Some movies are review proof. I am hoping that "Green Lantern" is one of those films because the reviews have not been good. Yet, this movie should absolutely be seen.
With that, I guess you know how this review will end up. But, before I give my rating, please let me explain…
Ryan Reynolds (The Proposal & Buried) was born to play a superhero. In fact this is his third time appearing in a comic book movie adaptation: first as Hannibal King in 2004's "Blade: Trinity" and most recently as fan favorite "Deadpool" in 2009's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." But this time it's Reynolds who is front and center. Reynold's has got the hair, the physique, the face and the fun boyish attitude that make Hal Jordan so likable on screen. Hal Jordan is the guy you want to hang with and the girls want to … well you know the rest! His performance is filled with a wonderment that makes the audience feel exactly what a person in his unique circumstance would be feeling.
The film itself is so bright and colorful that I can't imagine why anyone would want to see this film through a pair of cloudy 3-D glasses. The planet Oa and its inhabitants are CGI eye candy at it's best and much of the action takes place during the daytime, which is rare in these types of films. I saw it in 2-D and the colors popped from beginning to end. Here's a hint folks… if there's a color in the title of the film… leave the shades in the lobby.
The thing I loved best about Green Lantern is that unlike Batman and Superman there is no alter-ego. Hal Jordan is the Green Lantern and the Green Lantern is Hal Jordan. There's even a scene between Reynolds and Blake Lively that puts all that Lois and Clark nonsense to rest.
Sure the movie follows the "origin story" template of most superhero films -- but that doesn't matter because it doesn't drag on. Instead, it gets right to Hal Jordan becoming a Green Lantern as well as establishing the villains and the members of the "Green Lantern Corps." Then, once Hal puts on the ring, the audience gets to see "Green Lantern" a lot! This movie doesn't hide its hero for 20 to 30 minute increments. It shows you the Green Lantern and then gives you exactly what you want to see… lots of "Green Lantern!"
The cast is excellent, including the voices of Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean & The King's Speech) as Tomar-Re and Michael Clarke Duncan (Daredevil & The Green Mile) as Kilowog and of course Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes & Kick-Ass) who is 100% perfect as Sinestro. Be sure to stay for a Sinestro end-credit sequence that had the audience cheering with excitement!
A sense of humor, state of the art special effects, a great cast, script and direction make "Green Lantern" the perfect summer movie.
Grab your ring, mask and lantern and immediately fly to the cineplex "in brightest day or blackest night" because ... "Green Lantern" is amazing.
Drumroll please… 9 out of 10 lanterns and make 'em green!!!
3 comments:
I actually was not going to see Green Lantern, but you convinced me. Thanks!
Jason
I thought of it as a good popcorn movie, there are parts that drag on especially prof. Hammond scenes but that happens to comic book origin movies. The ending credits scene is what makes me hope for a sequel because that is what GL fans want to see. Go see it for the visuals and characters and just enjoy yourself for a few hours
Ben
You're right Pat. This is a great superhero movie. It's not some dramatic pathos masterpiece, but that isn't what I was looking for. It's great effects and totally likeable lead character kept me entertained the whole time, and instilled the emotions that I expect from a superhero movie. I don't understand the backlash against this film, it left me wanting more, and out does many of the recent Marvel superhero flicks. With all that has been established in this installment, the sequel should be awesome.
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