The Official 'I Still Love Ang Lee's Hulk' Thread - Part 1

[Thread Manager]

This is a continuation thread, the old thread is 270749

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Watching the Ang Lee Hulk last night, i got the idea for this thread, i still think the first movie is SUPERB, and think it is an absolute crime that it will never get a direct sequel, i would have loved to see were Ang would have taken it as he did express an interest in doing one before Hulk was released.

Now, other than the great casting of Edward Norton, i must say i havent liked ANY of the news announcements on this new movie, and i dont think this new movie will reach the level of the first.

So, this is a thread for fans of the first movie to discuss their gripes and concerns about the new movie, and to discuss were Ang possibly would have gone with a sequel.

[Mario_Galaxy]

Can someone help me? I've been trying desperately to find this concept art of Nick Nolte from Hulk, where he's absorbed a starfish and basically screaming into the camera

[Obi-Ron]

Doesn't ring a bell. Have you tried the special features on the dvd or blu-ray?

[El Payaso]

Can someone help me? I've been trying desperately to find this concept art of Nick Nolte from Hulk, where he's absorbed a starfish and basically screaming into the camera

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m387/mrbungle_08/basura/nolte10tk.jpg

This one?

[Lucifer Maranda]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaay.

YES!! I loved this movie. I Really think it deserves more praise then it recieves.

Really well made in my opinion. I mean, I think one of the things to enjoying this movie is you almost have to take your expectations on what a "superhero" movie really is, if you have any that is. Because it's not quite that. It almost stands alone as it's own experience in itself. It's like a tragic dream unfolding, coming in an out of a man's psyche. The outer manifistations of one's inner darkest self that we all know exists inside of us all. All those repressed emotions, and thoughts we keep at bay, often unknown to even ourselves. The term 'summer popcorn movie' should be no where near this movie, I think. One thing I really loved about this movie was actually the music. It was just beautiful.

[The Morningstar]

I prefer this to the new updated one. I felt it had more heart and soul. I felt the Hulk character was better characterised. As was Banner. The duality and rivalry between the two personas was much better. I felt Bana put more into the role than Norton, who seemed to be sleep walking throughout. Elliot's Ross was superior to Hurt's Ross. I felt the fight against the army in the desert is still one of the most amazing action sequences in a comic book movie, almost 10 years later.

The only thing i really liked about The Incredible Hulk was Tim Roth. But it's Tim Roth, I'd like him by default.

[Lucifer Maranda]

Yeah, to me the new one just seemed COMPLETELY formulaic to me.

I'm sure many won't agree with me, but quite a few of the new superhero movies that are coming out now really seem that way to me. Like they've found a formula that works, so they're just applying it to all the movies to save time and insure the movies make the kind of money that want/expect, but without ever taking in chances, resulting in rather bland predictable movies, that aren't necessarily bad...just...you know? predictable.

Or maybe I've just become jaded and expect too much.
But then it almost seems this way with most movies in general now:huh:

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^I liked TIH as an action movie, but Ang's movie just had far more substance and emotion to it, and as you said, we got deeper into the characters of both Bruce and The Hulk himself, which I loved, I also thought the action was better in Ang's movie as well, and yes, Elliot's Ross was also better and more faithful than Hurt's Ross.

[The Morningstar]

Yea I agree with you totally.

Also a couple of things that i prefered about Ang's that are more on the superficial side...

Hulk was actually like Hulk from the comics. He ran at like, 100 mph. He could bound miles at a time. He had an naively innocent, almost child like demeanor.

Sometimes i get the feeling that fans prefered The Incredible Hulk simply because he said HULK SMASH and had something big to punch at the end.

[E-Man]

Yay! Thread Manager's presence shows that Ang's movie is enough of a cult movie to get a second thread. This can only mean one thing...break dancing time! *starts dancing*

[Mario_Galaxy]

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m387/mrbungle_08/basura/nolte10tk.jpg

This one? Yep! Thanks

[Gamma Ra]

I loved Ang Lee's "Hulk" film. It was a fantastic psychological/action/fantasy/drama filled thrill of a monster movie IMO. The only problem I had with it was...that is not the iconic "Hulk" that I wanted to see. I long to see the "Hulk" that has lasted for about 50 years, the bad attitude, opinionated highly emotional anti-hero who's just trying to fit in in a world where he's feared and loathed.

[Obi-Ron]

I always refer to it specifically as "Ang Lee's Hulk" because it's definitely his take on the character, not necessarily a direct adaptaion of the comic.

[E-Man]

You know what I wish? I would have loved for Ang to do a take on Joe Fixit or Professor Hulk in some sequels. The thing that hurt his movie is that too many people think that Hulk is the same "Hulk Smash" creature with no growth. The David run really went into Hulk's personal growth as a character there, and it looked like Ang's movie will be the closest we'll get to that.

[Gamma Ra]

I always refer to it specifically as "Ang Lee's Hulk" because it's definitely his take on the character, not necessarily a direct adaptaion of the comic.

Too true.

You know what I wish? I would have loved for Ang to do a take on Joe Fixit or Professor Hulk in some sequels. The thing that hurt his movie is that too many people think that Hulk is the same "Hulk Smash" creature with no growth. The David run really went into Hulk's personal growth as a character there, and it looked like Ang's movie will be the closest we'll get to that.

Ang's movie is beautiful to watch. I loved how some scenes seemed surreal and how the acting was really intense at times. I think that the movie just took people off guard and that is why it gets the bad wrap among a few other things. I think Ang would do a good job with the right Hulk script, less artistic freedom and if he stuck to the comic characters personal growth. I missed Hulks leaps in TIH. And did an EXCELLENT job with that.

I think if we get a new Hulk film Peter David, Len Wein and Greg Pak should be the brain trust or advisory board sought in keeping true to the character. Each writer bought something unique to, but stayed true to all aspects of the character.

