The Incredible Hulk
User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 316 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 266 out of 316
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 316
  3. Negative: 20 out of 316

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  1. HenryW.
    Sep 20, 2008
    2
    I don't think I've ever seen such a boring movie.
  2. equality7-2521
    Jun 13, 2008
    2
    Here's the GOOD: I liked the first 15 minutes (the opening credits and the Brazilian sequence). I liked Tim Roth's performance. I am a huge fan of Craig Armstrong, who did the score, and this one was not bad. I'm a huge fan of Danny the Dog, one of Louis Leterrier's movies (starred Jet Li). And of course I loved Robert Downey Jr's appearance as Tony Stark. And if you paid attention, the reference to Nick Fury in the opening credits was exciting. Here's the BAD: The movie was an embarrassment. How could I be suckered into this. All of my instincts told me that they were going to DUMB it down (to the same level as the Fantastic Four movies). And that's what they did. This movie is strictly for 5 year old kids. The action was so BORING. God, really I didn't care about anyone in this flick. Okay, so I wasted my money and 2 hours of my life. THAT is not such a big deal. But here's what DISTURBS me: We know Marvel has plans for an AVENGERS movie. AND they have plans for the CAPTAIN AMERICA movie. These are really important, and dare I say sacred properties... Are their plans to continue making lame kiddie flicks? or treat them with the respect they deserve? I love Captain America and I will have nightmares if the eff it up. I hope Jon Favreau directs both Captain America and the Avengers. He's proven himself with Iron Man. It would be a dream if Bryan Singer came back to do these but he's busy with the Superman movies. Well, at least we have this to look forward to: The greatest movie of all time is being released next month. Yes, that's Christopher Nolan's THE DARK KNIGHT. See you there. BTW, I loved Ang Lee's Hulk released 5 years ago. It would have been brilliant had he been hired for the sequel. I will have to pretend I didn't watch Hulk 2008.… Expand
  3. Blackpanther
    Jun 14, 2008
    4
    This movie was just OK. 10 times better than the Happening.
  4. ValmeekyR.
    Jun 26, 2008
    3
    The low rating is based on comparing this movie to Hulk 2003 which was truly about the Hulk, a character born of an accident with gamma radiation which unleashes suppressed mental trauma (quite violently). Leterrier's Hulk is a tribute to the 1977 series (i.e. Banner purposely exposes himself to gamma radiation to improve his physiology). Ang Lee's Hulk was a gigantic, disproportionate and child-like monster. Leterrier's Hulk looked a muscular man and moved like a character in Streetfighter. I'm sure the video game moves (and the weak-ass thunderclap) fascinated some people but I wanted to see the more of the Hulk's psyche exposed including a better symbiosis with Banner and waaaay more destruction when fighting a powerhouse like the Abomination.… Expand
  5. LawrieS.
    Jun 28, 2008
    1
    I find it difficult to say how bad this film truly is. There is a really bad plot (hulk gets chased by American military, done), there is virtually no script as anyone hardly ever says anything, it's really dark, the hulk is a pussy, please let me stop. OK Tim Roth is an uber soldier that turns into a bigger and more evil creature than the hulk, please get real! Save yourself the time and DO NOT WATCH IT!!… Expand
  6. EFT
    Jun 21, 2008
    2
    I don't get it. I thought this movie was terrible, and I thought Ang Lee's Hulk was great. Why does everyone think just the opposite? Besides not being as well directed or written, the CGI is far weaker.
  7. PhilB.
    Sep 18, 2008
    3
    Terrible, can't believe it received such positive reviews. The action was stilted, the script was appalling and the lead actress looked like she'd been to the plastic surgeon a few too many times, the nose and the upper lip. Worst movie I've seen in a long time, I love eddy norton, but this was atrocious.
  8. FunesMemorious
    Dec 26, 2008
    1
    The claymation SFX: genius!
  9. Chris
    Jun 22, 2008
    2
    This movie became a precedent for my movie going experiences. Prior to this film, I had never gone into the theatre with lowered expectations for a film and walked out disappointed. This film was abominable. Any thinking or inquisitive person would only have one questioning thought throughout; 'how?' How does logic not touch upon the writer of this film. How do you go about making a film of paramount stupidity and not halt production to avoid the shame having your name in the credits of "The Incredible Hulk". I give this two points, one for each scene that works. This mindless dribble had my buddies and I laughing throughout. Skip it.… Expand
  10. Nick
    May 11, 2009
    4
    Even with Ed Norton this turned out to pretty much be just a mindless thrillride, with worse special effects than the first Hulk.
