Wuchak RELEASED TO TV IN 1988 and written & directed by Nicholas Corea, "The Incredible Hulk Returns" is the first of three movies in the wake of the TV series that ran from 1977-82.PLOT: Bill Bixby stars as Dr. David Banner, who is working incognito at a research facility in Southern California and on the verge of curing his gamma radiation-induced curse. Meanwhile Banner reunites with younger colleague Don Blake (Steve Levitt), who has found a magical Norse hammer, which can summon Thor (Eric Allan Kramer), an ancient Viking warrior. When a vital piece of technology is nearly stolen and David's sweetheart is kidnapped (Lee Purcell), the Hulk (Lou Ferrigno) and Thor must team-up to save the day. Jack Colvin returns as nosy reporter Jack McGee.Despite the TV-budget limitations, this is a very entertaining Hulk movie, even better than the pilot movie from 1977. This is mostly due to the inclusion of Thor, who's pretty close to the Marvel Comics version (Stan Lee was a consultant), albeit with a brown costume rather than dark blue. This is because Thor here is (evidently) NOT the god of thunder from Asgard, but rather a mighty Viking from the distant past aided by the mystic hammer. His personality isn't like Thor in the comics (i.e. one-dimensionally noble and boring), but rather like Marvel's Hercules, where he's hearty, loves a good fight, women & brew. Kramer knocks the role out of the ballpark with his merry & mighty charisma.The biker bar episode is a highlight with Peisha Arten standing out as one of the "Whoa, Mama" biker babes. The ending is kind of sad accompanied by Joseph Harnell's melancholic piano theme.THE FILM RUNS 93 minutes and was shot in California (Malibu, North Hollywood and Los Angeles). ADDITIONAL DIRECTING: Bill Bixby. ADDITIONAL CAST: Charles Napier, Tim Thomerson and Jay Baker.GRADE: B+

Leofwine_draca Although it's hidden behind a nondescript title, THE INCREDIBLE HULK RETURNS actually turns out to be something of a gem of a superhero movie. It's a TV movie spin-off from the classic late '70s TV series which starred Bill Bixby as Bruce Banner and Lou Ferrigno as his hulked-out alter ego, and both actors return in a tale which pits the Hulk against that Norse god of legend, Thor.Yes, it's Thor and Hulk, in the same movie, some twenty years before Marvel became popular again with the likes of THE AVENGERS flick. Obviously, THE INCREDIBLE HULK RETURNS is an entirely different kettle of fish, packed full as it is of cheesy '80s-era special effects, camp costumes and even camper acting, but at the same time it's a lovable film with plenty to enjoy.I don't know, I do appreciate these older comic book adaptations which play up the camp - they're somehow more endearing than the new, po-faced, wisecracking superhero flicks. THE INCREDIBLE HULK RETURNS feels a little like the BATMAN TV show of the 1960s, with a couple of erstwhile heroes working their way through various criminal types as they battle to bring down some thieving foes. Bill Bixby's calm presence centres the whole thing, but Ferrigno is the scene-stealer as ever; as for Eric Kramer's Thor, well let's say his acting is an acquired taste. The familiar B-movie faces of Charles Napier and Tim Thomerson round out the cast of what is a surprisingly entertaining and action-packed superhero outing.

Woodyanders Dr. David Banner (an excellent and sympathetic performance by Bill Bixby) joins forces with hearty Viking warrior Thor (a robust and likable portrayal by Eric Kramer) to stop corrupt military man Jack LeBeau (well played with lip-smacking wicked relish by Tim Thomerson) from getting his evil hands on a top secret Gamma Ray transporter. Writer/director Nicholas Corea relates the immensely entertaining story at a snappy pace, makes neat use of plentiful strenuous slow motion, stages the action scenes with flair, and further spruces things up with amusing touches of campy humor (the sequence with Thor visiting a biker bar rates as the definite comic highlight). Moreover, the fine acting from a sturdy cast helps a lot, with especially praiseworthy work by Steve Levitt as Thor's amiable nerdy master Donald Blake, Lee Purcell as Banner's sweet love interest Dr. Maggie Shaw, and Charles Napier as Cajun bad guy Mike Fouche. Of course, Lou Ferrigno is also on hand as the big green guy and Jack Colvin makes the most out of his secondary role as pesky and relentless reporter Jack McGhee. Plus it's just plain fun to see two classic Marvel comic characters together fighting no-gooders in the same picture. Both Chuck Colwell's sharp cinematography and Lance Rubin's spirited score are up to par. Highly recommended viewing for fans of the show.

Pilot_Jetranger I just watched this movie, and was trying to recognize the voice of the announcer, which I determined was Edward Platt. The credits do not list the announcer so I came here hoping to verify my conclusion.Can someone confirm? Overall the movie was entertaining and predictable. There are several problems with the movie:he should have hidden the control unit rather than burning itboth heros seemed impervious to bullets but tranquilizer darts worked - the torn shorts on the Hulk mysteriously became long pants when he returned to be Banner - everything on the Hulk explodes out of his clothes except the top of the pants fit perfectly ... hmmmm