Green with Envy
Well - I caved in. Ages ago I promised I wouldn't, but today, I was kinda bored, and I caved in.
I watched The Incredible Hulk in theatres, and I'm mad at myself for it.
I never saw the previous movie five years ago, nor did I ever watch the animated versions or the popular show from the 70's. Really, my only continuous exposure to the Hulk were Lou Ferrigno's appearances on The King of Queens - and usually that was enough for me. I was aware of the character and he never interested me, so I didn't support him in any way.
Yet today I was compelled to go. It was said that this movie was everything a Hulk movie SHOULD be - it's not about emotions and delving into the character's psyche, it's about smashing things. My brother, who never comes to movies in theatres, was in tow today. I think the Ed Norton factor won him over - and hey, let's be honest, I usually love what Ed Norton does, everything from American History X to Death to Smoochy.
The movie itself was good. For a loud, brash, popcorn movie, it was solid - and I didn't feel insulted watching it. I actually enjoyed myself and I was entertained.
But about five minutes after the movie, I was pissed off. I'd been duped. I'm a movie snob and I'd been duped into appreciating a loud, explosive movie with excellent effects but really nothing new to offer. The only thing this movie had that the previous Ang Lee version didn't was a more acceptable run-time and a decent villain to go up against. What I always hated about the Hulk was still present in the movie - once he turns into the big green beast, he's got only one emotion - rage. Sure, there was ONE scene where he shows some capacity for love, but for the most part, he's a total one-note character, and that's what I don't like. That's why I never got into him as a character. Sure, when he's in human form he's got plenty of conflict to go around, but even that isn't that interesting - all the time he's just running away or running for a cure.
In all honesty I don't see why Ed Norton went for this movie. He usually goes for deeper, more interesting roles - maybe he just wanted at least one popcorn movie on his resume (though he's not acting like it at the moment).
And must every Marvel movie now end with a nod to this Avengers movie? Please, just stop. It's not funny any more. I don't know who Ant-Man is but I know he's a jerk.
"Stop bugging me about my purple pants!"
I watched The Incredible Hulk in theatres, and I'm mad at myself for it.
I never saw the previous movie five years ago, nor did I ever watch the animated versions or the popular show from the 70's. Really, my only continuous exposure to the Hulk were Lou Ferrigno's appearances on The King of Queens - and usually that was enough for me. I was aware of the character and he never interested me, so I didn't support him in any way.
Yet today I was compelled to go. It was said that this movie was everything a Hulk movie SHOULD be - it's not about emotions and delving into the character's psyche, it's about smashing things. My brother, who never comes to movies in theatres, was in tow today. I think the Ed Norton factor won him over - and hey, let's be honest, I usually love what Ed Norton does, everything from American History X to Death to Smoochy.
The movie itself was good. For a loud, brash, popcorn movie, it was solid - and I didn't feel insulted watching it. I actually enjoyed myself and I was entertained.
But about five minutes after the movie, I was pissed off. I'd been duped. I'm a movie snob and I'd been duped into appreciating a loud, explosive movie with excellent effects but really nothing new to offer. The only thing this movie had that the previous Ang Lee version didn't was a more acceptable run-time and a decent villain to go up against. What I always hated about the Hulk was still present in the movie - once he turns into the big green beast, he's got only one emotion - rage. Sure, there was ONE scene where he shows some capacity for love, but for the most part, he's a total one-note character, and that's what I don't like. That's why I never got into him as a character. Sure, when he's in human form he's got plenty of conflict to go around, but even that isn't that interesting - all the time he's just running away or running for a cure.
In all honesty I don't see why Ed Norton went for this movie. He usually goes for deeper, more interesting roles - maybe he just wanted at least one popcorn movie on his resume (though he's not acting like it at the moment).
And must every Marvel movie now end with a nod to this Avengers movie? Please, just stop. It's not funny any more. I don't know who Ant-Man is but I know he's a jerk.
"Stop bugging me about my purple pants!"