[E-Man]

To hedge their bets on what Hulk version should accepted, the next Hulk movie should be an adaptation of World War Hulk. It has the smashing that people crave, but by that time Hulk was already developed to be intelligent. There could be some philosophical and existential goodness right along with the smashing and beat downs that the average person expects from Hulk. We all know who the Hulk is and how he got there. Just flash forward to that part. Hell that could even be an Avengers sequel.

[Gamma Ra]

To hedge their bets on what Hulk version should accepted, the next Hulk movie should be an adaptation of World War Hulk. It has the smashing that people crave, but by that time Hulk was already developed to be intelligent. There could be some philosophical and existential goodness right along with the smashing and beat downs that the average person expects from Hulk. We all know who the Hulk is and how he got there. Just flash forward to that part. Hell that could even be an Avengers sequel.

The World War Hulk is the same Hulk as the Gravage or Green Scar Hulk.

The philosophical and existential aspects of Ang Lee's Hulk is what really appeals to me. Hulk is one of those characters that has many mythological facets to play off. There was a little of it mentioned in The Incredible Hulk movie and even more in that script, that I regret was not used in the final cut, the movie would have been so much better. But Angs movie hit the nail on the head for me. The whole idea of creating "Super Soldiers," without using the name sake, was prevalent and I loved how the idea that Bruce's father passed the genes of experimentation into Bruce, which bought credence to Bruce surviving the whole Gamma juice up, and further his father using his son's DNA to "break God's barrier" as well. It even gave justification to Hulk's adaptability and healing. I thought the movie science was well thought out. The only other two comic book films that come close to doing a satisfying job on the esoteric philosophies on the limits of man were Nolan's Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

In Angs Hulk, I really thought Nick Nolte played his character well, and I couldn't understand why some people thought he played it over the top?

I really hope Marvel Studio's will do another Hulk film and not skimp on the story, in preference for the action. The Nolan Batman films prove that people will watch and buy into a good Super Hero movie that's not campy, if the story is good.

[E-Man]

Green Scar Hulk may be the old green skin, but he is much more intelligent than the childlike Hulk that many people are familiar with. With the Green Scar you could give Hulk some character like how they're doing in the Avengers cartoon. I really think Ang would have worked wonders with that instead of the monosyllabic Hulk that some people see as the only potential with the Hulk.

[Gamma Ra]

Green Scar Hulk may be the old green skin, but he is much more intelligent than the childlike Hulk that many people are familiar with. With the Green Scar you could give Hulk some character like how they're doing in the Avengers cartoon. I really think Ang would have worked wonders with that instead of the monosyllabic Hulk that some people see as the only potential with the Hulk.

I think Marvel Studio's mistake with both movies is that they think the television version of Hulk was cool. It worked for an hour long show but in truth it was Bixby that made that show work. As far as the version I would like to see, I was agreeing with you and only stating the the Hulk termed WWH is the same version as Green Scar and is the same as called Gravage by we fans and is the best choice.

[E-Man]

Yeah, Bixby was the best part of that show. Some of us on here have this running joke that everything Hulk related has to be like Bill Bixby. JP brought it up one time. Everyone involved in everything Hulk related always says that it is going to be JUST LIKE BILL BIXBY. They really need to let that show go. It was nice for its time, and I loved it as a kid. Its time has passed now, and I think holding on to it does more harm than good.

[Gamma Ra]

That's funny yet at the same time sad and true.

[TerryTate]

Totally misunderstood movie, ironically fitting seeing as how the very character the film is based on is supposed to be misunderstood.

By far and away one of the best, most intelligent, entertaining, well acted "superhero movies" I have ever had the fortune of seeing.

I could write a small paper on why I love Ang Lee's "Angry Man" movie. But I will spare you all. It's criminally underrated by a lot of people, who while I don't mean to sound arrogant, just completely don't understand the movie and in the same essence don't even understand the material of this character if they have problems with Ang Lee's HULK.

[Obi-Ron]

Like I always say, "Ang Lee's Hulk is... unique. And because it is unique, the world will not tolerate its existence."

[Gamma Ra]

Like I always say, "Ang Lee's Hulk is... unique. And because it is unique, the world will not tolerate its existence."

That's hilarious.

[LuisTX85]

I still think TIH is much better in some ways,However.....I definitely think Ang Lee's Hulk is damn underrated and definitely should have had a direct sequel!!!

[Gamma Ra]

Totally misunderstood movie, ironically fitting seeing as how the very character the film is based on is supposed to be misunderstood.

By far and away one of the best, most intelligent, entertaining, well acted "superhero movies" I have ever had the fortune of seeing.

I could write a small paper on why I love Ang Lee's "Angry Man" movie. But I will spare you all. It's criminally underrated by a lot of people, who while I don't mean to sound arrogant, just completely don't understand the movie and in the same essence don't even understand the material of this character if they have problems with Ang Lee's HULK.

I think it would have been accepted if the movie was called "Angry Man" and not Hulk.

I think the liberties taken with the character took comic fans off guard and Marvel marketing a psychological fantasy as a popcorn flick through the rest for a loop.

I still think TIH is much better in some ways,However.....I definitely think Ang Lee's Hulk is damn underrated and definitely should have had a direct sequel!!!

Both had elements I liked and disliked. I thought TIH lacked the character depth I look for that Hulk had and TIH design was exactly what I wanted to see.

[Solidus]

You know I saw this film in theaters when it came out. I gave it like a 7.3/10. I thought it was good but that was it and I kinda forgot about.

However in the past few months, I just kinda felt like re-watching it. I was walking through Best Buy and found it on blu ray for 10 bucks. So I said what the hell, and bought it. I sat down and watched last week about 3 times, and I sat down and thought long and hard about it.

