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Avi Arad

Hulk (2003) movie trailer

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Speaking of the new Hulk movie, which will be in cinemas next month, let’s discuss a bit about the 2003 adaptation by Taiwanese director Ang Lee. The old film stars Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott, Josh Lucas and Nick Nolte. It’s simply titled as Hulk, check out the trailer…

The film received polarising reviews – some people love it, many others hate it. Unlike many superhero movies, director Ang Lee focused on storytelling instead of the action. The visual effect is also special in a comical way, kind of a homage to the action films in the 80s.

If you watch Hulk today and know nothing about the actors, you may have guessed that it’s a film from that era (80s-90s). It’s what the director had intended, for better or worse. I’m fine with the visual style though; I actually like some of the ideas, and I appreciate filmmakers who try something different.

Overall it’s above average for me. The action is comical but fun in some ways; the tank-throwing part will always be epic; and there’s Jennifer Connelly. I can understand that the directive style is not everyone’s cup of tea though, it’s rather unique; and the story is too long especially with its slow pacing.

The upcoming adaptation is a reboot and stars Edward Norton as the title character. It will feature a new story instead of going through the “how Bruce became Hulk” part again though. And it’s supposed to be part of a new movie franchise which also features the Iron Man etc.

The Incredible Hulk movie trailer

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Trailer for The Incredible Hulk, an American superhero movie based on Marvel Comics character the Hulk. Directed by Louis Leterrier and stars Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, and William Hurt. In cinemas in the US next month.

The film is a reboot and not a sequel of the 2003 film, Hulk. Comparisons are inevitable but it’s two very different movie when it comes to visual style. The previous hulk looks a lot more comical (as intended) and not really everyone’s cup of tea, and thus the “new” hulk scores one from the start.

Update and verdict

Watched the movie on TV months later, it’s decent stuff.

It’s difficult to compare this with the 2003 film though. The 2008 film is action driven while the previous one (directed by Ang Lee) focuses on storytelling. I think the new movie will be more favourable for audience these days that don’t have much patience when it comes to entertainment (and everything else).

I’m an old minded folk who’s fine with those “boring” drama stuff. That being said, the 2003 film is a bit long winded even from my point of view. The new film is the polar opposite with almost no backstories; it finishes the first hour of the old movie in a few minutes instead.

The 2008 film is better in visual effects by a huge margin. The 2003 version has a retro style (to the 80s) which doesn’t work well with most people. Meanwhile, the new hulk looks awesome, and the CGI action is on par with modern action/scifi/superhero films.

Overall I find the old film slightly more favourable – Jennifer Connelly probably helps shift the balance a bit – but it’s really a matter of what we want from a movie experience. Apple vs orange, as the old cliche goes.