Sorry I'm late...
First off, I have to give credit to Joss Whedon for doing an excellent job, as I thought the movie was a beautifully imagined, well balanced story. All
of the characters were well written and had substance; I felt that he should be given credit for not slighting anyone, giving every character their moments. He should be commended for putting together a movie with so many positives, and little negatives. I loved the way earth was introduced to greater threats and the reasoning behind it. I loved how each of the big four Avengers played a subtle part in the approaching perils. I loved the interactions between all of the characters. All of the actors involve nailed their characters. I enjoyed everyone from Fury to Hill.
I want to see if the go anywhere with Starks belief that Hulk somehow may have saved Banner from being poisoned by Gamma radiation, by exploring just what part of Banner Hulk is? I loved Starks line to Banner that he should stop tip toeing and learn to strut. Im not quite sure if that was meant as a shrewd jab at what has been lacking with the solo Hulk movie success, but I feel that that is the problem that the other Hulk films have had
too much time was lost in trying to develop Hulks growth/evolution as a character, and not getting directly to the core of what he is and does. Still, I was not completely satisfied overall with the Hulk
but it was a huge step in the right direction. We finally have a Hulk with some personality that shows that he is not completely daft to whats going on around him and can work with others. I really loved the way Hulk looked, explosive as he moved, his quick reflexes, the way he ran, leaped and attacked; but I do think they overdid it with the ape-like movements. Two scenes made me cringe something terrible. It bothered me that before Hulk attacked Loki, he double fist pounded the floor like a gorilla, I would have preferred he one fist pounded it or pounded both fists in front of himself. The other scene that made me cringe was when he was leaning over Stark with Thor and Cap after he caught him; too monkey-like for my Hulk taste. Instead of roaring at him, I wish he would have barked something like Get up Stark! or Wake up Tin Man! Also, the Hulk growls and Hulk voice needs a lot of work. Im truly happy Ruffalo acted most things Hulk; but the effects on both growls and Hulk voice need major work. Loved the Puny God comment to Loki but it sounded too Bannerish. Ive criticized the two other films for taking too much from the old television show, but if there are any take aways from the old show, it should be Bill Bixbys portrayal of Banner and the first Season of the show Ted Cassidys Hulk growls and roars which are still the best to this day. All in All as far as Hulk himself, his strength, appearance, movements, and personality goes, Josh Whedons Hulk gets an overall B while in comparison Ang Lees Hulk gets an overall C and Letterriers TIH gets a C+.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner and he did a good pretty good job as Hulk other than the minor things mentioned above. His Banner was far from the whiney, sulky, mope of a mess that hes been in the previous movies and most of the animated shows. I loved the none assuming, confident scientist, whod rather not split hairs, but is far from being naive or too humble that he wouldnt clear the air just to let you know that hes nobodys fool. I want to see more from him as Banner and Hulk.
Anyone else think we will see him and possibly Hulk in Iron Man 3?