Release Date: Jun 17, 2011
Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.
Director: Martin Campbell
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins, Jay O. Sanders.
For years, Marvel has dominated the multiplex, capitalizing on the success of a genre that has grown beyond the tradition of standard films and comic books alike. Having said that, it seems befitting that DC Comics returns to the big screen with one of its most popular heroes to date. Enter Hal Jordan: a cocky test pilot who is bestowed with a ring that grants the possessor limitless control of green energy, also known as ‘willpower.’ As part of an intergalactic group called the “Green Lantern Corps,” he is tasked to overcome fear, and subsequently, save his world from destruction against an enemy encompassed by fear itself. Like many adaptations before it, “Green Lantern” begins at its origins, giving a detailed account of this elite force. Among the selected is Ryan Reynolds as our green-clad hero, who turns on his characteristic charm and wisecrack attitude for a role that seems tailormade for him. Similar to “Thor,” the film relies heavily on CGI, creating striking visuals that are saturated with color and enhanced by special effects. To any fan of the comic, this is a movie that plays by the book, offering up major characters and villains that appear over the course of the series. But unfortunately, as the story moves quicker than it should, it suffers the fate of the “Fantastic Four,” and plot holes are just one of many that make it disappointingly lackluster. While unexplained details contribute to choppy editing, the underdevelopment of characters is the real crux of the matter, making them appear merely as cutouts against a computerized backdrop. Additionally, such limitless power seems wasted when up against a villain that resembles little more than a volcanic cloud. In any case, “Green Lantern” manages to visually entertain enough, and sets up what could be an improved sequel. Until then, prepare to avenge with Marvel's next entry, “Captain America.”
For years, Marvel has dominated the multiplex, capitalizing on the success of a genre that has grown beyond the tradition of standard films and comic books alike. Having said that, it seems befitting that DC Comics returns to the big screen with one of its most popular heroes to date. Enter Hal Jordan: a cocky test pilot who is bestowed with a ring that grants the possessor limitless control of green energy, also known as ‘willpower.’ As part of an intergalactic group called the “Green Lantern Corps,” he is tasked to overcome fear, and subsequently, save his world from destruction against an enemy encompassed by fear itself. Like many adaptations before it, “Green Lantern” begins at its origins, giving a detailed account of this elite force. Among the selected is Ryan Reynolds as our green-clad hero, who turns on his characteristic charm and wisecrack attitude for a role that seems tailormade for him. Similar to “Thor,” the film relies heavily on CGI, creating striking visuals that are saturated with color and enhanced by special effects. To any fan of the comic, this is a movie that plays by the book, offering up major characters and villains that appear over the course of the series. But unfortunately, as the story moves quicker than it should, it suffers the fate of the “Fantastic Four,” and plot holes are just one of many that make it disappointingly lackluster. While unexplained details contribute to choppy editing, the underdevelopment of characters is the real crux of the matter, making them appear merely as cutouts against a computerized backdrop. Additionally, such limitless power seems wasted when up against a villain that resembles little more than a volcanic cloud. In any case, “Green Lantern” manages to visually entertain enough, and sets up what could be an improved sequel. Until then, prepare to avenge with Marvel's next entry, “Captain America.”
Rating: 2 stars
Great analysis, Jess!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Green Lantern because I came to the theater with the LOWEST expectations.
Witty lines is what made the movie entertaining enough for me to be satisfied.
Bob: "Watch your back!"
Hal Jordan: "Ummm... Bob, that's impossible."
:)