The Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk
6.668%69%
The story of Dr. Bruce Banner, who seeks a cure to his unique condition, which causes him to turn into a giant green monster under emotional stress, is depicted. Whilst on the run from military, which seeks his capture, Banner comes close to a cure. But he must contend with a new creature that emerges: The Abomination.
Manuel Frangis reviewedOctober 21, 2025
I just watched The Incredible Hulk and I give it 3 out of 5 stars. This movie is an interesting part of the Marvel universe because it feels so different from what came after it. It is darker, more serious, and full of raw emotion. It does not have the polished humor that most of the later Marvel films became known for, but that is what makes it stand out in its own way. It feels more like a story about a man struggling with himself rather than just a superhero movie.
Edward Norton gives a strong and thoughtful performance as Bruce Banner. He captures both the intelligence and the sadness of the character perfectly. You can feel the constant tension inside him as he tries to live a peaceful life while knowing that one mistake could unleash the monster within. What I liked about his portrayal is that it feels grounded. You believe that he is a man trapped between two worlds, constantly running from both the military and his own fear. Norton brings depth and emotion that make you care about Bruce as a person, not just as the Hulk.
The action scenes are intense and well made. The CGI might not be as advanced as what we see today, but for its time, it was impressive. The transformation sequences are powerful, and the fights feel heavy and destructive. The battle scenes, especially the final showdown, are filled with energy and tension. You can feel the weight of every punch, and that gives the movie a sense of danger that feels real. The Hulk himself looks massive and intimidating, a creature of pure strength and rage.
The tone of the movie is darker and more serious than most superhero stories. It focuses on loneliness, control, and identity rather than just spectacle. There are moments where the pacing slows down, but those scenes help show how much Bruce wants peace. The story is not just about power. It is about the burden of living with something inside you that you cannot escape. That emotional layer gives it a tragic quality that works well.
The supporting cast adds a lot of strength to the movie. Liv Tyler brings warmth to her role, creating a relationship that feels genuine and heartfelt. William Hurt as General Ross gives the story its edge. His obsession with capturing the Hulk adds real tension. The villain, Abomination, is not overly complicated, but he serves his purpose well by representing what happens when power is used without restraint.
What holds the movie back a little is its pacing and tone. At times, it feels uneven. Some parts move too quickly, while others take too long. It also lacks some of the humor and character interaction that later Marvel films perfected. Still, its serious tone and emotional focus make it stand out in its own way.
By the end, I appreciated The Incredible Hulk for what it tried to be. It is a movie about control, fear, and the fight to stay human in the face of uncontrollable power. It may not reach the emotional heights of later Marvel films, but it has a quiet strength and sincerity that make it worth watching. It is not perfect, but it has heart and ambition. That is why I give The Incredible Hulk 3 out of 5 stars.