The Trial of the Incredible Hulk
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk
When Banner is held as a witness to a violent crime linked to the Kingpin, the fugitive is helped by lawyer Matt Murdock who is also the superhero, Daredevil.
Manuel Frangis reviewedMarch 29, 2025
I just watched The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. This is one of those old-school superhero TV movies that has that cool retro charm. It might not be packed with huge effects or intense action like today’s Marvel stuff, but it has a style and vibe that totally works, especially if you are a fan of the classic Incredible Hulk TV series or just like seeing vintage Marvel in action.
Bill Bixby returns as David Banner, and just like in the original show, he brings so much emotion to the role. His version of the Hulk’s story has always felt more personal and grounded, and that is what makes it so interesting to watch. He is not trying to be a superhero. He is just trying to survive, stay under the radar, and keep the monster inside him under control. But of course, trouble finds him, and things spiral from there.
Lou Ferrigno is back as the Hulk, and even though the makeup and effects are simple by today’s standards, it still works. When the Hulk shows up, it is always exciting, and they know how to build up those moments with the classic transformation scenes, the close-ups, and that intense music. It is awesome if you grew up with this version of the Hulk or just like seeing how things were done before CGI took over everything.
What really makes this movie stand out is the introduction of Daredevil, played by Rex Smith. This was actually one of the first live action appearances of the character, and while it is definitely different from the version we know today, it is still really cool to see. His costume is simple, his vibe is serious, and his scenes with Banner give the movie a nice team up feel. It is kind of like a Marvel crossover before that was a big deal.
The courtroom stuff does not take over the whole movie, despite what the title makes you think. There is some trial drama and a dream sequence that is wild, but most of the movie is more of a crime thriller with a superhero twist. Banner gets caught in a situation he did not ask for, Daredevil steps in, and they team up to take down a crime boss. It is simple but works, especially with the low key tone the movie sticks to.
The villain, played by John Rhys Davies, is solid and gives off that classic bad guy energy. He is not some over the top supervillain. He is just a ruthless criminal who is making life miserable for people and needs to be stopped. It fits the tone of the story and keeps things grounded. You are not watching this for crazy action. You are watching it for the characters and how they deal with the chaos around them.
The pacing is slow at times, and yeah, it definitely feels like a made for TV movie from the eighties, but there is still something fun about that. The music, the lighting, and the camera work all give the movie a throwback feel that I actually liked a lot.
I give The Trial of the Incredible Hulk 4 out of 5 stars because it is a solid, nostalgic superhero movie with heart. It is not flashy or modern, but it has strong characters, a cool crossover, and that old school Marvel magic. Overall The Trial of the Incredible Hulk is a fun, retro superhero movie that brings two classic characters together in a way that still holds up if you are into that era of Marvel. I had a great time watching it, and it made me want to revisit more of these older gems.