The Hulk Rampages Back onto the Screen

A few years ago, acclaimed director Ang Lee released a movie called "Hulk" and it has, in the years since, become universally reviled by fans of the character. I am not one of those people despite being a fan of the comic book and being a general comic book fan. I proudly stand alone in saying that I did not and DO not hate Ang Lee's "Hulk" even though I can't say for sure exactly what the hell happened at the end of that movie.

That being said, I felt a bit of resentment when Marvel Studios decided that they needed to rush out a new Hulk movie to try and save the series. Unlike what Roger Ebert said in his review, I happen to know that the Incredible Hulk is not only the strongest and most powerful super-heroes in the Marvel Universe, but was also one of the earliest creations by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (right after the Fantastic Four came Hulk), and has routinely been one of the most consistently recognizable and popular characters in the world of comics. Right after Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe, comes the Hulk.

Well, a funny thing happened as I sat in the movie theater with my arms crossed determined to dislike the movie "The Incredible Hulk." I found myself slowly softening toward the movie, then smiling, then enjoying the action and then, finally, thoroughly enjoying myself the entire time. I didn't expect it, but I have to admit it happened.

This is the same season that has already brought us one of the finest movies in the super hero genre, "Iron Man." This Hulk movie takes place in that same universe as evidenced by the now-famous appearance of Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark at the very end of the movie. So, "The Incredibly Hulk" had some stiff competition to try and live up to. Now, this movie does not live up to the same standards a "Iron Man" but it sure does pack quick a whallop.