I know it's green, but how much can I get for it?
About a year ago DC comics came out with an animated movie for Green Lantern, and it left me asking, could a DC character be a hit in a live action movie other than Batman? I’m happy to say yes. Certainly this movie wasn’t spectacular. It had its flaws. But for an origin movie, it left me happy and wanting to see a second installment. Not what you would expect huh?
The story of Green Lantern is about a skilled test pilot named Hal Jordan who is chosen to police the universe of intergalactic evil, thus joining the Green Lantern corps. His power forged from the energy of will shaped as a ring, can form any object the user can think of.
Here is something you don’t see everyday, a well written action story that’s well casted. Hal Jordan/Green Lantern is played by the charismatic Ryan Reynolds with the beautiful Blake Lively as Carol Ferris. This was a good match for the film. Both played their respective roles well and without an overbearing amount of sap to fill in the gaps. Surprisingly, I wasn’t completely bored with their scenes together. Ryan’s charm and sarcastic wit hit the spot in most cases making the movie light but still convincing when it needed to be. And Ms. Lively was able to give her character strength that worked in harmony with her counterparts personality. Peter Sarsgaard does a pretty good job without being cheesy, as does Mark Strong who plays Sinestro.
There were slow moments in comic adaptation that I slightly lost interest in. But with a swing with the ring, The film once again had my undivided attention. The writers did a good job transitioning Hal to the Green Lantern without spending the entire movie explaining it to you. It was quick and to the point. At moments when the audience may not have been sure what was going on,(that is if you weren’t already) they spelled it out for you. And I really mean that! You could tell from the build up scenes, what was going to happen. I feel a little mystery is always good. It makes you think what will happen next. The attempt was there, it just wasn’t as flushed out as it should’ve been. When he takes flight for the first time in his suit it feels cheesy. Like Disney cheesy. Although these were portions of cheese scattered about with the entire film, I think this could have been avoided. But then again this was a comic book adaptation.
Comic movies have been on a roll for some time now thanks to Marvel, but it’s good to see DC bringing in more heroes than what we’re use to seeing. Overall, Green Lantern is a great family film that gives something for everyone to watch and will be pleased about, instead of becoming another failing DC movie. You’ll leave out fulfilled, not feeling like you wasted money on another bust action flick. Light with the jokes, but heavy with the story and action. And that’s really what we all want in a comic movie. Grade: C+
Warner Brothers Pictures presents: “GREEN LANTERN”. Directed by Martin Campbell. Written by Greg Berlanti, Michael Green, Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg. Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett and Tim Robbins. Rated “PG-13″ for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence. Running Time: 114 minutes.
