For over a year now, several trailers have been making the rounds across the internet, anticipating the release of one of the most hyped films of the blockbuster filled summer of 2003, Hulk. When I was told that Ang Lee, a fantastic director of such art house films as Sense and Sensibility and The Ice Storm, would be taking on a marvel comic book phenomenon, I was surprised, but intrigued. When I was told that Eric Bana, a relatively unknown actor in America (though he was great in Black Hawk Down and the Australian film Chopper) would be playing Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the Hulk - I was even more surprised. So the bottom line is, I have been anticipating this film for a long time; fascinated by the risk the folks over at Universal are taking with their cast and crew choices. In the end though, only one thing matters - is the Hulk a success?

For those who aren't familiar with the story line of this film, it basically goes as follows - David Banner (Nick Nolte) is a crazy scientist of sorts who uses his four-year-old son as a scientific guinea pig for a new formula he has created. The formula has proven harmful in animal experiments and Banner is told to the put an end to his project by General Thunderbolt Ross (Sam Elliot). Banner loses his mind and commits a crime that puts him away for 30 years, leaving his young son to be adopted. Bruce Banner (Eric Bana), now a research scientist, is a person with no memory of his first four years of life, and someone who contains something very unique inside of him… just waiting for the right time to come out. That time proves to be after a scientific experiment goes wrong. Banner transforms into the Hulk, the anti-hero of all comic books, the result of the sins of his father.

So, after seeing the film, I must say it is a success. The CGI character of the Hulk is one of the most inspired works of special effects I have ever seen. Though entirely CGI, the green monster lives, breathes, gets wet, and moves in its environment as if it is a living being. And the bottom line in the success of this film, even more than the direction or acting in it - is dependent on people's willingness to accept the CGI character.

But back to the directing and acting - Ang Lee does a fantastic job pulling off an action movie with a dark character study, a drama within an action film, and basically an incredibly fast paced and inspired nearly two and a half hours. The acting is great by all of the main characters. Eric Bana reveals the troubled soul of Bruce Banner, who begins to form a love/hate relationship with his inner self, in a masterful performance. Jennifer Connelly as Betty Ross, the General's daughter, pulls off an emotional and effective piece of acting and Sam Elliot as General Ross gives a detailed portrayal as Betty's confused dad, a skilled general with less of a clue on how to communicate with his daughter. Yet the most interesting performance comes courtesy of Nick Nolte as David Banner, Bruce's psychotic father, released after being isolated from society for thirty years, and who absolutely embraces the complexity of his role as a madman, jealous of his son's uniqueness. As a matter of fact, the only weak link in the film is Josh Lucas as a greedy and jealous businessman, who gives a much too over-the-top performance.

Another of the film's high points is the editing. The film itself has a comic book feel to it, many times utilizing a split screen, which helps the film move along quickly and the technique helps scenes gel together. It should also be noted that some of the action in this film is just breathtaking. The last hour of the film, when the army is chasing the Hulk¾with helicopters and tanks¾through a number of environments from deserts to the urban jungle of San Francisco, is a memorable film experience. So what is the film lacking or therefore have that isn't necessary?

Well to start, the first half of the film often moves much slower than it should. And while the introduction to the film is great, Bruce Banner's childhood is a little too over-explained. Also, there are a few logical loopholes in the film, but in a movie revolving around a fifteen foot green monster, things can't be entirely explained. I also found the final duel of the film to be somewhat confusing and mediocre - it could have been handled better. But overall, Hulk is a winner.

Right now, as the world waits for the Hulk, Hollywood execs are clenching their fists awaiting the results on one of the biggest gambles in moviemaking history - a summer action extravaganza with a character drama mindset. No need for them to fear; the Hulk is a well- done film, despite a few very minor setbacks. But thanks to director Ang Lee's vision, and finely tuned characters who give performances with more depth than the average throwaway summer action flick, Hulk should rake in some serious green at the box office - no pun intended.