The Incredible Hulk (2008)

REVIEW:

The Incredible Hulk wastes no time in setting up Bruce Banner’s tragic predicament, opening with a montage that briefly recounts the accident that transformed him into the Hulk. This sequence efficiently establishes his history with Betty Ross and General Ross’ relentless pursuit of him. However, as the second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I find myself questioning whether it should have been a full-fledged origin movie instead. While comic book fans were already familiar with Banner’s backstory, casual viewers might have benefited from a more structured approach rather than piecing things together later in the film. The story does eventually fill in the blanks, but a deeper exploration of his initial transformation and its immediate consequences might have made for a stronger narrative.

One of the film’s highlights is its first act, which follows Banner as a fugitive hiding out in Brazil, desperately searching for a cure. This section carries a thrilling sense of mystery and suspense, particularly with the mention of the enigmatic “Mr. Blue” appearing as nothing more than a name on a laptop screen at first.  The tension builds as Banner keeps his identity hidden while simultaneously avoiding military capture. What’s even more exciting upon rewatching is noticing the early groundwork for the wider MCU. General Ross’ reference to a World War II-era experiment to create a “super soldier” was likely overlooked by many at the time, but in hindsight, it’s a clear nod to Captain America—something that would later become crucial to the franchise’s overarching story.

Visually, I much prefer the design of the Hulk in this film compared to the 2003 Hulk starring Eric Bana. The character appears more textured and detailed, with a rougher, more monstrous appearance. However, I do think the shade of green they chose was a bit too dark. While it adds to the gritty aesthetic, a slightly brighter tone could have made his features stand out better. Regardless, this iteration of the Hulk feels more menacing and powerful, fitting the film’s tone much better than the rubbery CGI from Ang Lee’s version.

One aspect that didn’t entirely work for me was Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. While I respect Norton as an actor, I never fully bought him as a scientist. He lacks the natural intellectual presence that Mark Ruffalo would later bring to the role. Where Ruffalo’s Banner exudes intelligence and curiosity, Norton’s performance feels more like a man on the run rather than a brilliant mind struggling with the beast within. This slightly weakens the emotional depth of the character, making his plight more about survival than internal conflict.

That being said, The Incredible Hulk excels in making the transformation sequences truly terrifying. Every time Banner shifts into the Hulk, it feels more like a horror movie than a standard superhero flick. The sheer agony of his body contorting, his veins bulging, and his breathing growing erratic all contribute to a monstrous metamorphosis that’s genuinely unsettling. This approach makes the Hulk feel like a force of nature—something uncontrollable and terrifying rather than just a bigger, stronger version of Banner.

The film’s climax, featuring a brutal battle between Hulk and Abomination, delivers in terms of action. While the movie has a more grounded tone overall, it doesn’t hold back when it comes to spectacle. Watching the two titans tear through Harlem is thrilling, and hearing Hulk yell “Hulk smash!” is a definite highlight. Unfortunately, the pacing does lag at times, and certain stretches of the movie feel a bit dull. It never reaches the same level of excitement or polish as Iron Man, but there’s still plenty of entertainment to be found.

One of the most intriguing yet unresolved elements of the film is the setup for Samuel Sterns’ transformation into The Leader. Seeing the gamma-irradiated substance drip onto his wound, causing his head to mutate, was a tantalising tease that never got any follow-up—until Captain America: Brave New World (2025) finally picks up that thread. However, the film’s biggest moment comes right at the end, when Tony Stark walks into the bar to speak with General Ross. At the time, this was one of the first true signs of the MCU’s interconnected nature, and I remember almost jumping out of my seat in excitement. While The Incredible Hulk may not be one of Marvel’s best, it played a crucial role in shaping the larger universe and remains a watchable, if slightly uneven, entry in the franchise.