journal features

movie review - Hulk

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Toronto, 2003.06.25

This movie has surprising depth, and has a pacing that strikes an excellent note. Don't go if you're expecting a 2.5-hour "Hulk smash!" Go if you're expecting what I found: the finest treatments of a comic-book character that I can remember.

Ang Lee is really as versatile and skilled as everyone seems to think he is. I found this one to be far better than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as far as pacing and characters goes. I liked Eric Bana in Chopper, and Nolte and Connelly live up to expectations, of course. Nolte's bastard father and Connelly's conflicted girlfriend both define 'supporting actor'.

The scene where he eventually does go bezerk at the military installation does add that bang you'd expect, naturally. When he breaks free and begins to run, you know everything's finally heading towards resolution.

Recommended.

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering