Change Your Image
iridium_ionizer
Reviews
Hulk (2003)
good visuals, but slow; worth a watch in the theatre
The strengths of this film are its 1)impressive visuals, 2)good acting, and 3)a little bit of fun action. It's weaknesses are mainly tied into its story: 1)excessive details, 2)slow pacing, 3)lack of audience identification with main characters, 4)convoluted final action sequence, 5)lack of comicbookesque peppiness, and 6)lack of screen time for action sequences.
That said, I would like to elucidate my reasoning. **SPOILERS AHEAD**
PROS
1)impressive visuals: The comic-book style transitions hit me in a good way. The other visuals were great too, except maybe for the tree-moss motif being overdone.
2)good acting: Overall great, the scene at the end with the lights was a little overdone.
3)a little bit of fun action: I found the action satisfying.
CONS
1)excessive details: Why did we have to see his origin explained several times over? Why couldn't they have left out the whole crazy dad part, except for the origin?
2)slow pacing: Seriously, it took 45 minutes for him to first turn into the Hulk.
3)lack of audience identification with main characters: Sure, making the protagonist emotionally distant may make him more real, but how are we supposed to root for him? They could have made the motivations behind Bruce and an antagonist (a clear-cut antagonist) clearer and less complicated. I believe it is possible to make a tormented soul still be liked by audiences.
4)convoluted final action sequence: The dad should NOT have changed into anything. This just cheapens Bruce's own powers, not to mention the havoc it wreaks on the carefully built scientific background. I would have found the army just dropping the bomb on him more satisfying than this.
5)lack of comicbookesque peppiness: If, as mentioned in 3), the motivations were clearer, the plot could have been much more fast and upbeat. Plus there could have been a lot more jokes and gags, especially in the fight sequences. They could have made the Hulk say silly things that have a deeper meaning. The audience I saw it with didn't cheer or laugh at all during the movie. That is a problem for a comic-book movie.
6)lack of screen time for action sequences: Why couldn't he have discovered all of his powers more slowly? Perhaps clearing out a biker bar or something to show more hand-to-hand fighting before he starts jumping. The dog scene was great except for the poor lighting (and its tie to the dad).
Finally, its a comic-book movie we are paying to see some super-action fun, not a slow, emotionally unsatisfying story. I felt like I was tricked into seeing an second-rate art-house film. Maybe there was some kind of culture-gap between Ang Lee, audience expectations, and the reality of this film. Still I enjoyed it on the big screen. I don't know how they will squish some of the scenes onto DVD.
The Wizard of Speed and Time (1988)
great film if you like eye-candy and off-the-wall humor
Many films have polarizing effects on the film audience. This is one of them. On the surface the plot is very simple: good man vs. evil system. As the plot takes shape the audience realizes that they are watching a movie that is jam-packed with terrific special effects and a wonderful combination of subtle and audacious humor (with its own off-the-wall style). Some people will tire easily of these, while others will wonder where this gem has been hiding.
This film contains much social commentary on Hollywood's film industry presented in a humorous manner. Despite the non-stop humor the audience can grasp the emotions flowing through Mike as he angrily contends with a horribly, self-loving producer; enthusiastically and sacrificingly seeks to create a film that will amaze and delight people; and sensitively tries to win the love of a young aspiring actress.
Those who enjoy the eye-candy will constantly wonder how Mike did all of those special effects, while those who know this answer will be amazed at his patience.
Overall the film is wonderfully cohesive. The small effects shorts serve as windows into Mike's imagination. The eye-candy shown during the story charms the mind instead of bewildering it (as psychedelic eye-candy often does). The off-the-wall humor and giddy music shows us how Mike's experiences in filmmaking are fun, wonderful adventures. The film shows Mike's internal struggles without appearing ridiculous. If you want to watch something different and good, watch this.