To this day I said that my favorite comic films were easily TDK, BB, and SM2. However after seeing this again on blu......I was more then blown away. I think this is the most underrated comic film, and maybe just over all a very under-rated film. Now I would tie it easily with SM2. I know it's unpopular to say that around here but I will say it. I thought the film was incredibly cerebral, powerful, emotional, and just good all around. This I think has potential to be a cult film like Blade Runner in the future. I like Marvel's films still, but I just think 2000-2004 they made their best ones. And I wish they would at least take one character with a serious tone again. Hulk was just that, and I think is very under-rated.

I wish that some how this cult thing got big and they could make a Hulk 2 with Bana and Lee but I doubt it will ever happen. Too bad because it could have been a great series. And I would have loved to see where Ang would have taken it.

Ya some of the SFX was not the best, but for the most part it was brilliant. Man and Elfman's score.....one of his best. I can't stop listening to it now. I honestly will say this may be my favorite Marvel film, and its too bad it may never see a sequel.

I rate this film now a 9.3/10

I love it when a film you did not care for that much.....then seeing it years later and loving it.

[Gamma Ra]

Solidus, I really respect people who can show appreciation for something they may have overlooked at first. When I first left the theater, I sat in my car for 10 minutes before leaving, trying to register what I just witnessed and I found myself conflicted. I just saw this extremely great movie that no one else in the theater really liked...that was supposed to be about my favorite comic character, Hulk, that left me wanting. When I got home 20 minutes later I realized what the problem was, the was not close to character that I had been reading for over 25 years. It had elements of Hulk but also things I loathed-

I didn't like the design, OK at best, but it wasn't the Hulk.

They messed up his origin, we comic fans take that serious.

He was too big, why did he keep growing.

All he did was growl. (so what he spoke to lines)

Not strong enough.

Nanomeds (the ####)?

Bana good in role but too big to play Banner.

But other than that the movie is fantastic. I loved the every aspect of it but it just was my icon on screen.

[Solidus]

Well lol I've been around here for a long while, and as a comic fan myself I understand how some don't like anything changed with their characters lol. And I do understand that.

I will be blunt and say I really don't know a lot about Hulk. I'm mainly a DC guy, and Batman and Supes were the ones I was closest with. So I see where your coming from with some of that.

I agree the body of Hulk I did not care for as much, and I thought some of the design was odd.

As for the other stuff I guess I don't know enough, but I felt that what origin they did create was a good one, I know making David the Absorbing man may have made some mad, but I really liked what Ang Lee has done.

Many of us Bat fans have talked about changes in film done to characters in comics. But I will say this one thing. Comics are mosaics, they are not as static as some want to believe. I think if the core of the character is there, they can change a lot of things as long as some of the core elements remain. Comic writers/artists in the Bat world have changed things, altered things and had different interpretations. I see film as no different. It may not have been exactly what fans wanted, but as you said it was a great film, and sometimes I enjoy change and it can give a different view of a character.

But again I don't know a lot about Hulk, though I enjoyed the movie immensely and would have loved to see a trilogy made around it. Maybe some day you will get the Hulk the fans really want and deserve. But for now I was just very very impressed with this film. I admit it got me choked up a few times, especially when he screams "Take it TAKE IT ALL!!!!" But yea good film though I'm glad I got it on blu now.

[Shazam]

:woot:
This horrific movie was so Great, that it plummeted 60 percent in it's second week!! The Hulk was in danger of never having another film because of Ang Lee's disjointed psycho drama.


It was so frikkin' great that Paramount let Marvel have it back!! :woot: And we finally got the Hulk on track with the rest of the Marvel universe.

Yeah....great film!

[Gamma Ra]

We fans are a finicky bunch. I've been lurking around the Batman boards, and "minor details" that trouble the die-hard Bat fan seem like frivolous details to me, LOL, with the possible Lazarus Pit and all. (Nolan Bat films are incredible)

I understand that nothing is static, but when one is given a character that only resembles the one you came to see in look and namesake, but not in substance, then all connection you had for the character is lost. I know there will always be artistic interpretation and liberties taken, but I do believe that there is such a thing as straying too far.

I loved the "take it all" and "puny human" lines it made my hair stand up and I wanted more. Hulk is a psychological character who has so much to offer if given the chance to shine. He' really a unique character that has many internal conflicts going on, but so much character is lost when he's not able to voice himself. Ang's movie did gave a little glimpse of it. All in all, I loved the surreal as tone of some of the scenes and felt it was a really great movie.

[TerryTate]

I think it would have been accepted if the movie was called "Angry Man" and not Hulk.

I think the liberties taken with the character took comic fans off guard and Marvel marketing a psychological fantasy as a popcorn flick through the rest for a loop.
The Incredible Hulk took more liberties, however.

Ang Lee's Hulk is closer in spirit to both the origin of the character, and the essence of the character and mythos as a whole from the source material.

You do realize that right?

Sure super ficial details might be different, but at the heart of things ... Ang Lee got more right than they did on the 2nd film which was marketed towards the action loving ADD community we now live in.

[The Morningstar]

Ang's Hulk is much closer to the Hulk I remember reading.

The Incredible Hulk said "Hulk smash" and "leave me alone".

Err... and? See, superficial **** like that doesn't make a lick of difference to me. Ang's Hulk nailed the psychology of the character. Both Bruce AND Hulk. The "Puny human" scene sticks out. And the part where he is jumping through the air like some kind of amazed child. That's Hulk.

And not strong enough? Ang's Hulk would wipe the floor with TIH Hulk.

[Gamma Ra]

The Incredible Hulk took more liberties, however.

Ang Lee's Hulk is closer in spirit to both the origin of the character, and the essence of the character and mythos as a whole from the source material.

You do realize that right?

Sure super ficial details might be different, but at the heart of things ... Ang Lee got more right than they did on the 2nd film which was marketed towards the action loving ADD community we now live in.


I don't get your point about TIH taking more liberties than Ang Lee's Hulk. please advise?

