Hulk

Ang Lee's attempt at a comic book movie didn't set the box office alight.

Ang Lee is currently enjoying vast critical success after the warm reception given to his latest film Brokeback Mountain (although it lost out criminally for Best Picture). His previous film, however, did not get such rave reviews. A great shame because Hulk stands as the finest comic book movie out there, even better than the superb Batman Begins in this reviewer's eyes.

Critics have moaned that Lee took the subject too seriously, dwelling on the psychological aspects of coping with turning into a green monster. It's true that the movie has a slow build, characters and relationships are defined and much time is spent on Bruce Banner's past - vital in revealing why he transforms. But Ang Lee doesn't skimp on the action either. Hulk contains some of the most ravishing visuals of any blockbuster full stop. Watch as Hulk bounds across sand dunes or leaps up among the stars.

Some viewers have also complained about the fact that Hulk just doesn't look realistic and this is the point that really divides critics. Director Lee wants to have his cake and eat it by maintaining a serious tone and yet keeping true to the comic book's visuals. Hulk is a bright green colour with the distinctive purple trousers of the comics. He looks like a comic book "hero" - just how it should be. Why does Hollywood insist on bringing superheroes into the real world and thus losing all imagination so rampant in the comic books. Lee is much sharper than that and he is hugely successful in mixing psycho-angst with superhuman displays of comic violence (witness Hulk breaking out of his water chamber.

Praise must go to the fantastic and still underrated Eric Bana - who carries off the difficult role with aplomb. A shame about Jennifer Connelly who just isn't given enough to do. Sam Elliot is also perfect as the snarling army official torn between doing the right thing for his daughter and trying to cover up the danger of Banner and his Hulk monster.

For those who truly want a comic book brought to life (check out the comic strip panel editing) you can do a lot worse than Hulk.