Despite an incomprehensible finale that strains the verisimilitude of even a comic book, “The Hulk,” directed with strong visual flair by the excellent Ang Lee, makes for solid summer entertainment.

Building upon the Old Testament concept of sin passing from father to son, “The Hulk’s” plot revolves around a young scientist with a very bad gamma ray powered Id problem. Eric Bana, playing David Banner, brings intelligence, sensitivity and vulnerability along with a real strength as the film’s protagonist. The beautiful and equally intelligent Jennifer Connelly also provides the film with legitimate grace.

Nick Nolte and the always worthy Sam Elliot round out a fine cast that manages to take the proceedings fairly seriously.

But obviously the star of the film, as in all summer junkfood extravaganzas, is the big budget special effects brilliantly provided here by the folks at Industrial Light and Magic. The title character, a fascinating combination of Mr. Hyde and the Frankenstein Monster, interacts with the live actors and produces a fine performance. Plenty of military equipment gets smashed while very few people actually get hurt.

Warning: “The Hulk” does contain the usual Marvel Comics “shades of gray” that may not be appropriate for the youngest viewers.