And the New Hulk is...

And the anticipation can cease, the new Hulk, for the The Avengers, will be played by Kids are All Right star Mark Ruffalo. Hmmmm did not quite expect that one at all... Ruffalo is in late-stage discussions of playing The Avengers super hero.

The role has been the center of discussion since Saturday, when it was announced that Edward Norton, who starred in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, would not reprise the role the film, which will unite a number of heroes, including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans), into one movie.

Earlier this week, Norton responded to the news in a statement posted to his Facebook page, saying, "As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have. But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond."

If cast, the role would be a huge departure for Ruffalo, who is mostly known his work in dramas like this year's Shutter Island and his breakout role in the 2000 Oscar-nominated indie You Can Count on Me.

The Avengers, which is expected to hit theaters on May 4, 2012, is rumored to be directed by Joss Whedon.

Shutter Island: "The truth speaks through the shadows"

In 1954, two U.S. marshals investigate a notorious hospital for the criminally insane after a patient disappears. The deeper they dig, more of the island’s infectious secrets and lies are uncovered. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Kingsley and Mark Ruffalo star in this instant classic. Martin Scorsese directs a monumental thriller that will leave you clawing for truth throughout a mystery blanketed by smoky deception.

Please be warned that Shutter Island will definitely make your brain work overtime. However, if you are familiar with the mental health field, this is a great film to test your knowledge of what you have learned. Even if not familar it still will be a treat to watch. Many assumed that this movie would be a scary one, but on the contrary it is more of a brainteaser, to see how much you are paying attention to the movie. If you catch the the "trick" early all the pieces will pretty much come together and will make the movie flow alot easier.

Shutter Island has a story that is somewhat complex. It requires much attention. I will admit there were moments when the film began to lose me and fatigue was starting to set it, but I now believe that is all part of the plan to engage the audience. The movie does have a few moments where the story gets lost within itself, and things become a bit complicated. You probably will begin to lose faith and throw in the towel. Fret not because the story has you right where it wants you.

Scorsese does it again with a knockout punch combo of great acting, story, plot, and even a small pinch of action. The acting is spot on from every character, and the script is incredible; it has one of the most intriguing plots I have seen in a while. Despite its slow moments you can't help but to want to answer any questions that may come up, by continuing to watch the movie. The audience is constantly trapped in a world where one questions what is reality and what is dream. This movie is a true example of what a thriller is supposed to be especially a psychological thriller. Some might even say it is a rebirth of a Hitchcock-type thriller.

Basically, if you are familar with Martin Scorsese's work then you will understand the twisted plot and the journey that you will emabrk after watching this movie.


Grade: B+