formulaic and tell a story that most of us know to some degree, but its fun. Stuff gets smashed, tossed around, stuff explodes, there are great chases and the CG Hulk actually looks pretty good. It's just fun. Then we come to the third act of the film and, for some reason, they bring in a monkey high on crack to finish the script. Wow, does this thing fall apart in a way that few films ever manage to achieve. For a while I thought there was going to be a very successful and popular new superhero franchises, then, well, you have to see it to believe it, as the Hulk degenerates into chaotic bedlam. Seriously, I am not overdoing it.
The story is familiar to many, if not most, we follow brilliant research scientist Bruce Banner, played well by Eric Bana, as he stumbles into an experiment that makes him green, big, godlike strong and nearly indestructible. Think super-steroids. The first two-thirds of the film does a good job in telling the origins story of the Hulk and the audience is left feeling as though they know both Banner and the Hulk, but the end degenerates as the script tries too hard to have the massive, “Death Star Explosion” ending and collapses.
With a budget of $110 to $120 million the Hulk seems like a bargain compared to some other recent releases and the ultimate failure of the film is not in the visual effects which are great, nor is it with the actors, who all put forth a solid effort. Ang Lee does a great job directing the film as well. No, the problem is with the insane and illogical ending that just left audiences asking, “what the hell?” The writers really, really dropped the ball. Michael France, John Turman and James Schamus, blew it. France, hum France, maybe that is part of the problem, was allowed to go on and pen the screenplays for The Punisher and Fantastic Four AFTER this disaster. That is amazing, as both screenplays were deeply flawed and incoherent. Bizarre.
Lee does a great job directing but all involved should have stepped up and done something about the chaos that was the ending of the Hulk. Failure to do cost the studio big time as this had super franchise written all over it due to the high name recognition and the fact that every little boy would like to be the Hulk. Toys. Toys and more toys could have been sold. Lots of folks lost out on lots of money, simply because of a lack of proper oversight. Wouldn't you think someone would speak up with as much as a $120 million bucks, not including advertising, on the line? I know if it was my money, I sure would.
Story C- (Decent script until the third act, then the monkey starts throwing poo into the fan. Nothing worse than a monkey covered in its own poo, except being charged good money to see a monkey covered in its own poo.)
Acting B
Visuals A
Originality/Innovation D+ (There is some shame to hand out here, as this is the Hulk for god's sake. Not only is it a simple concept but most of the work has been done for the writers, as there is a tremendous amount of pre-existing material from the comic book world to use to “stimulate their imaginations.” This is a true example of trying to do too much and not working smart.)
Enjoyability Grade C- (The first two thirds of the film are fun and the visual effects are a blast.)
Home Theater/HD Factor A
Overall Grade C (Oh what could and should have been.)
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