Extended pilot episode for the popular television series of the 1970s, this two hour mini-movie explains the origins and creation of everyone's favourite jolly green giant. Although the story is good and the central casting spot on, this generally left me cold; invariably the special effects have dated and seen in today's light the transformations look pitiful (Fredric March did much better back in 1932 with his transformation into Mr Hyde). There is also an infantile element to the movie, with the Hulk portrayed as a childish brute. Lou Ferrigno looks the imposing part with his incredible physique, but his incessant grunting and ludicrous green wig reduce the visual power of his being and instead just make him look a little laughable.
Bill Bixby is good as the tortured Doctor, haunted by his inability to save his wife from death when others have succeeded in similar circumstances; best of all is Susan Sullivan, who adds a level of credibility to her character which ups the film a notch. The origins of the Hulk are explained carefully with a scientific explanation which sounds good at least; Bixby's character is given a great set-up for his unauthorised experimentation on himself, a breath of fresh air when the reasons for such activities are usually left unsaid. The action sequences are short and tend to make too much use of silly slow motion which hampers any excitement the film tries to generate. Oddly affecting is the explosively-charged finale which adds a mature, tragic element previously missing. Overall I personally didn't enjoy this a whole lot, but comic fans may want to check it out as the first attempt.
Bill Bixby is good as the tortured Doctor, haunted by his inability to save his wife from death when others have succeeded in similar circumstances; best of all is Susan Sullivan, who adds a level of credibility to her character which ups the film a notch. The origins of the Hulk are explained carefully with a scientific explanation which sounds good at least; Bixby's character is given a great set-up for his unauthorised experimentation on himself, a breath of fresh air when the reasons for such activities are usually left unsaid. The action sequences are short and tend to make too much use of silly slow motion which hampers any excitement the film tries to generate. Oddly affecting is the explosively-charged finale which adds a mature, tragic element previously missing. Overall I personally didn't enjoy this a whole lot, but comic fans may want to check it out as the first attempt.