Common Sense Media Review
The Hulk lacks personality; not a great movie.
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The Hulk
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say the film received mixed reviews, with some praising its exploration of emotions and pacing while others criticized its violent content, inappropriate language, and lack of action. There were concerns regarding its suitability for children, particularly for survivors of domestic violence, and many viewers suggested the film had not aged well, although some still appreciated the performances and direction.
- mixed reviews
- emotional exploration
- violent content
- inappropriate language
- not suitable for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say this movie has a dark and emotional narrative that doesn't fully deliver on the action fans expect from a superhero film, leading to mixed reactions among viewers. While some found it disturbing due to its intense themes and lack of sufficient Hulk appearances, others appreciated certain elements such as the underlying messages about controlling anger, though many criticized the pacing and special effects.
- dark themes
- lack of action
- mixed reactions
- pacing issues
- emotional depth
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE HULK, Eric Bana plays Bruce Banner, a scientist who has repressed memories of childhood trauma and as a result represses his emotions as well. He cares for fellow PhD Betty Ross (Jennifer Connelly) but is unable to let her get close to him. When he is exposed to gamma rays in a lab accident, it triggers a genetic mutation that was the result of his father's experiments. When all that repressed anger is released, he becomes the physical embodiment of rage: an enormous green guy known as the Hulk. After the Hulk saves Betty's life, he winds up being held captive at an Army base, where Major Talbot tries to obtain the Hulk's superpowers in order to make a profit.
Is It Any Good?
Director Ang Lee creates images of great grace, elegance, and dignity, but he tries to make the inner conflicts the focus of the story and so this movie doesn't work. It's also way too long. The decision to make the Hulk character computer-animated was a mistake. The Hulk doesn't speak (except for one sentence), so he never comes to life. And his interaction with the physical world isn't believable. He's supposed to be extremely heavy, but when he jumps, he lands like a grasshopper. We never really care about him or root for him, and his fights, while impressively staged, aren't compelling. He doesn't fight bad guys; he fights the Army, which is trying to stop him from destroying everything around him. He's more like King Kong than Spider-Man.
Jennifer Connelly looks lovely, but basically carries over her Beautiful Mind role, except this time instead of being in love with a brilliant crazy guy she's in love with a brilliant green crazy guy. Nick Nolte, looking worse than his mug shot, overdoes the mad scientist bit as Bruce Banner's father. His character is supposed to add dark, Oedipal themes of destiny and consequences, but his appearances frequently sparked laughter from the audience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of comic book characters, especially the Hulk, the tangible representation of repressed anger.
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 20, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : October 28, 2003
- Cast : Eric Bana , Jennifer Connelly , Nick Nolte
- Director : Ang Lee
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 138 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi action violence, some disturbing images and brief partial nudity
- Last updated : December 28, 2025
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