The Incredible Hulk Returns Review

MPAA Rating: NR
Released: 1988

The Incredible Hulk was a smash television hit through a good portion of the 70's, but unfortunately in 1982 it was taken off the air, much to the dismay of its countless fans. The popularity of this series never died, so finally in 1988 the original Hulk duo (Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno) returned in a made-for-TV movie: The Incredible Hulk Returns. Wait! Before you dismiss this as a cheap television movie, make sure you view the feature attraction and learn the truth behind this film.

Television viewers in 1988 welcomed The Incredible Hulk Returns as warmly as they would a long-lost friend. And to a large degree, the Incredible Hulk (played by Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno) was a long-lost friend with the successful television series having been cancelled in the early 80's.

The late Bill Bixby was a brilliant actor that just absorbed the role of David Banner and made it his own. He possessed a sincerity and quiet charisma that provided credibility to a comic book character – we could relate with him and almost feel his inner torment. Bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno was a great choice as Banner's alter ego, the Hulk. He possessed the bulk of the comic book character as well as his animalistic essence.

Having been able to control his emotions and thereby stave off any transformations for two years, David Banner is on the verge of a permanent cure via a Gamma Transponder, one of his inventions. Unfortunately before Banner has the opportunity to use the transponder an old colleague visits him to share a secret he has unearthed in the tomb of a Nordic warrior. The secret is none other than Thor's hammer, and during the conversation the Mighty Thor (Eric Allen Kramer) is summoned.

As if the ale-crazed Nordic warrior wasn't trouble enough, a band of terrorists are set on stealing Banner's invention. When their original plot doesn't go quite as planned David's girlfriend is kidnapped and eventually Banner must embrace his inner beast and team up with his former nemesis, Thor, to rescue his love.

This is an extremely fun movie that rolls along at a quick pace. Watching the two comic heroes battle it out at the start is very satisfying, but things really pick up when Thor and David Banner come to terms with each other and set out to rescue Banner's girlfriend. When you place an ancient boozing and womanizing barbarian in the midst of the big city there are many opportunities for hilarity as cultures clash, and I'm glad to say the producers of this movie didn't waste those chances. There are many lighthearted and outright funny moments scattered to be enjoyed.

Some stodgy viewers may accuse this movie of being cheesy fluff, but these are the same people that miss the point entirely. Although Bixby was a fantastic actor, ultimately this series (and this movie) wasn't meant to be a work of art. It was meant to be fun! It is based on a comic book character, after all.

If you're looking for a lighthearted and fun flick to pass approximately 90 minutes of your time, you could do much worse than this one. Don't let the fact it was originally made for television dissuade you… it's a great movie.

As a side note, this movie is sold as part of a 2 disc set which also includes The Trial Of The Incredible Hulk and a huge assortment of interviews, documentaries and extras. All comic book and 80's fans will find this set to be a fantastic value.

Movie rating: 8 stars

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