 The performances of several cast members was a frequent topic in the critiques . In particular , Mark Ruffalo 's portrayal of Dr. Bruce Banner / the Hulk was well @-@ received by commentators . Joe Neumaier opined that his performance was superior to the rest of the cast ; " Ruffalo is the revelation , turning Banner into a wry reservoir of calm ready to become a volcano . " Similarly , The New Yorker 's Anthony Lane proclaimed Ruffalo 's acting to be one of the film 's highlights — alongside Downey . The Village Voice 's Karina Longworth concluded : " Ruffalo successfully refreshes the Hulk myth , playing Banner as an adorably bashful nerd @-@ genius who , in contrast to the preening hunks on the team , knows better than to draw attention to himself . " Travers asserted that the actor resonated a " scruffy warmth and humor " vibe , while Turan felt that he surpassed predecessors Edward Norton and Eric Bana in playing the character . Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly wrote that " the smartest thing the filmmakers did was to get Mark Ruffalo to play Bruce Banner as a man so sensitive that he 's at war , every moment , with himself . ( The film finally solves the Hulk problem : He 's a lot more fun in small doses . ) " 
