Those two points are exactly what I was trying to address with my little dialog fixes. I recently heard a phrase in a writing workshop: “Hang a lantern on it.” Which means, the info is there, but not highlighted. Point it out to the reader/audience. In movies, the only way to do that is with imagery or dialog, and The Incredible Hulk utilized neither.

Lee’s Hulk: Here’s my fix: Daddy Bruce goes into the Gamma Ray machine, intending to become Absorbing Man. It fails (the whole point was Bruce’s genetic makeup allowed him to survive!). Intercut the picture of the frog exploding from early in the movie. He’s dead. The film ends with the Hulk falling from the plane, Betty being told he’s dead, and then Bruce walking the earth like Kane from Kung Fu…

The problem I had with this new Hulk is that virtually none of the major character decisions came out of…well, character. Instead, it feels all too obvious the characters do what they do because the script requires it, especially near the end. Why does Blonsky want to go the extra mile near the end to become the Abomination? It’s In The Script. Why does Banner suddenly decide, with little difficulty, to Hulk out one last time? IITS.

I also just missed Sam Elliott as General Ross.

If you cut out the goo monster in Ang Lee’s Hulk, it’s a fabulous movie.

There’s apparently 70-odd minutes missing from this cut of the film. Cut, apparently, to enhance the “HULK SMASH!” vibe, and diminish the “Banner talky-talky blah blah” feel, which is what the powers that be seems to think was the problem with Ang Lee’s Hulk, and not the “Hulk fights an amorphous, poorly lit CG blur for the last fifteen minutes” issue.

I imagine that the inevitable extended, Director’s Cut DVD might solve a couple of the issues you raise.

Here’s to hoping, anyway.

I like a lot of what Edward Norton has done (Fight Club, anyone?). But not everything. Part of my problem is I actually liked the last Hulk movie from a few years ago quite a bit. I think Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly had more chemistry than Norton and Tyler.

It’s not that Norton was bad in this Hulk, but I think three supremely talented actors — Norton, Roth, and Hurt — were rather wasted by a script that didn’t have much direction to it.

Haven’t seen the Hulk yet…but yep, I remember the TV show.

I saw Lou Ferrigno on a DragonCon panel (with David Prowse, no less) last year.

Both were kind, insightful and spun some wonderful tales. Yet neither did dialogue in their starring roles. Extra helpings of irony, anyone? Please and thank you.

P.S. You, too, were awesome at DC, Carrie. Took many notes from your comments on writing. And thanks for signing my copy of Midnight Hour!

That said, I really liked the new Indy movie so who knows. Maybe I can watch and ignore the weak plotlines.

Ooooo Ooooooooo Ooooooooo I picked up the last two Kitty books today–but no reading until I finish my WIP