OK, so this has been a movie that I have been anxiously awaiting for a long time, and believe it or not, I haven't seen it up to this point. But I had seen the 2003 'Hulk' starring Eric Bana as the giant green beast, but had found myself labeling it the worst supehero film I'd ever watched. (I gave it a 2 stars out of 5). After seeing that, I felt the need for redemption in seeing a better film with Hulk. And sure enough, this was much better.
The film stars Edward Norton as Bruce Banner who turns into the Hulk. I had originally thought this was a re-make of the 2003 version so I thought this was a re-boot, but it almost acts as a sequel in ways. I actually liked the concept - the first time he turns into Hulk in the film after being chased by soldiers was one of those "When is he going to get too angry?" so I really enjoyed that and found that well made. The acting is quite solid - from Norton who plays Banner great - with the right passion and attitude towards the character, Norton gets an A for me. Liv Tyler who plays Betty Ross gets a B+ for me. She was pretty solid. Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination was nothing amazing, but he was great. B+ for Roth, as well. William Hurt was beside Norton as the best actor in the film with his portrayal of General Thaddeus Ross. Hurt plays general with a correct amount of passion, he even fools you at times on whether or not he is a good guy or a villain. Which is a sign of great acting if you ask me. That's exactly what his character is about. Ty Burrell's character, Dr Leonard Samson was interesting.. I'm surprised Samson didn't seem to have anger towards Banner considering Banner stole his girlfriend, Betty from him, but he didn't seem to care too much which kind of puzzles me a little bit, but whatever. Tim Blake Nelson is awesome as Dr. Samuel Sterns - he gets a B+ with his great betrayal of the kooky professor. And last but not least, Robert Downey Jr.... god, that was an epic scene. Totally set up The Avengers.. that was by far my favorite scene. Even over the Hulk vs. Abomination scene which was also epic.
The movie has the correct balance - from romance, to on-the-run chases, to Hulk vs. the enemies scenes, the movie is very well balanced so you don't feel like you are watching the same thing the whole entire movie, which makes the movie more appealing and less boring.
So with all that being said, this movie gets a 4.5/5 for me. A huge step up from the nauseating 2003 'Hulk' movie.