The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk is an unforgettable 1989 made-for-television superhero film with captivating storytelling and charismatic performances. The film integrates the legendary comic book talents of Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno, reprising their iconic roles of Dr. David Banner and the Hulk, respectively. Marta DuBois joins the cast as the portrayal of the determined lawyer, Ellie Mendez. This remarkable project further cements Bixby's directorial skills, as he successfully balances the dual role of an actor and director.

The plot of The Trial of the Incredible Hulk is an inventive spin on the traditional Hulk narrative. This time around, Dr. David Banner is still on the run from law enforcement and still hopes to find a cure for his rage-induced transformations into the Hulk. The narrative centers on his life on-the-move in a bustling city, a far cry from the tranquil settings he usually finds himself in. Yet, as consistent with his narrative, tranquility isn't in the mix for long.

In an unforeseen turn of events, Banner is wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit. Finding himself caught in the middle of an attempted rape, he transforms into the Hulk, saves the woman in distress, but leaves a path of destruction in his wake. Subsequently, he is arrested for the crime perpetrated by the real culprits he was trying to stop. This sticky situation brings him into the world of lawyer Ellie Mendez, portrayed brilliantly by Marta DuBois, who believes in his innocence.

The movie is not a mere courtroom drama as the title might suggest, as unexpected plot twists and thrilling action sequences are aplenty. The concept of Banner being apprehended and standing trial adds an interesting twist to the Hulk story, creating suspenseful tension and emotional depth, marking Banner's long-lasting struggle to control the monster within.

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk deviates from the ordinary template by integrating another well-known Marvel character - Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, portrayed here by the versatile Rex Smith. Daredevil is a masked vigilante who becomes a pivotal character, introducing the theme of good versus evil, righteousness versus injustice. Daredevil's internal struggles mirror Banner's and add another layer to the narrative, building an alliance that fights against the corruption targeting them both. Rex Smith's performance offers an early and memorable take on the Daredevil character, paving the way for future incarnates in Hollywood.

The film touches upon the fact that both Bixby's Banner and Smith's Murdock are victims of their circumstances in their own ways, creating a sense of relatability. This adds more gravitas to their characters and fleshes out their arcs more fully. Their burgeoning friendship and shared understanding of their situations bolster the plot and push the narrative in unforeseen directions.

Besides its superheroic prowess, the movie also packs a punch in terms of its grand villain figure. John Rhys-Davies heightens the menace as the subtly terrifying Wilson Fisk, otherwise known as Kingpin. Fisk, the power-crazed crime lord with a vendetta against Daredevil, adds a layer of complexity and danger, escalating the stakes higher.

With its presentation, The Trial of the Incredible Hulk does not shy away from its television roots. The film boasts a style that falls in line with the late '80s television aesthetics, also reflecting on the era's comic book and popular culture. The film's production values are impressive for its time, with the makeup effects for Lou Ferrigno's Hulk and the well-choreographed action sequences standing out, making the movie a memorable chapter in the journey of the iconic green superhero.

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk is an engrossing spectacle that magnificently balances drama, action, and character development. This film is sure to appeal to both die-hard fans of the Hulk and newcomers alike, providing an absorbing exploration of two misunderstood characters - the Hulk and the Daredevil. The film's focus on character-driven plots, intertwined with spellbinding superhero actions, left a considerable mark on superhero adaptations and continues to resonate with fans even decades after its release.