FILM: Green Lantern

Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) was your typical daredevil pilot who loves a challenge. The only thing is, the challenge is sometimes facing his fear of being close to people. Scared by his emotional past, Hal has not been able to commit to anything. While he deals with his own problems on earth, the fate of the universe is in peril as a new threat has been released from its bondage.

Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison), leader of the Green Lanterns (the intergalactic space rangers who keep the peace), has been hit by Parallax (voiced by Clancy Brown) and must now flee to find a suitable replacement – which brings us back to earth.

The prerequisite to be chosen as a Green Lantern is to be fearless. When fear is a noun rather than a verb and is about to destroy your home planet, quitting is not an option. With his ring on his finger and his greatest power – will – at hand (pun not intended), Hal comes face to face with Fear and it’s a fight to the death.

The Story

Much like Thor I’m not big expert on the comic book story, so I have to take what I’ve been given. The whole idea of personifying (or should I say ‘alienifying’) fear is a little cliché. Removing the great names of ‘Green Lantern’ and ‘Parallax’, this is a story about facing your fears.

The storyline was sweet and simple wrapped in some warped science-fiction theme with cool masks and super-suits. But let’s face it. You can’t really have enough ‘face your fears’ movies can you?

The Cast

I’ll be honest, at first I wasn’t so sure if Ryan Reynolds was a great option for a super-hero film. Coming from his Wade Wilson/ Deadpool character from X-Men Origins: Wolverine role where he was comical, I just did not think his comedic charm was appropriate for a super hero film. And you know what? I think I’m right. Agree or disagree with me, you know that the comedic lines in this film were going to be 100% delivered perfectly by the comedy star. Don’t get me wrong! I’m not bagging Reynolds out! It’s just usually the comic relief comes from the supporting actors not the protagonist in super hero films – so I think it’s a fresh take on the whole genre. Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t super heroes usually disturbed (Batman) or somehow depressed (Superman) – Green Lantern (according to cartoons) is the same. I suppose it’s a nice change to have a super hero who can nail the punch line once in a while.

Blake Lively in her brunette appearance delivered a very good portrayal of Carol Ferris, Hal’s childhood friend and love interest. Strong, smart and dangerous in flight, Lively lives up to her name and brought her character to life in order to resonate with many women today. Carol is the epitome of a woman who can hold a career and yet still want a solid relationship with someone. But as the storyline would have it, Hal’s not the ‘commitment type’. Nevertheless, she was amazing – Carol is definitely far from her Gossip Girl or Sisterhood roles. This is definitely a more serious role for Blake.

Peter Sarsgaard who plays Parallax’s protégé on earth, Hector Hammond, was a great super villain! He totally freaked me out and amazed me when fear consumed his entire being. I love how he fits in the political scene along with the climax of the film and even the romance dynamic of the plot. I think he’s one of the best super villains that I actually believe in. There’s a sense of humanity in him, unlike the Joker or Magneto (in the first few X-men films). I think it’s because he fit so well into the entirety of the film that he’s believable.

Mark Strong, aka. Sinestro was a great contrast to Reynolds’ comic presence. It would make sense considering he’s the predecessor of the Green Lantern company. He balanced out all the funny tones that Reynolds’ character had and made Hal a little more believable in terms of the film’s focus on his humanity. (Kudos to the writers in that regard.)

The Graphics

100% brilliant! All the cool will-made weapons were so well thought through and coincided with the personalities of each Green Lantern. I thought that was cool. I love that you knew that theses abilities weren’t real. Because their weapons were made from their imagination, the graphics were a little easier to marvel at (or laugh at).

The green screen scenes are hardly worth talking about really – I mean it’s a super hero movie. Majority of super hero films are all strings and green screen anyway! I supposed all I can say is: you turn a blind eye to the unrealistic because you knowingly submit yourself to the fictitious images on the screen.

Overall…

It a typical super hero movie – nothing new besides the inversion of who brings the comic relief. The storyline wasn’t anything new – just engulfed in a different hero. Graphics were cool, better than Thor. That’s about it.

sL Star Rating: 3.5 Stars – it just didn’t surprise me.

Next: OWL CITY!!!