Customer Reviews

Incredible Hulk Returns [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In former days, that is to say from 1978 to 1982, there was a television series called "The Incredible Hulk," which served to answer the question what if you crossed "The Fugitive" with the Jolly Green Giant. David Bruce Banner (Bill Bixby) was a brilliant scientist who was studying the effects of stress on physical strength. In a classic laboratory accident he was exposed to a massive dosage of gamma rays. The result was that when Banner became angry, he turned into the Incredible Hulk (Lou Ferrigno). Banner spent four seasons traveling around the country trying to find a cure and stay one step ahead of Jack McGee (Jack Colvin), the tabloid reporter on his heels. Of course, at every stop he made his alter ego would announce his presence with authority at some point and save the day.

"The Incredible Hulk Returns" was the 1988 television movie, which, despite its title, was also a test run for a television show about another Marvel superhero, the Mighty Thor. The two were clearly kindred spirits since you had "normal" Dr. Donald Blake (Steve Levitt) and the Norse god of thunder (Eric Allan Kramer), who is actually now downgraded to an ancient Viking warrior to avoid religious implications. Banner is now working at the Joshua Lambert Institute (under the name of Banyan) on the development of a gamma transponder, a device that will provide cheap, clean energy for the world (good) while getting rid of the Hulk forever (even better). "Banyan" is involved with Dr. Maggie Shaw (Lee Purcell), but cannot get series with her until he curbs his inner monster. Then his old colleague Blake shows up with his own inner creature (who is most decided NOT the noble Thor of the Stan Lee & Jack Kirby comic book). Blake shows Banner what happens with his magic hammer, which triggers the transformation of both into their alter egos and leads to a big fight. Then, just for fun, we throw in Maggie being kidnapped by Jack LeBeau (Tim Thomerson) who wants the gamma transponder as her ransom. You can figure out the rest from this point.

The good news here is that "The Incredible Hulk Returns" is not simply a rehash of the story. Banner has actually tried to rebuild his life while looking for his cure instead of continue to wander from town to town. This actually breathes some new life into the character. The bad news is that Thor is now suddenly a super-macho beer guzzler, and even despite the fact he has been downgraded from being the Norse god of thunder (he is a god, he just does not play one on TV), there are still lightning effects (pretty good ones too). The plot is pedestrian, which is par for comic book superheroes, but it does not just rehash the television series, which is a point to the good. The result is above average as long as you do not take the whole thing too seriously.

Bill Bixby returns as his most requested television character role. I don't think anyone could get beaten up as well as David Banner. The Return of the Incredible Hulk, is a great way to bring back the beloved television characters. This film has David Banner hoping to finally cure himself of the Hulk, but he doesn't. Not only does the Hulk return, but now Thor is in on the action, and throughout this movie, there is plenty of action!
The follow up to this movie, is even better! The Trial of The Incredible Hulk. This film has the Hulk paired with DareDevil. The story was excellent, and had plenty of action from both characters. What I liked best about this movie was at the end. David Banner, was able to control the Hulk, was not beaten up, and he even put a forceful hold on a bad guy! I'm sure that some fans wanted more Hulk, but for once it was nice to see Bill Bixby get tough on his own. (Thanks Bill, for putting so much into your character through the years, and for helping bring back a legend! We miss you, God Bless...

While, not a die-hard comic book fan, I have always been, however, a big Viking fan. The concept of Thor Being summoned up by the Mjollnir was pretty cool. I thought it was great because Thor was a Viking, and acted like a Viking would. Since I've seen the movie way-back when (and a month ago on Sci-Fi) I loved it. "Simple, just call forth the green Troll!" Umm...Lou Ferrigno is pimp too, but to reiterate--THOR! My Odin be with you all in the halls of Valhalla

Ten years after the beguinning of the series and six years after the end, The Good Doctor Banner and is alter-ego(the Hulk) are brought back to the small screen with a new comics-book hero: "Thor". This movie looks like more a comics book adventure than the original TV-Hulk adventure(the series was more serious, more dramatic). Note: This movie was supposed to be a tv-pilot for a "Thor" series. Unfortunately, the series never came. This movie is for all family and for all comics-book fans.

"The Incredible Hulk Returns" is definately a movie for all ages. It possessed elements of the old classic series as well as exploring new dimensions. This movie saw the great green giant team up with another marvel superhero "The Mighty Thor". Although some may be sceptical and reluctant of the "Hulk" being paired with another superhero let me assure you that this classic series does not lose any of it's qualities that made the show unique in everyway. A very entertaining movie surely not to disappoint.

I watched this movie the first time it came on TV when I was back in high school. As a die-hard comics fan, I liked the Hulk. A lot of purists blew smoke about the poor rendition of the Mighty Thor, but hey, for the most part they got it right other than the costume. (And some Thor is better than no Thor.) Besides, it wasn't often in the series that Hulkie fought and fought with someone on his level. 5 stars because this was the best of the 3 movies after the series.

The Incredible Hulk Returns focused on Dr. David Banner continuing his search for a cure years after the original series had ended. In this movie he met the Mighty Thor and they fought side by side to rescue the woman he loved. Excellent movie for the Hulk fan. END

It was amazing i wish they'd never took it off tv.

David Banner is back trying to "control the beast that lies within him". As usual Mr. Mcghee is still trying to find him. Everyone is older and it shows. The problem with this one is that the focus shifts too much towards Thor. A better story would have been better. Plus technology looked better 10 years earlier, you would think that the metamorphisis would look better, but it looks worse. However, if you are a die hard Hulk fan you will want to own this, but you will feel cheated. END