Category: Movies
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
“Don’t make me…hungry…” “You wouldn’t like me when I’m…hungry…” – Dr. Bruce Banner (speaking in Portuguese)
This will be the only time that Edward Norton will play Dr. Bruce Banner
Paying homage to the Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno “The Incredible Hulk” (1978) television adaptation of the late 70’s, writer Zak Penn and later on, Edward Norton (un-credited) artistically retell the origin of the gamma induced Hulk.
The film starts off strong with arguably the best three-minute opening credits—that I have ever seen—as it quickly get the Hulk’s origin out of the way (props go to editor Kyle Cooper, who also created Marvel’s flipping pages logo that is present in every Marvel movie feature). Five years pass and audiences are whisked to Brazil wherein they are introduced to Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) and his quest to find a cure for his gamma poisoning.
Days without incident (Hulk manifestation): 158 days.
But it was not to be.
This Incredible Hulk doesn't exactly strike fear into my heart...
Due to an electrical gaff, Banner’s gamma rich radiated blood finds it’s way into a bottled drink that is consumed by a Milwaukee, Wisconsin resident (Stan Lee). The U.S. Army is then alerted of this anomaly and General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (William Hurt) dispatches a team led by Russian-born British special operations expert Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) to the source of the bottled drink. During the said operation, Banner turns into the Hulk and eliminates Blonsky’s team without much fanfare.
Days without incident: 1 day.
Guatemala. It’s incredible that Banner not only speaks Portuguese, but conveniently Spanish as well when he finds himself in the heart of Guatemala. As he reaches a nearby town, he is forced to solicit alms and some kid comes out of nowhere and gives him a couple of coins. Surprisingly, this is enough to adequately clothe himself as he journey’s back home to the United States.
Wait! I take that back... (Universal Studios, 2006)
Days without incident: 17 days.
Culver University. Man! Those coins that the Guatemalan kid gave must have been worth a fortune! Banner returns Culver University—the birthplace of the Hulk—and home to his love, Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Ross (Liv Tyler) in just 16 days! And that includes begging! Incognito, Banner hopes to find relevant data regarding his condition which he in turn would forward to his contact: Mr. Blue—who is really Dr. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) with the hopes of finding a cure.
Unexpectedly, Bruce runs into Betty and the following morning as he bid her goodbye—General Ross and a spruced-up “Super-Solider” Blonsky attempt to capture Banner yet again.
Aided by some teargas, the Hulk emerges for within Banner and deals with the Military promptly and flees with an unconscious Betty Ross to an undisclosed location (Isn’t it funny that the U.S. Government would allow such an elaborate use of force on American soil without as much as a cover-up? Hehehe…)
Days without incident: 1 day.
A cave. Banner is back. Betty makes some living and transportation arrangements after pawning some of her sentimental jewelry. Betty and Bruce are now considered fugitives by the U.S. Government and journey to New York City to meet face-to-face with Dr. Sterns.
Wanna Tussle?
Sterns (who later on becomes the villain known as “The Leader”) assists Banner with a potential cure and is ecstatic with the medical possibilities that Banner’s gamma radiated blood can give to the world. But Banner would have nothing of it as he fears it will merely be used as a weapon and requests for Sterns “Mr. Green” samples to be destroyed.
Almost immediately, a dart penetrates the lab and immobilizes Banner. He does not change—much to the dismay of Blonsky who was just itching for a rematch with the Hulk.
As soon as things settle down, Banner and Betty and loaded onto General Ross’ chopper as Blonsky stays behind and aggressively convinces Sterns to “give me what he got.” Weighing the ethical risks and fearing for his life, Dr. Sterns agrees to Blonsky’s request but not before warning him that such an unstable concoction may “turn him into an Abomination.”
Abomination Origin in one sentence: Blonsky tells Dr. Samuel Sterns to “give me what he got.”
Blonsky’s transformation is instantaneous and in the process knocking down Sterns who’s injured head inadvertently receives several drops of the “Mr. Green” sample.
Sterns head starts bulging and growing…
By this time, Blonsky/Abomination wrecks havoc on “the city that never sleeps” in search of a worthy fight. While high above, General Ross, Betty, and Banner receive reports of the Abomination’s rampage and are in agreement to turn back to the site of the carnage as only the Hulk can stop him.
Banner is dropped from the chopper and hits the ground with a resounding thud. The Hulk emerges and does battle against the Abomination in front of the Apollo Theater.
More property damage ensues.
The two Goliaths go at it for a good seven minutes before the Hulk’s rage allows him to best Ross’ Abomination.
"You wouldn’t like me when I’m…hungry…"
The Hulk and Betty share a moment before the Hulk is forced to flee as more Military reinforcements arrive.
Days without incident: 31 days.
British Columbia. We find Banner meditating and from the looks of things, he has done pretty well for himself based on his well-stocked cottage.
Banner opens his eyes.
They turn green.
Days without incident: 0 days.
“RELOAD!”
As General Ross screams for more alcohol, the familiar face of Anthony “Tony” Stark enters the bar (which is ironic since Stark himself is an alcoholic). Stark engages Ross in some small talk before mentioning that he is assembling a team…
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