Editorial: Hulk vs. The Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk seems to be far, far better than Hulk. But when you examine both films closely, is it? Let's put these films head-to-head.

Visual pun.

Plot
As I said before, Hulk throws a twist or a flashback or a revelation at you in every scene. The Incredible Hulk is simply content to tell its story. As such, simply because you don't need to read the Wikipedia summary to understand it, the point goes to The Incredible Hulk.

But it's important to note that while The Incredible Hulk is simply a better story told in a more coherent way, Hulk took risks. It only fell further because it had farther to fall.

But it still fell.

Point: The Incredible Hulk 

Themes
Let's throw out all the psychological stuff and focus on the tone of the films.

Hulk is horror in the vein of Jekyll and Hyde, The Incredible Hulk is horror in the vein of the Wolfman. Hulk is "What have I become?"  The Incredible Hulk is "How do I destroy it?" And that has more story opportunities than simply saying "I'm a monster, woe is me."

Point: The Incredible Hulk

Stan Lee Cameo
I can only imagine that Stan Lee's possible death by drinking blood-tainted soda will become more than a little awkward to watch when our dear Generalissimo eventually passes on. Add to that the pure fun of seeing Stan the Man ham it up while standing side-by-side with Lou Ferrigno, and I've gotta give the point to Hulk.

Point: Hulk

Visuals
The Incredible Hulk wins. Hands down. Not only were the effects much better, but the cinematography was more coherent and the prologue didn't feel the need to mutilate sea creatures.  Though I will admit the visuals in Hulk were certainly creative and striking....

At least these sea creatures didn't have their corpses desecrated.

They distracted from the film at large at certain points. Plus the editing was ill advised at best. At worst, it was terrible.

Point: The Incredible Hulk

Bruce Banner Krenzler vs Bruce Banner
Eric Bana and Edward Norton both represent the character in different ways, but each portrayal is completely accurate to the character.

Eric Bana's Bruce Banner Krenzler is a repressed nerd who hides decades of anger, angst, and mental illness behind a stony wall of calmness. This is in line with the more pop psychology-oriented runs on the character, notably in the 80's. But Edward Norton plays him as a regretful genius determined to rid the world of the monstrosity he created, which is the version of the character that pops up the most in adaptations.

Both portrayals are accurate to the core of the character, and both actors are clearly putting their acting chops into their performances. As such, the only way I can fairly judge them is on which portrayal I simply liked watching more. And with that criteria, I simply have to go with Edward Norton. Bana's repressed stoicism is simply not as entertaining as watching Edward Norton's charisma in action. The fact that Norton's Bruce Banner is more "Zen" than "Vulcan" allows him to emote more, deliver better lines, and do something besides angst.

Point: The Incredible Hulk

The Hulk
Better special effects aside, the Hulk gets better quiet moments and better action scenes in the sequel.

Point: The Incredible Hulk

Betty Ross
Neither of them do much of anything, Liv Tyler gets overemotional, and Jennifer Connelly doesn't emote enough.

Point: Tie

General Ross
William Hurt's Ahab-inspired take is simply not as engaging as Sam Elliott's warm, fatherly, conflicted take. Sam Elliott was more engaging, simple as that.

Point: Hulk

David Banner vs. Emil Blonsky
While they're both madmen-turned-monsters, David is more of a madman and Emil is more of a monster. Both characters are enjoyable in their own way, like apples and oranges.

Point: Tie

The X-Factor
Strictly speaking, The Incredible Hulk was a better movie in terms of acting, storytelling, editing, and special effects.... but as I said earlier, it still felt like it was playing it safe when compared to Hulk.  So I have to give Hulk the X-Factor point simply because it was reaching for the stars while The Incredible Hulk simply tried to not suck.

Point: Hulk

Final Scores
Hulk: 3
The Incredible Hulk: 5

The Incredible Hulk is simply a better movie. But that's not to say you can't have fun with the oddity that is Ang Lee's Hulk.