As far as the origin in either movie they were far from the original Gamma bomb. As for Banner saving Harper in Hulk, I thought it was cool. However, you see...I know Rick Jones...and Harper here...is no Rick Jones! :cwink: You realize that...right? Rick plays a greater part into the Hulk mythos, more than just playing into the spirit of Hulk's origin, and both movies sorely missed out with this.

Please explain your last statement, so I can respond.

(Note - I don't think TIH is anymore of the Hulk than Ang's film.)

[Obi-Ron]

I know Rick Jones...and Harper here...is no Rick Jones! :cwink:

Nice

[Gamma Ra]

Ang's Hulk is much closer to the Hulk I remember reading.

The Incredible Hulk said "Hulk smash" and "leave me alone".

Err... and? See, superficial **** like that doesn't make a lick of difference to me. Ang's Hulk nailed the psychology of the character. Both Bruce AND Hulk. The "Puny human" scene sticks out. And the part where he is jumping through the air like some kind of amazed child. That's Hulk.

And not strong enough? Ang's Hulk would wipe the floor with TIH Hulk.

This thread is about Ang Lee's Hulk film, so my focus is on his film. I thought that Leterrier's TIH took as many liberties with the character as did Ang's.

Who stated that just becuse Hulk said "Hulk Smash" or "Leave me alone" that it made Leterrier's Hulk more of a Hulk than Ang Lee's Hulk? I sure didn't.

If you read what I've been writing, you'd see I said I thought Ang did a better job on the psychological drama, but Hulk is not just about a psychological drama, rage, or primal anger.

And my desires are superficial, WOW. The Hulk jumping around was excellent in Ang's Hulk film, but jumping around does not make one Hulk. He's so much...More...You must have read the Abomination, he leaps like Hulk too, and Samson does too and She-Hulk and Red Hulk(Ross) and the Rick Jones Hulk from issues #325-327.........MAESTRO too.

Check out my posts, all my real beefs have to do with the Hulk characterization and not so much power levels.

[Spider-Fan]

:woot:
This horrific movie was so Great, that it plummeted 60 percent in it's second week!! The Hulk was in danger of never having another film because of Ang Lee's disjointed psycho drama.


It was so frikkin' great that Paramount let Marvel have it back!! :woot: And we finally got the Hulk on track with the rest of the Marvel universe.

Yeah....great film!

I think you missed the part where this was an APPRECIATION thread! This is not constructive criticism, nor appreciation. Stop trolling.

[The Morningstar]

This thread is about Ang Lee's Hulk film, so my focus is on his film. I thought that Leterrier's TIH took as many liberties with the character as did Ang's.

Who stated that just becuse Hulk said "Hulk Smash" or "Leave me alone" that it made Leterrier's Hulk more of a Hulk than Ang Lee's Hulk? I sure didn't.

If you read what I've been writing, you'd see I said I thought Ang did a better job on the psychological drama, but Hulk is not just about a psychological drama, rage, or primal anger.

And my desires are superficial, WOW. The Hulk jumping around was excellent in Ang's Hulk film, but jumping around does not make one Hulk. He's so much...More...You must have read the Abomination, he leaps like Hulk too, and Samson does too and She-Hulk and Red Hulk(Ross) and the Rick Jones Hulk from issues #325-327.........MAESTRO too.

Check out my posts, all my real beefs have to do with the Hulk characterization and not so much power levels.

Sorry, none of that was actually aimed at you, apart from the part about Ang's Hulk wiping the floor with TIH Hulk.

I was just speaking in general. I've seen a lot of people who trash Ang's Hulk as boring praise Leterrier's Hulk because he said HULK SMASH!

There is obviously more to the Hulk character than that. I feel Ang's Hulk was much more cerebral and "got" the character better. It just annoys me when people call it boring.

[Gamma Ra]

Sorry, none of that was actually aimed at you, apart from the part about Ang's Hulk wiping the floor with TIH Hulk.

I was just speaking in general. I've seen a lot of people who trash Ang's Hulk as boring praise Leterrier's Hulk because he said HULK SMASH!

There is obviously more to the Hulk character than that. I feel Ang's Hulk was much more cerebral and "got" the character better. It just annoys me when people call it boring.

Believe me when i tell you, voicing strong opinions. even when they are opposed directly to mine, does not bother me in the least. You have nothing to apologize for.

I'm not one who trashes Ang's Hulk film. I've watched it as many times as I've watched The Incredible Hulk, probably more. I tend to watch them back to back. As far as movies are concerned, I love both films tremendously and as films in general, when viewing them objectively, yet I have to admit that they both failed in delivering the character of the Hulk, that makes him so lovable, when the fanboy comes out of me.

As El Payaso stated above (Note - he's the only clown I respect), Ang's Hulk was a great film.

[Obi-Ron]

It was so frikkin' great that Paramount let Marvel have it back!!

The Incredible Hulk TV show was a property of Universal Pictures.

Ang Lee's Hulk was made by Universal Pictures.

2008's The Incredible Hulk movie was created by Marvel Studios and distributed by Universal Pictures.

So...what is your point about Paramount, exactly?

[Gamma Ra]

The Incredible Hulk TV show was a property of Universal Pictures.

Ang Lee's Hulk was made by Universal Pictures.

2008's The Incredible Hulk movie was created by Marvel Studios and distributed by Universal Pictures.

So...what is your point about Paramount, exactly?

LMAO...some people.....

[A Necessary Evil]

:woot:
This horrific movie was so Great, that it plummeted 60 percent in it's second week!! The Hulk was in danger of never having another film because of Ang Lee's disjointed psycho drama.


It was so frikkin' great that Paramount let Marvel have it back!! :woot: And we finally got the Hulk on track with the rest of the Marvel universe.

Yeah....great film!

Sometimes good movies dont do the best at the B.O....take TIH...:woot::whatever::dry:

[El Payaso]

Sometimes good movies dont do the best at the B.O....take TIH...:woot::whatever::dry:

TIH dropped a good 58% after the first weekend and made merely 20 more millions than Hulk. Facts. And I don't see any TIH sequel being made.

