THE INCREDIBLE HULK (Released To Theaters USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Incredible Hulk—a suitable to okay remake—has better storyline than the last film but do not expect much improvement anywhere else in the movie. Edward Norton, in looks, seems a better choice than Eric Bana and overall, gives a better interpretation of the Hulk's character. But neither Norton or Bana are as good as Mark Ruffalo who took the Hulk personality to a whole different level.  William Hurt replaces Sam Elliot. Tim Roth cannot seem to get enough evil out for his final fight with the Norton Hulk. Watch for Tim Blake Nelson as the intellectual.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

 Bruce Banner is injected with an experimental chemical that can turn him into the Hulk.  

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Louis Leterrier for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Stan Lee, David Maisel, and Jim Van Wyck, for making the film possible. Cast includes: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, Christina Cabot, Peter Mensah, Lou Ferrigno, and Paul Soles. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is an okay to suitable watch and tells a better story than the Eric Bana version. But Mark Ruffalo retains the Gold Standard in the interpretation and overall believability of the Hulk's personality.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

PUMPING IRON (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Pumping Iron—a documentary film—shows the close-knit camaraderie within the body building community. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu inspire respect for body building. The movie is a definite ‘must see’ for those who aspire to body building for professional competitions.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The one hundred days leading up to competition for Mr. Olympia becomes the primary storyline in this documentary.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors George Butler and Robert Fiore for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Jerome Gary and George Butler for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Himself), Lou Ferrigno (Himself), Matty Ferrigno (Himself), Victoria Ferrigno (Herself), Mike Katz (Himself), Franco Columbu (Himself), Ed Corney (Himself), Ken Waller (Himself), Serge Nubret (Himself), Robbie Robinson (Himself), Marianne Claire (Herself), Frank Zane (Himself), David DuPress (Himself), Eddie Giuliani (Himself), Danny Padilla (Himself), Denny Gable (Himself), Roger Callard (Himself), Paul Grant (Himself), Bill Grant (Himself), John Isaacs (Himself), and Narrator (voice of Charles Gaines).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The documentary gets down to the heart of the discipline, what makes it work, and how to work it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers