Hulk (2003)

Director:

Ang Lee

Writers (WGA):

Stan Lee (Marvel comic book character) and
Jack Kirby (Marvel comic book character) ...

Release Date:

20 June 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Tagline:

Unleash the fury!

Plot:

Bruce Banner, a genetics researcher with a tragic past, suffers an accident that causes him to transform into a raging green monster when he gets angry.

Plot Keywords:

Radiation | Monster | General | Technology | Scientist

Awards:

2 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Eric Bana	...	Bruce Banner
Jennifer Connelly	...	Betty Ross
Sam Elliott	...	Ross
Josh Lucas	...	Talbot
Nick Nolte	...	Father
Paul Kersey	...	Young David Banner
Cara Buono	...	Edith Banner
Todd Tesen	...	Young Ross
Kevin Rankin	...	Harper
Celia Weston	...	Mrs. Krensler
Mike Erwin	...	Teenage Bruce Banner
Lou Ferrigno	...	Security Guard
Stan Lee	...	Security Guard
Regi Davis	...	Security Guard
Craig Damon	...	Security Guard

Also Known As:

Big Green (USA) (fake working title)
The Hulk (USA) (working title)
Hulk (Argentina) (Peru) (Spain) [es]
Hulk (Brazil) (Portugal) [pt]
Hulk (Canada: French title) (France) [fr]
Халк (Russia) [ru]
Hulk (Turkey: Turkish title) [tr]
Hulk (Italy) [it]
Hulk (Greece) [el]
Hulk (Germany) [de]
Hulk (Croatia) [hr]
Hulken (Sweden) [sv]

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some disturbing images and brief partial nudity.

Runtime:

138 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX | SDDS | DTS-ES

Certification:

Switzerland:12 (canton of Zurich) | Iceland:12 | Portugal:M/12 (original rating) | Malaysia:U | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Brazil:12 | Canada:PG | Denmark:11 | Finland:K-11 | Germany:12 (cut) | Germany:16 | Ireland:12 | Mexico:B | New Zealand:M | Norway:11 | Peru:14 | Philippines:PG-13 | Singapore:PG | South Korea:All | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:12 (canton of the Grisons) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | UK:12A | USA:PG-13 (certificate #39955)

Filming Locations:

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, USA

Company:

Universal Pictures

Trivia:

According to Michael France, he wrote the film's screenplay three times.

Goofs:

Continuity: When the Hulk pulls the poodle from the windshield of Betty's car the entire windshield is smashed. The next view of the car shows only a hole on the driver's side of the windshield.

Quotes:

Bruce Banner: You found me!
Betty Ross: You weren't that hard to find.
Bruce Banner: ...yes, I was.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Supernatural: Changing Channels (#5.8)" (2009)

Soundtrack:

Young Scientists

Somewhat Wasted Potential

What could have gone wrong with 'Hulk'? It's based on a comic book series, is directed by an accomplished director, has some great actors...so what happened? Well, to start, there isn't enough action and Hulk is introduced almost after the first 45 minutes. While many have complained that the story was too intelligent which is why the film wasn't well accepted by the masses as they were expecting an action film...well, that doesn't bother me. In fact, I loved movies that tell a good story but it wouldn't have hurt to add some more action. The pacing is very slow. Even though it gradually picks up after hulk is introduced, it slows down again. I found the overuse splitscreen (to create a comic-book panel 'effect') irritating. If it wanted to give the feel of a comic book, why not go the 'Sin City' way?I have never thought of Ang Lee to be among the greatest director as I very much disliked 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' and here too he does not impress much. The CG effects are quite poor. It reminds one of the mid-90's films.

On the bright side, I liked how the characters of Bruce Banner/hulk and Betty Ross were written. They're not your typical comic book characters. 'Hulk' is blessed with some good performances. Eric Bana is very convincing in the main lead. The ravishing Jennifer Connelly is equally effective and she's a lot more than a clichéd love interest. Both actors share great chemistry. I thought Nick Nolte gave an imbalanced performance. At times he seems to be informed and at times he hams. Sam Elliot does well with what he's given. Cinematography's quite alright and some of the landscape locations are stunning. The psychedelic dream sequences are dazzling too.

While I appreciate that the makers tried to tell a good story, 'Hulk' fails to impress as a whole. Still, I'd say it's an okay movie. If the film was a success, a sequel could have been expected. Perhaps they could still do one by avoiding the flaws of this one.