[A Necessary Evil]

TIH dropped a good 58% after the first weekend and made merely 20 more millions than Hulk. Facts. And I don't see any TIH sequel being made.

I think even ruffalo said theres not much of a future for the hulk, at least now.:csad:

[TerryTate]

I still think ILM's CGI blows the CGI from The Incredible Hulk out the water, even though it came out 5 years prior. I even prefer the build of the character in Hulk. Why? He's HULKING. He's a huge brute. I like the design being based more off body builders / world's strongest men type as opposed to the more lean, athletic, middle linebacker type physique of TIH. His muscle is realistic. Muscles don't stay flexed 24 / 7 ... they flex when being used. And yet still Angry Man was physically more impressive than The "Incredible" Hulk.

I mean he throws a tank half way across the desert. Rips a dog in half. Flexes his neck muscles to the point it breaks one's jaw. Swing a whole tree like a baseball bat. Gets taken into the stratosphere and survives a fall from the top of the earth. Makes a small earth quake in San Francisco. BODY SLAMS a commanche helicopter. And survives a nuclear blast.

That is Incredible.

[E-Man]

I still think ILM's CGI blows the CGI from The Incredible Hulk out the water, even though it came out 5 years prior.

I have to agree. TIH Hulk looked like a big, roided and sick pickle. Ang's Hulk looked like a big linebacker or freestyle wrestler. TIH Hulk got the facial expressions and anger down, but I think they went for a style too comic like. In the comics you could get away with all those muscles, but not so much in live action.

[TerryTate]

In the comics you could get away with all those muscles, but not so much in live action.
Exactly.

Ang Lee treated the material as a whole with a great sense of realism.

It's funny people didn't start appreciating grounded, intelligent realistic superhero films until AFTER Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

Hulk was just a bit ahead of its time, and its core audience simply didn't get it.

Do I think it's a perfect film? Absolutely not. It has its own set of oddities, quirks, and aspects I don't like or agree with. But it is by far and away one of the best Marvel movies. Maybe THE best in my opinion.

It's so interesting. And then the complaints I usually hear are the most ridiculous to actually critique. Hulk Poodles? Ummm yea, Hulk dogs were in the comics too.

They also fail to mention how vicious said poodle actually was, then also fail to mention Hulk also fights a pit bull and mastif. Two of the most dangerous dogs on the planet.

And it's also a wonderful nod to King Kong. A character and movie Hulk shares a lot in common with. A misunderstood physical force of nature that is taken out of his element. For Kong its the prehistoric jungle, for the Hulk, he's taken out of Banner's mind and released on the world.

Hulks fight v.s. his father? Weak. Ummm no, it was psychological war fare ... and that was the entire point of the film. The daddy issues that are at the heart of what make Banner turn into Hulk.

Hulk is about REPRESSED rage. Not expressed rage. If Banner expressed himself, we wouldn't have a Hulk. It's the fact he bottles himself up to the point for so long, he essentially explodes.

"Hulk looks like Shrek" ... that started ever since the super bowl spot came out with noticeable un-finished CGI. And it was the same year Shrek 2 was coming out, so people wanted to make an issue out of it. The CGI for that film still stands up today. There are a few shots here and there that look awkward but nothing that takes me out of the film. He looks, moves, and acts real for the most part. TIH, straight up looks like a really well done video game.

Catering way too much to the fanboys visually. I get they were going for the more savage potrayl. But I prefer Ang's child like potrayl of Hulk. After all Hulk was created as a child with the repressed memories.

Why does Hulk look like Eric Bana? Well because this is a movie with real actors, and visually it makes sense and looks real. Why would his facial structure change to something primative? Hulk is Banner. So it should look like Banner. What works on a comic page, doesn't always work on screen.

[E-Man]

One of the things I wished happen was to see Norton playing as Bruce in Ang's Hulk. Bana didn't do too good a job to me, and I think that Norton could have really knocked it out of the park with Ang's more psychological movie. He did really well in TIH, and that was a high point for the movie. Too bad we're not getting him in Avengers.

[Bren]

I really preferred Eric Bana as Banner. Norton was.... like water to drink. It's there, does the job when you're thirsty, but... it's just water.

Both films would benefit from the other, but I just prefer Hulk 03.

[Gamma Ra]

Why I do believe it's definitely his girth that makes Hulk Hulk, I didn't agree with you guys when you state Hulk should look like a power-lifter, because he's so strong. No more than this should apply to Superman or Thor who are just as strong or even Spider-man for that matter who was pretty powerful in his films.

[The Morningstar]

This is why I think Ang's film is superior. Dialogue like this.


"What does it feel like, when you change?"

"Such overwhelming rage, such incredible power... such freedom. And the worst part is... I think I like it."

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

You know I saw this film in theaters when it came out. I gave it like a 7.3/10. I thought it was good but that was it and I kinda forgot about.

However in the past few months, I just kinda felt like re-watching it. I was walking through Best Buy and found it on blu ray for 10 bucks. So I said what the hell, and bought it. I sat down and watched last week about 3 times, and I sat down and thought long and hard about it.

To this day I said that my favorite comic films were easily TDK, BB, and SM2. However after seeing this again on blu......I was more then blown away. I think this is the most underrated comic film, and maybe just over all a very under-rated film. Now I would tie it easily with SM2. I know it's unpopular to say that around here but I will say it. I thought the film was incredibly cerebral, powerful, emotional, and just good all around. This I think has potential to be a cult film like Blade Runner in the future. I like Marvel's films still, but I just think 2000-2004 they made their best ones. And I wish they would at least take one character with a serious tone again. Hulk was just that, and I think is very under-rated.

I wish that some how this cult thing got big and they could make a Hulk 2 with Bana and Lee but I doubt it will ever happen. Too bad because it could have been a great series. And I would have loved to see where Ang would have taken it.

