Published: July 10, 2008 08:48 am         

Teen Talk: Weekend Reviews: ’08 ‘Hulk’ improved; split on ‘Get Smart’

Hello, good citizens of Earth. It’s me, Adam, with another review for you. Once more, I’ve skimmed the edges of my deadline to bring you the most recent movie possible.



This month, we’ll be going over “The Incredible Hulk” and “Get Smart,” two highly anticipated films.



Let’s start with “The Incredible Hulk,” Marvel’s latest. Edward Norton replaced Eric Bana as the infamous Bruce Banner, while Liv Tyler replaced Jennifer Connelly as Banner’s love interest, Betsy Ross. Additionally, we have a change in the role of General Ross, as William Hurt replaced Sam Elliot. Overall, the change in cast was, intentionally punned, incredible.



Although Liv Tyler could not portray the emotion that Jennifer Connelly could in the 2003 “Hulk,” she was balanced out by the amazing skill of Edward Norton, whose portrayal of Banner showed the true conflict of the doctor while giving a sense of realism to the character, a great contrast from Bana’s dramatic performance. Meanwhile, Hurt roughly equaled Elliot’s role of General Ross, keeping the same man conflicted by duty to his daughter, and duty to his country.



All in all, the casting was much better than the 2003 film.



As for the look of the Hulk, I can plainly and honestly say that the redesigned look of the Hulk is better than any attempt I’ve seen.



The attention to detail is impressive, using a combination of several techniques to acquire a green skin-like texture to the Hulk, as opposed to the 2003’s paint-like quality.



As for the plot of the new movie, let me say that it feels good to have an actual villain for the Hulk.



I know that the first film had its villains, but I like the feel of a villain who is almost an antithesis to the Hulk _ somebody who wants to be like the Hulk just for the sake of a fight.



I love the principle, and the fact that this character is something that brings around a turning point not found until about 10 minutes from the end of the second movie, a mental climax that had been waiting for almost two films. For an all-around good film, I give “The Incredible Hulk” an 8.5 out of 10. Sorry, Hulk, but Tony Stark of “Iron Man” kicked your butt on this one.



Anyway, let’s continue with “Get Smart,” the movie adaptation of the famous ’60s show. Luckily, Mel Brooks, comic genius (and one of the creators of the original show) worked on the film. This let me know that it was going to be good, knowing the kind of work that Brooks does.



I am torn with this movie. While Steve Carell brings a really unique flair to the character of Maxwell Smart, Don Adams was the original Smart, and one cannot compare. Although, I rather enjoyed Anne Hathaway as Agent 99. I wish I could explain why, but I can’t. No words are coming to mind.



The sense of humor in the movie is a turnaround from the ’60s show. Where as the show was a Brooksist (one must love neologism) style of comedy, the movie tended to be slightly cheesy. It used a sense of humor that we see often in movies today, sarcastic comments, simple slapstick. What I did enjoy was the use of catchphrases that were used in the original show, such as “Missed it by that much,” “Sorry about that, Chief,” and “Would you believe...?” It was almost like a way to praise the show.



Strangely enough, I’d have to say that my least favorite part about the movie was that it had too much action. For a show that seemed to be a joke on the secret agent persona, it’s interesting to see the movie make a secret agent movie with a little bit of jokes. It seemed almost an inverse to the show, and that bothered me a little.



Probably, you can see my problem. On one hand, I enjoyed the movie. On the other, I enjoyed the show. Together, I think that the movie didn’t hold true to the show. So, if you really loved the show, and don’t want to see things changed, see the movie at your own risk. However, it is a good movie for those who like a little Mel Brooks or Steve Carrell now and then. I’m giving “Get Smart” a 7 out of 10, because it didn’t respect the show enough.



So, that’s all for the column this month. Next month, I’ll take a look at some singing comedians, and let you guys in on an up-and-coming artist whose six-song album has just been released on iTunes. Until then, long days and pleasant nights to all



Adam Munio is a junior at Unadilla Valley Central School. He can be reached at pentwarrior@yahoo.com.