  11. supersigy
    May 22, 2012
    3
    There are no performances because no one really has lines or any character moments. The plot essentially comprises of going from A to B to C with a chase scene leading to a fight at each location. There is no continuity or suspense. How many times do you shoot Hulk with assault rifles until you realize the bullets bounce off? Oh maybe if I do a cartwheel over him and shot him with my 9mm that will do the trick. Worst of all this movie is filled with head scratching stupid decisions and plot devices that ruin what little moment it has. Even worse than Captain America. At least that had 20 okay minutes. When can we start making real movies again? Seriously.… Expand
  12. Halfwelshman
    Dec 17, 2011
    4
    The main problem I have with The Incredible Hulk is that it can't decide what it wants to be - a sequel to Ang Lee's Hulk or a reboot of the franchise, and consequently it becomes neither. Despite this drawback it has a promising beginning - the opening favella set-piece is pure Bourne, and is engaging, tense, and action-packed. There are also some nice references to the 70s TV series throughout that I'm sure fans will appreciate. What The Incredible Hulk lacks almost entirely is emotion. None of the cast compare to those of Ang Lee's film - Edward Norton is not as grounded and complex as Eric Bana's Bruce Banner, Liv Tyler's Betty Ross isn't grounded in any way, nor is she a believable scientist, unlike the more understated Jennifer Connelly, and William Hurt simply isn't as cool as Sam Elliott. Regarding new cast members, Tim Roth isn't a particularly compelling villain, but Tim Blake Nelson is entertaining, but doesn't get enough screen-time. The film also suffers from the same drawback that blighted Captain America - it's forced to set up next 2012's super hero extravaganza The Avengers. What you get from The Incredible Hulk is a mildly entertaining diversion. It's not as complex, or interesting as Hulk, but it's far from incompetent. The action is handled well, if unimaginatively, and I'm still not convinced that effects are good enough to portray The Hulk as part of the real world. Let's just hope that's changed by next year. when the not-so-jolly green giant is portrayed by his third actor in his cinematic career. Good luck, Mr Ruffalo.… Expand
  13. 777Faron
    Jun 21, 2012
    3
    This movie is very badly directed, and i just didn't care about any of the characters. Edward Norton was the only spot of light. I don't get it... Ang Lee's Hulk was miles better as a movie, and actually had an emotional story and characters i could at least somewhat relate to. Is it that people's tastes have really degenerated so much that the majority prefer this ridiculously mediocre movie to the Ang Lee's version? Or are the majority of reviewers just kids who prefer it just because... well, it's newer... and Hulk says: "Hulk smash!" Either way, it's embarrassing.… Expand
  14. Tss5078
    Mar 3, 2013
    4
    The Incredible Hulk, not to be confused with the movie Hulk, is the first of the individual movies that introduces us to The Avengers, and that's the only reason why I decided to see it, as I never really cared much for the character. I mean think about it, this scientist whose trying to create a super soldier tries the solution on himself, and now when he gets angry he turns into a WWE Superstar! As for the film, it's not much better. I love Edward Norton, he's a big name and a star in his own right, but he's just about the last person I would choose to be the Hulk. His whole personality wasn't right for the part. I like his co-star, Liv Tyler too, and it wasn't that she was bad in this film, it's that her role was a joke and she had absolutely no chemistry with Norton. Tim Roth was the bright spot in the movie, as he's one of those guys who can adapt to any role and I think I'd have preferred to see him as the Hulk. As for the story, parts of it were decent, but they skipped the whole part of the story that I wanted to see! The film starts five years later, in Brazil, I wanted to see how the story started and what prompted banner into doing this. I hate superheroes and I hate their movies, but the Avengers stories have been different. With the exception of Thor, they have for the most part been somewhat realistic and believable. The story here is lame and the movie is based on special effects which did nothing to help the film. The last half hour of the movie, I felt as though I was watching Peter Griffin fight the Big Chicken and I honestly hated every minute of it!… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Empire
    Reviewed by: Simon Crook
    60
    A franchise rebooted with efficiency, energy and sporadic invention, although Hulk 2.0 hardly smashes it out of the park.
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  2. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Robert Wilonsky
    60
    Cheers to lower expectations, then, because The Incredible Hulk is The Pretty Good Hulk. All things considered, of course.
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  3. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    75
    The Incredible Hulk is a more traditional superhero movie than its predecessor and should please those who want their not-so-jolly green giant served with helpings of action. This film provides less talk and more smashing.
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