Ya some of the SFX was not the best, but for the most part it was brilliant. Man and Elfman's score.....one of his best. I can't stop listening to it now. I honestly will say this may be my favorite Marvel film, and its too bad it may never see a sequel.

I rate this film now a 9.3/10

I love it when a film you did not care for that much.....then seeing it years later and loving it.

Thats awesome that you gave the movie another chance, I really wish other people would do the same. As you can see, I started this thread, so as you can imagine I love the movie, and I wish more people like yourself would give it more of a chance as I feel it is a movie that gets better with age and repeat viewings.

Solidus, I really respect people who can show appreciation for something they may have overlooked at first. When I first left the theater, I sat in my car for 10 minutes before leaving, trying to register what I just witnessed and I found myself conflicted. I just saw this extremely great movie that no one else in the theater really liked...that was supposed to be about my favorite comic character, Hulk, that left me wanting. When I got home 20 minutes later I realized what the problem was, the was not close to character that I had been reading for over 25 years. It had elements of Hulk but also things I loathed-

I didn't like the design, OK at best, but it wasn't the Hulk.

They messed up his origin, we comic fans take that serious.

He was too big, why did he keep growing.

All he did was growl. (so what he spoke to lines)

Not strong enough.

Nanomeds (the ####)?

Bana good in role but too big to play Banner.

But other than that the movie is fantastic. I loved the every aspect of it but it just was my icon on screen.


I dont see how the origin had too much wrong and I especially disagree with the notion he wasnt strong enough. With the origin we had Bruce's father experimenting on him, the gamma, harper was in because the rights to Rick Jones belonged with Captain America at another studio at the time, we also had the Hulk's first few transformations taking place at night like in the comics, we also had the repressed rage, Bruce's father killing his mother and even Bruce's father dying in a confrontation with Banner. Literally all that was missing was the gamma bomb, which we got at another point in the movie.

As for him not being strong enough, I have only seen Superman, The Pheonix and The Silver Surfer performing feats greater than the one's Hulk did in Hulk, and thats probably about right with comic canon in my eyes.

[E-Man]

I don't get the complaints of Hulk not being strong enough. The guy swung a tank around like a wrestler. That's just swinging 100 tons right there, and he took a blast to the chest. He then fought the helicopters, survived the collapsing of a freaking canyon, and fell from space. Then he survived a nuke. Like Jamon said, no other character has done things like that in a movie except for those he listed. He really was an unstoppable monster. I can understand people having other problems with the movie, but if they are complaining about that they just weren't paying attention. What more did you want him to do? Pick up and throw an aircraft carrier at the Golden Gate Bridge?

[The Morningstar]

Yea, Ang's Hulk was a beast. He'd tear TIH Hulk a new one.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Yea, Ang's Hulk was a beast. He'd tear TIH Hulk a new one.

Definately, thats one think that dissapointed me in TIH, he seemed quite a bit weaker.

[Gamma Ra]

I dont see how the origin had too much wrong and I especially disagree with the notion he wasnt strong enough. With the origin we had Bruce's father experimenting on him, the gamma, harper was in because the rights to Rick Jones belonged with Captain America at another studio at the time, we also had the Hulk's first few transformations taking place at night like in the comics, we also had the repressed rage, Bruce's father killing his mother and even Bruce's father dying in a confrontation with Banner. Literally all that was missing was the gamma bomb, which we got at another point in the movie.

As for him not being strong enough, I have only seen Superman, The Pheonix and The Silver Surfer performing feats greater than the one's Hulk did in Hulk, and thats probably about right with comic canon in my eyes.

Well again let me QUALIFY ALL MY STATEMENTS IN THIS THREAD IT'S ALL THE FANBOY IN ME...As a reader of Hulk since about 1979, I was expecting to see that character on film and I feel we didn't get him at all. I wanted a gamma bomb and not another new origin story, what they did for the television show was fine for the time, but that didn't do it either.

I get the "spirit of the comic idea" but still it left very much to be desired. Is Rick Jones Caps property? I've heard it but haven't see it. Rick to me plays a pivotal role in Banner's/Hulk's story because he plays the part of the guy that feels responsible for the Banner's (Hulk) condition, so he's compelled and or crazy enough to stick around, long enough to learn and get an understanding of Hulk's language, and by that I mean his ways and actions, giving us an intimate view and insight of him. He becomes a friend and a translator, to both the characters in the film and the audience, that gives understanding to Hulk motives and thinking, what acts anger him and how to chill him out, without 'Betty' being that only factor. He also plays the part of showing one of Hulk's honorable traits, his extreme loyalty towards his friends. He also plays "angel's advocate" between Hulk and Bruce, keeping the desperate Banner informed of Hulk's true nature and intents, in trying to prove to Banner that Hulk is more than an animal full of rage and destruction. In other words Rick would be the bridge that shows the Misunderstood Monster aspect of the character, sorely missing in both movies.

I don't get the complaints of Hulk not being strong enough. The guy swung a tank around like a wrestler. That's just swinging 100 tons right there, and he took a blast to the chest. He then fought the helicopters, survived the collapsing of a freaking canyon, and fell from space. Then he survived a nuke. Like Jamon said, no other character has done things like that in a movie except for those he listed. He really was an unstoppable monster. I can understand people having other problems with the movie, but if they are complaining about that they just weren't paying attention. What more did you want him to do? Pick up and throw an aircraft carrier at the Golden Gate Bridge?

Believe me I've analyzed it all too, I loved the scene where he gets shot in the chest by the tank and gets up pissed and the tunneling scene was great.

To both of you guys as far as Hulk's strength. I want to see him do some insane acts of strength, personally I wasn't overly impressed. Hey, blame it on his creator Stan the Man. If in essence these are "comic books" come to life so to speak, it's he who said Hulk was "the strongest one there is." As mentioned above Superman fan's, Surfer fans, and even Spidey fans got to see better impressive acts from their favorites. I'd like to see some extreme awesomeness in the strength department. It just bugged me when Hulk tried to rip apart that Gamma Generator and couldn't, then he tried to pick it up and dropped it before he threw...it bugged me alright :yay:. I know Betty in Hulk mentioned there was possibly no end to his strength...but hell show me something ridiculous.

