The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

I've always been a fan of the Marvel characters but, by the time I was old enough to properly watch Bill Bixby's 'Incredible Hulk' series, it just seemed rather dated, especially since my head was filled with the special effects of the first two 'Superman' films. It also didn't help that the big, green hero terrified me as a child! That said, this film is enjoyable enough to catch the first live-action look at Daredevil (one of my personal favourites of the Marvel characters) and his interactions with David Banner.

The film sees David Banner, whose alter-ego is the Incredible Hulk, intervening in the mugging of a woman only to end up accused of assault when the victim mistakenly thinks he was the one who attacked her. When the case goes to trial, Banner finds himself represented by blind Matt Murdock, lawyer by day and crime-fighting Daredevil by night. Murdock hopes Banner can help him bring down a powerful crime bass and soon circumstances see the Incredible Hulk and Daredevil working towards the same goal.

Bill Bixby gives a decent performance as the down-trodden, world-weary David Banner, a man persecuted for his alter-ego yet still determined to do the right thing. Rex Smith also delivers in his role as Matt Murdock, giving those not familiar with the character a glimpse of what he could do, and John Rhys Davies excels as always as the Kingpin.

The main reason for watching 'The Trial of the Incredible Hulk' is to see the Incredible Hulk and Daredevil's connect and rub shoulders with one another. Of course, this Matt Murdock not only has a less flashier suit but he's living in the lap of luxury in some mansion instead of struggling in a Hell's Kitchen apartment on his meagre wage but it's a rare chance to see two Marvel series' mingle and the film handles it well, showing the strengths and flaws of both characters and how both have their fights in life. This is a film for Marvel fans and those who would liked Ben Affleck's 'Daredevil' film and need something to tide them over until the possible sequel is released.

Of all episodes (I know this is a feature film), this one will come across as quite grim. On the whole, this is the only episode where viewers will see the Hulk 'extra' angry.

ITV (UK TV) showed this in the mid 90's, which was generously cut. As a result of this the film lost its 'anger' identity for the entire plot, rendering the story useless (evidently it was edited terribly - with VHS style Pause/frame motion movement when changing to the hulk).

However (oh is this good news(?)) the good came when our channel Five played the film in its entirety a couple of years ago. It showed David's real fear of being attacked in a train, and when he turned into the Hulk, it was the first time we saw the Hulk with the intent to kill. He was ultra angry. He was ripping the seats off and snarling like a rottweiler!

Specifically during a scene at a Court, Banner was at his Hulking-best (he was even choking one of the lawyers with his hand - one of the many scenes deleted by ITV).

After it being aired on Five, the restored savageness could now justify the crap story. When ITV played it they literally killed off the point of the story... which was basically saying that David is getting a bit **s*ed off with his alter ego.

Seems like I critiqued this, already, but I can't remember where. Anyway, I'll try to keep it brief. Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno, as Dr. Banner and the Hulk, respectively? Incredible, as always. John Rhys-Davies as the Kingpin? Makes his performance 100 percent convincing, as usual. Rex Smith as Daredevil? Compared to the current Ben Affleck version, he looks more like that other blind Marvel hero, the Shroud (sans cape and Darkforce taffy). But, the martial arts/gymnastics are stupendous! I'd say: three stars out of four. *All four naturally belong to Affleck's movie.*

Second TV movie after the cancellation of the Incredible Hulk series holds well. In this film Bruce Banner heads to New York still trying to find a cure for his transformation spells into the Hulk. In the process he is arrested for the attempted rape of a young woman in a subway (in fact he actually helped her). He is given Matt Murdock as his lawyer and with the help of his alter-ego Daredevil he sets out to prove his innocence and rescue the woman who has been kidnapped. As part of a plan to release a Daredevil TV show Universal thought it would be good to see if audiences will enjoy Daredevil. Oh well the show never went further than this, but it still is a pretty good original appearance for Daredevil. Followed by The Death of the Incredible Hulk. 3 1/2 OUT OF 5 STARS.

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk was the first live-action appearances of Daredevil/Matt Murdock and Kingpin/Wilson Fisk. For a die hard Daredevil fan, it does kinda fall flat but it's a very good attempt for "PG" rated tv. I liked Rex Smith as Daredevil and I would have enjoyed a tv series spin off, which was a possiblity at the time. I even liked the suit BETTER then the new film version! I would believe him to be more ninja like then in shiny leather, sorry... The fighting here wasn't to par with the new flick but his mannerisms give you a since that he does have a bit of struggle as a blind fighter (even if he has gifts). With the new Hulk film on the way it's refeshing to know that all these characters exist in one reality in the comics. It's fun to see them together "In The Flesh". I highly recommend picking up the new 2 disk set, which also features "Return of the Incredible Hulk with a lackluster version of Thor as his partner in heroism.