IRON MAN VS THE INCREDIBLE HULK

With the summer already here Marvel have started the blockbuster trend for the year by releasing two projects. Both have big budgets and high expectations. But what do I think of them?

Both are very different. The fun-loving Iron man, its main focus being the sardonic Downey Jr; whilst the more serious Hulk emphasises the relationship between Ross and Banna. The latter is not as polished and perfected as the first however.

Iron Man
After living a life of partying, drinking and basically not giving a damn, Stark travels to Afghanistan in order to make a deal on some explosives. Then everything goes wrong; when Stark is captured by a group of terrorists.

As one would be expecting from a marvel film Iron Man is full of boastful and impressive special effects. Favreau's light-hearted personality really shone through in his latest effort, and that is what is the most appealing aspect to the film. The fact that the exuberance remains throughout without comprising the quality of the plot. The escape from Afghanistan shows a more serious side of Stark that does not become dull or earnest.

Almost everything is done perfectly. The relationship between Potts and Stark does not become too soppy. The plot unravels quite quickly and plays itself out so wonderfully. The portrayal of each character, I am sure will please fans of the comic (although I have never read a comic in my life) Gwyneth, Robert and Terrence do justice to the franchise. My only criticsism would be the short climax which abruptly ended making you wish there was a little more to it. I hope Downey will sign up for more in the series, he has proven to be very popular, and I couldn't imagine anyone else to replace him.

This has to be one of the best super-hero films I have seen in a long time. I am sure that the sequel, without the strain of introducing everything, will be able to pack in more into it.
Real reviewer rating : 9.0

The Incredible Hulk
This time around the Hulk starts off alone. He lives in Brazil in exile. In the search for a cure he heads to New York with Betty Ross.

I wasn't expecting the Hulk to be completely recasted. I felt the its predecesser wasn't awful but Ang Lee's direction was too serious and pretentious, and not to mention it had such a slow start. It had nothing to do with the ability of the cast. Nethertheless Edward Norton is a very good choice for the role. The slight let down is the focus on the love between Ross and Banner. It gets a little boring at times.

The feature is packed full of action from beginning to end. The new Hulk look has improved and the Abomination is spectacular. The scale of the film seems to be a little smaller than the first film.

However it seems to have paved the way for both further Hulk films (the glimpse of the Leader) and an Avengers film that is on the horizon, made evident by the cameo of Tony Stark. The film is a good all-rounder. It lacks a little something in its action scenes though.
Real reviewer rating: 8.00