Definately, thats one think that dissapointed me in TIH, he seemed quite a bit weaker.

They both disappointed me in the strength aspect.

Again, I enjoyed both movies for entirely different reasons, but neither captured the Hulk in the true light of what makes him fantastic as a character.

[The Morningstar]

What more in the strength department would you have wanted from Ang's Hulk? He was shrugging off tank shells, treating tanks like toys, catching rockets, surviving MOABs.

[S. Grundy]

What more in the strength department would you have wanted from Ang's Hulk? He was shrugging off tank shells, treating tanks like toys, catching rockets, surviving MOABs.

Best bit was when he bites the warhead off the rocket and spits it back.

[Gamma Ra]

What more in the strength department would you have wanted from Ang's Hulk? He was shrugging off tank shells, treating tanks like toys, catching rockets, surviving MOABs.

I want to see a "Force of Nature" in action.

Watch this Morningstar, you'll see some familiar acts. :woot:


g8gRP-aGyMc&feature=related

[E-Man]

Believe me I've analyzed it all too, I loved the scene where he gets shot in the chest by the tank and gets up pissed and the tunneling scene was great.

To both of you guys as far as Hulk's strength. I want to see him do some insane acts of strength, personally I wasn't overly impressed. Hey, blame it on his creator Stan the Man. If in essence these are "comic books" come to life so to speak, it's he who said Hulk was "the strongest one there is." As mentioned above Superman fan's, Surfer fans, and even Spidey fans got to see better impressive acts from their favorites. I'd like to see some extreme awesomeness in the strength department. It just bugged me when Hulk tried to rip apart that Gamma Generator and couldn't, then he tried to pick it up and dropped it before he threw...it bugged me alright :yay:. I know Betty in Hulk mentioned there was possibly no end to his strength...but hell show me something ridiculous.



Haha. So you do want him to pick up an aircraft carrier and throw it on the Golden Gate Bridge. Not that I wouldn't be excited to see that, but I'm cool with him throwing around tanks with the technology we have today.

[DarthDaveBanner]

Nice to see this film getting so much love!

Hulk '03 wasn't perfect but I'd say I prefer it to TIH. One thing I don't get however is the fact that so many people claiming TIH has more action. The third hulk-out in Ang's Hulk was nearly as long as all the Hulk action in TIH combined, and it involved the army battling him all the way across the desert, back to San Francisco and up into the freaking stratosphere! Staying within the confines of a field at a University Campus is hardly an improvement.

[Gamma Ra]

Haha. So you do want him to pick up an aircraft carrier and throw it on the Golden Gate Bridge. Not that I wouldn't be excited to see that, but I'm cool with him throwing around tanks with the technology we have today.

No E-Man into space...not a bridge but space...:cwink:

Nice to see this film getting so much love!

Hulk '03 wasn't perfect but I'd say I prefer it to TIH. One thing I don't get however is the fact that so many people claiming TIH has more action. The third hulk-out in Ang's Hulk was nearly as long as all the Hulk action in TIH combined, and it involved the army battling him all the way across the desert, back to San Francisco and up into the freaking stratosphere! Staying within the confines of a field at a University Campus is hardly an improvement.

True both movies had about the same amount of action.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^I would say Hulk had more action, the final 40 mins of the movie we barely get any Banner at all, its mostly Hulk, in TIH this wasnt the case , the longest Hulk out was the university battle and that was only about 10 mins.

[Bubonic]

I feel if Ang's Lee Hulk never existed and Marvel Studios had had the opportunity to have made theirs with a clean slate we'd have an active Hulk franchise now.

So even if I do love how deep this original film delves in Banners psyche, I still hate it for killing the Hulk.

It left such a bad taste in peoples mouths that a lot of people didn't bother giving the requel a chance.

[El Payaso]

I feel if Ang's Lee Hulk never existed and Marvel Studios had had the opportunity to have made theirs with a clean slate we'd have an active Hulk franchise now.

So even if I do love how deep this original film delves in Banners psyche, I still hate it for killing the Hulk.

It left such a bad taste in peoples mouths that a lot of people didn't bother giving the requel a chance.

I found TIH very enjoyable at times but average.

So if you offered me three average sequels vs one good movie I'd take the last one.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I feel if Ang's Lee Hulk never existed and Marvel Studios had had the opportunity to have made theirs with a clean slate we'd have an active Hulk franchise now.

So even if I do love how deep this original film delves in Banners psyche, I still hate it for killing the Hulk.

It left such a bad taste in peoples mouths that a lot of people didn't bother giving the requel a chance.

Sorry to be blunt but I think all of this is ********, if Batman and Robin didnt stop Batman Begins from making nearly $400 million WW, then I dont see how Hulk would stop TIH from making more than it did, not to mention BB made a killing on DVD, TIH barely made as much as Hulk, so the WOM on TIH just wasnt good enough.

[A Necessary Evil]

The crap marketing didn't help either.

[DarthDaveBanner]

Crap marketing, dodgy release date and bad editing.

[Gamma Ra]

TIH failed because of a number of factors, many of them listed above, but the main reason is the Hulk's characterization. Monster movies with the roaring beasts as the headliners may have worked in the 40's - 80's but they just don't have the same appeal now.

Godzilla?

King Kong anyone?

[Bubonic]

Sorry to be blunt but I think all of this is ********, if Batman and Robin didnt stop Batman Begins from making nearly $400 million WW, then I dont see how Hulk would stop TIH from making more than it did, not to mention BB made a killing on DVD, TIH barely made as much as Hulk, so the WOM on TIH just wasnt good enough.

Be blunt all you want so long as you aren't personally attacking me. :oldrazz:
TIH was released quicker in relation to Hulk than B&R to BB.
Different decade.

