Video Reviews 10/30

Scott Jones

The Hulk — PG-13

Featuring: Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliot, Josh Lucas, Nick Nolte

The comic book character created by Stan Lee comes to life in “The Hulk.” Bruce Banner (Bana), a brilliant physicist, is bombarded by an experimental gamma radiation. Soon, an unexpected side effect takes over him. The monster that was within him takes over and his rage fuels his strength. With ex-girlfriend (Connelly) at his side, Bruce journeys to understand what fuels the unstoppable beast within.

This is not your typical comic book sci-fi movie. It runs deeper with emotion and exploration of relationships. Another fun plus was the way it was filmed. In tribute to its comic book roots, boxes of action from different points of view flash the screen. Just like in a comic book. Take this movie home tonight.

Grade: B minus

Whale Rider — PG-13

Featuring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis

Pai (Castle-Hughes) is a young girl born into a long line of chiefs of the Maori tribe. Struggling to prove herself in a male-dominated community, Pai challenges ancient traditions of her people in order to follow her destiny.

Not sure what to expect out of this movie, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Filmed in a small village in New Zealand, this movie delivers emotional depth I wasn’t expecting. Balancing tradition with the modern age, exploring relationships on many levels, and following your heart are a few of the issues this low budget film delivers. Give it a try and you might be pleasantly surprised what you bring out of it.

Grade: B

Scott Jones of Clovis is a movie fan. Contact him at [email protected]