This is my first blog on GameSpot, so if I like it, maybe I'll do more.... maybe. Anyway, now that Marvel is making their movies in-house (Marvel Studios), A new wave of films are coming out based on their characters. They did very well with their first attempt, Iron Man (if you haven't seen it, go see it now.... and stay till after the credits!). So how does the new Hulk movie measure up? A lot of people, including myself we're disappointed in 2003's The Hulk, directed by Ang Lee, and are hoping this movie will make up for that. Here's my take on it:

The Incredible Hulk

This movie accomplishes a few things. It gives some nods to the old TV show, uses fancy special effects, has some references from the comics, delivers more action than the Ang Lee film, drops some hints and cameos to the upcoming Avengers movie, and even borrows elements from the Ultimate Destruction video game. On it's own? It doesn't do too much. Ed Norton, Tim Roth, and William Hurt offer decent performances, but nothing groundbreaking. This movie doesn't really allow them to express their true talents.

The story itself is told kind of sloppy and it's very predictable (partially because most of the plot is told in the trailers); as if the whole purpose is to lead up to the big fight between the Hulk and the Abomination. Even though it's an entirely new film and not a sequel, it kind of plays like a sequel... a sequel of a movie that never existed. There's a brief explanation of how Bruce Banner became the Hulk and the relationship between him and Betty Ross, but not enough to fully understand or to suck you into the story. It's rushed through like we're supposed to "already know" how everything happened. In spite of that, the story begins where the first one left off (Bruce as a fugitivehiding in Brazil), they both use a CGI Hulk, and they both have a cameo of Lou Ferrigno as a security guard... but yet, it's not a sequel!

The music score holds up pretty well, and when the actual Hulk action picks up, you can tell there some cool stuff happening, but the camera is too erratic to actually see it. While the effects were good, I personally think the Hulk himself is too detailed and animated; moving around and doing things far too fast. It doesn't seem realistic. That seems to be a problem with CGI teams these days. It's harder to enjoy when your eyes are trying to keep up with what's going on. Plus, slowing things down a bit can add much more weight, strength, and solidity... especially when mixing CG with real life.

Overall, as hard as I tried, I couldn't find much to like about The Incredible Hulk; and it actually made me appreciate the Ang Lee film more. The first film wasn't a bad movie, it's just that there was too much plot, depth, and heart for a movie about a guy who turns into a green monster whenever he gets pissed (and way too much Nick Nolte). But, I disliked this new movie because it lacked in those same areas. Plus, Jennifer Connelly played her role better than Liv Tyler, in my opinion.

I'm sure most people who hated Ang Lee's more character driven version loved this more action oriented flick. There was definitely more "Hulk smashing". But It tries too hard to distance itself from the Ang Lee film, and it's not necessary. The Incredible Hulk doesn't stand too well on it's own and probably would've worked better as a sequel.

Rating: 5.5 out of 10