Plus the marketing didn't help.

I just remember that almost anyone I tried to promote The Incredible Hulk movie to responded with something relating to Angs Hulk sucking in their opinion.

[Daredevil]

I agree with everyone who said that this film was marketed extremely poorly. Just take the superbowl trialer. It's marketed as an action film when it's just the opposite.

[Gamma Ra]

I think it threw almost everyone off, people went to theaters expecting to see something like the Spider-Man movies and ended up getting a psychological fantasy. The design of Hulk didn't bode well with the critics who compared him to Shrek, which initially turned a lot of people off.

[El Payaso]

I think it threw almost everyone off, people went to theaters expecting to see something like the Spider-Man movies and ended up getting a psychological fantasy.

That's like going to see the new Superman movie expecting another Dark Knight.

[Gamma Ra]

That's like going to see the new Superman movie expecting another Dark Knight.

Exactly. Studio's need to be more honest in telling us the type of film we're going to get as far as tone. I hope the new Superman movie is not like the Dark Knight as far as tone is concerned. They are two totally different characters.

[Spider-Aziz]

Why is there a "page 4" button when there're only 3 pages?

When I first heard about the movie, I was thrilled, really looked forward to it, I love the Hulk and was really excited for the news. Seeing it in theater the first time I hated it, don't remember anything I initially liked about it other than being a Hulk movie. Hearing about a reboot starring Edward Norton was a thrill, when I saw the reboot I was so happy I saw a Hulk movie I loved and had fun watching, TIH still is my favorite Marvel movie

Viewed the Ang Lee movie a few times in this year, and it grew on me, it's one of those movies I came to appreciate more as I grew older, and even more as I delve more into Hulk's comics, Peter David's run in particular. If there is anything I disliked then and still dislike about the movie it is "The Madder Hulk Gets, the Larger He Becomes", not a fan of this size shift

David Banner is a blend of two characters, the father Brian Banner with his "I made you a monster, I have to kill you" motif, then being taking away, and Banner working under Ross for the military before Bruce grows. And then with his beard and the "They take everything from you" motif I find Maestro persona adapted. I like the depth shown in Hulk seeing him after Bruce hulks out his first time, then remembers as David holds his face, that short moment said enough about Hulk in his first time out

When Hulk was in the foam, and Glenn wanted to cut him and take a sample, Hulk anger enlarging him had a focus on his eye, it was designed as a Herb Trimpe drawn panel

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Wow, what a blast from the past this thread is!

And yeah Spider-Aziz, I have been saying this for years but Hulk seems to be benefitting greatly from age and re-watches, I remember loving it when I first saw it anyway, but then when I got the DVD I couldnt stop watching the movie, it just grew and grew on me, and even now I still try and watch it at least once a year.

[E-Man]

I'm just here to say that this movie is still high up on my list. Of course the awesomeness of Avengers and TDKR may push it out of my top 5, but it's still in the elite comic movie category of my favorites.

[Airwings]

I think Ang Lee did a terrific comic book film. It has drama, the casting as well as the acting performances are really good, it has an interesting story, it has a few great action sequences (hey, a film doesn't have to be packed with action to be good, right?).
Overall, the first Hulk film is quite serious. This really suits the character. Hulk isn't supposed to be a fun adventure, does he?

I also like the second film. The Incredible Hulk is a serious film too, but is has got more action as well. The darker elements that are within the two adaptions, makes Hulk a much better cinema character than Fantastic Four. But things can change when we get a F4 reboot that makes the characters justice. They need a more mature approach. Just sayin'

[ThePhantasm]

The Incredible Hulk is a serious film too, but is has got more action as well.

Not sure that is actually true. It has more Hulk vs. supervillain action, though.

[Spider-Aziz]

And yeah Spider-Aziz, I have been saying this for years but Hulk seems to be benefitting greatly from age and re-watches, I remember loving it when I first saw it anyway, but then when I got the DVD I couldnt stop watching the movie, it just grew and grew on me, and even now I still try and watch it at least once a year.I think this will be my case as well at some point
Love the emotions on the face of this Hulk

[metaphysician]

Not sure that is actually true. It has more Hulk vs. supervillain action, though.

Its kind of a toss up, in my mind: well done action versus a boring supervillain, or poorly done action versus a good supervillain.

[A Necessary Evil]

Elfman's music was class :up:

[KangConquers]

It always baffles me when TIH fans act like it was a giant success and Hulk was a giant failure. Two films with virtually the same box office gross and critical reaction, yet everyone turns a blind eye to TIH's failure or just blames it on Hulk.

[Dr Tactics]

It always baffles me when TIH fans act like it was a giant success and Hulk was a giant failure. Two films with virtually the same box office gross and critical reaction, yet everyone turns a blind eye to TIH's failure or just blames it on Hulk.

It was just a better movie that's all

[metaphysician]

It was just a better movie that's all

A highly contestable point. Hulk 2004 had great flaws, but it also had great virtues.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I think this will be my case as well at some point
Love the emotions on the face of this Hulk

Yeah, of the two Ang's was definately the more humane Hulk and you could easily tell what his Hulk was feeling in any given moment. I actually didnt mind Hulk having few lines in Ang's movie because his facial expressions told us what he was feeling anyway.

Damn, its been a while, will have to watch this movie again soon.

It always baffles me when TIH fans act like it was a giant success and Hulk was a giant failure. Two films with virtually the same box office gross and critical reaction, yet everyone turns a blind eye to TIH's failure or just blames it on Hulk.

Same here, if Ang's Hulk effected anything with tIH (which I dont think it did) it would have been the opening weekend, if TIH was so good, WOM would have propelled it to better BO after returns after that, it didnt, hence the movie simply wasnt that good to have the masses telling others to go and see it.

A highly contestable point. Hulk 2004 had great flaws, but it also had great virtues.

VERY contestable, for me, though I like both, Hulk is the much better movie.