The Incredible Hulk (2008)

The Incredible Hulk (2008)MOVIE SUMMARY:

Dr. Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk as an unwitting pawn in a military scheme to reinvigorate the super soldier program through gamma radiation. On the run, he attempts to cure himself of the Hulk before he is captured by General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. His worst fears are realized when power-hungry soldier Emil Blonsky becomes a similar but more bestial creature.

MOVIE THEMES:

Genetic Manipulation

After the events of Captain America: The First Avenger, some people in the military want to restart the super-soldier program. They see Dr. Banner’s experiments with gamma radiation as a way to reinvigorate the program. While in Captain America, the experiment turns Steve Rogers into a useful and powerful hero for humanity. However, in The Incredible Hulk, the experiment results in disastrous consequences. In this case, the manipulation of human DNA for selfish reasons goes horribly wrong.

People in the military want to make a powerful soldier and they end up with someone who is out of control. One such soldier, Emil Blonsky desires more power. Through a mixing of gamma radiation and Dr. Banner’s unique blood, he is changed into “The Abomination.” Unlike the Hulk, who is just a very strong powerful individual, the Abomination is evil. Like Captain America, the inner qualities of the individual are magnified through these experiments. Those of good moral characteristics are magnified (Captain America), and those with evil moral characteristics are just as magnified (The Abomination). Unlike these two extremes, Dr. Banner is able to suppress the ability to change into The Hulk. The Hulk is also someone who shows good judgment, even when he is big and green.

Jesus said that you will know a tree by its fruits (Matthew 7:16-18). He also taught that what is inside a man is what can defile Him (Mark 7:15). At the same time for a Christian who follows the Holy Spirit, certain qualities will reveal themselves in times of stress. The fruits of the Holy Spirit reveal my Christian character (Galatians 5:22-26, James 3:17).

QUESTIONS:

1. How does my inner character reveal itself to other people?
2. As a Christian, how does the Holy Spirit show the fruits of my character?

Self Control

The movie highlights the challenge that Dr. Bruce Banner goes through to maintain self-control. Any type of stimuli that causes excitement or anger causes him to change into “The Hulk.” There are many Bible verses which talk about the need for self-control. These verses include: Proverbs 29:11, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8, 2 Peter 1:5-9.

QUESTIONS:

1. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control. In what areas can I have self-control in my life.
2. The Bible teaches that anger is an emotion that can get out of control. How do work at keeping anger in control?