Tag: William Hurt

THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Louis Letterier
Written By: Zak Penn (Script Revisions By: Edward Norton)
Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr.
Editing By: Rick Shaine & Vincent Tabaillon & John Wright

Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Ty Burrell, Lou Ferrigno


Depicting the events after the Gamma Bomb. ‘The Incredible Hulk’ tells 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. Whilst on the run from the military which seeks his capture, Banner comes close to a cure. But all is lost when a new creature emerges: The Abomination.

While somewhat improved over the first movie this re-take of the comic character still doesn’t find the right tone for a satisfying hulk project. This film seems to be trying to give the fans everything they want that the first film lacked the only problem is they have a very bare blueprint to base the story elements around

The effects were better in the first film and I liked the moving comic canvas of the first film it at least showed some inspiration here with Edward Norton in the lead and helping with the script I expected a better output than what I saw on the screen. The plot wasn’t that interesting or engaging. This film was very painted by numbers story-wise it had classic action scenes and a CGI battle between two beasts but when I watched this film I don’t remember asking for an animated film sure I want a comic book movie that might involve a little fantasy but do want some realism. It also does the requisite by involving a character who seems minor but perfectly setting up a villain for the sequel for those who notice.

One of the problems I don’t think Louis Leterrier was the right director for this project he is used to making fast-paced action films I know directors are supposed to have a wide range but he’s not ready for that yet. This is a hero film for the MTV generation with all the fast cuts and such. It also appears that the film was entirely filmed on backlots and soundstages I can understand the need for secrecy during filming so that no one knows in advance what is happening. But the budget for this film is huge the funny thing is it doesn’t show on the screen other than the effects everything else looks cheap or false not making for the best looking film.

The one female they showed in Brazil must be the only one for miles around and she is over the top hot yet has no lines. Tim Roth as one-note as the villain that really showed no motivation at all for his villain. Liv Tyler and Edward Norton for old long-lost lovers seem to have no chemistry and both seem to try very hard to have it. This hurts the film since at the heart of this tale is a love story in the middle of a comic book film. For all the ingredients in this tale, the poetic and artistic integrity of this film doesn’t feel very deep as it wants to be. William Hurt as General Thunderbolt Ross made me remember. How much I missed Sam Elliot as the same character from the first film he was compassionate and doing his job William hurt here just seems like a jerk who says he loves his daughter but his actions prove otherwise.

Don’t get me wrong there were good things in this movie the chase scene through the favela comes to mind. But nothing too noteworthy.

Why is it in colossal disaster films New York is the city all the destruction takes place in and where the epic battles must be fought? Does New York really need more publicity we have enough tourism to go and destroy some other cities it would be nice to see maybe to have stuff go down in Miami or Arizona there’s a lot of open space and dessert there.

While the film might work as an action-adventure film. Which tries to improve upon the mistakes of THE HULK movie. Which was more artistic and character-driven.So as that was more the origin story this film was more the continuing adventures of Bruce Banner. So like most sequels, it was more action-packed and go bigger as we know the characters already.
Though it also shows the limitations of director Louis Letterier who is skilled when it comes to more action films and sequences. He has more of a problem doing emotional scenes and making the film feel more dramatic.
While the film might work as an action-adventure film. Which tries to improve upon the mistakes of THE HULK movie. Which was more artistic and character-driven.
So as that was more the origin story this film was more the continuing adventures of Bruce Banner. So like most sequels, it was more action-packed and go bigger as we know the characters already.
Though it also shows the limitations of director Louis Letterier who is skilled when it comes to more action films and sequences. He has more of a problem doing emotional scenes and making the film feel more dramatic.

Spoiler – Plus what the hell are they going to do with the abomination now that the hulk didn’t kill him and he can’t turn human again and we know the professor is going to turn into the villain the leader the smile on his face is like a wink to the audience or fans of the comic at least.

Spoiler end

So in the end you have to wonder was it worth all of your attention to make a film that is the same quality as the original but instead of character and emotions, this film is all about action and special effects.

GRADE: C-

BLACK WIDOW (2021)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Cate Shortland
Written By: Eric Pearson 
Story By: Jac Schaeffer & Ned Benson
Cinematography: Gabriel Beristain 
Editor: Leigh Folsom Boyd & Matthew Schmidt 

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, David Harbour, Ray Winstone, O-T Fagbenie, William Hurt, Olga Kurylenko, Nanna Blondell

Natasha Romanoff aka Black  Widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

This film is a prequel of sorts that is almost a last hurrah for actress Scarlet Johansson in the role. Though it gives the character her props. It still manages to be a setup for future marvel series and movies. As we know the eventual fate of Johansson’s character in other Marvel movies.

Though in the marvel universe that keeps setting up a multiverse. They have proven the saying “Never say, Never” 

The film has top-notch action sequences. Though you might find yourself hoping for more grittiness in them and throughout the rest of the film. As it seems like it will be going down and dirty, but comes off almost too polished. The film relies heavily on hand-to-hand action scenes.

At least this movie offers more action and fighting than some other Marvel films. So much so that when there are dialogue scenes the film seems to drag. 

As at heart, this is a full-on espionage film, only simplified and without most of the confusion, those films can bring. 

The film’s theme seems to be that we all must pay for past crimes. Even throughout, the Black widow doesn’t bother to change her look or Into too many outfits. So she always seems barely hidden in plain sight.

It’s clear throughout that the cast is having fun and David Harbour in particular is a riot. One only wishes his HELLBOY performance was as much fun. 

The film’s main weakness is the villain. Who feels hollow. A similar problem was felt in ANT-MAN & THE WASP. Where the villain was weak in terms of creation and really only behind a truly bigger one who was using them. So essentially they are more of a weapon than a character or menace. That is the character of the TASKMASTER in this film. 

The main villain is Ray Winstone here he is good as always playing a villain and is believable in villainous roles usually. Especially ones who are made to be hated and despicable. Where do you believe he really would enjoy assaulting females by punching them in the face. 

It might be that the villain here is too simple and pedestrian compared to the ones we have seen in other Marvel films. Which can be a nice change of pace. Though might have helped if the film was made or brought forth earlier. As of now, it feels like a kind of break from world changers. 

That’s what it is good at. Just as ANTMAN & THE WASP was a more comedic adventure with science. It makes you totally forget the lacking villain. In fact hard to remember the villain from the get-go. 

The film goes for diversity as most of the female assassins under the villain’s plan are women of color. Who he considers as early on it’s noticeable and disturbing that the bench people the heroes fought and killed were mostly minorities. Which is kind of explained with the villains’ attitude towards them yet not the films? 

A little shocked when watching these films that respected actors such as Florence Pugh and Rachel Weisz are in it, but these days who isn’t in a superhero or big-budget franchise movie?

In the end the film comes across as trying to be more serious than what it is meant to be pure entertainment and fun. 

Grade: B-