Transformers 3 is "Prime Time" For This Franchise

Prime Time! It’s a new phrase I am going to be using now so get used to it. I found myself saying it a lot towards the end of Michael Bay’s newest Transformers film. At the end of Dark of the Moon, like every Transformers film, Optimus Prime starts kicking Decepticon ass, and I heard myself say the phrase, “Prime Time”, which means it was at the point in the film where Optimus saves the day. So now, whenever it’s time to kick-ass and save the day, it’s Prime Time!

Shia LaBeouf is back for round three as Sam Witwicky, and he’s all grown up. Sam has a new job, a new smoking hot girlfriend, played by supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and a whole new battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons to help take care of. Sam learns that the entire space race of the 1960’s was a cover-up to get to a Cybertronian ship that landed on the moon. In it is Sentinel Prime, the Autobots leader before Optimus Prime, and a machine powerful enough to bring hundreds of Decepticons to Earth and enslave humanity. Luckily Sam knows someone roughly the size of a semi-truck who has his back.

Mr. Witwicky doesn’t just have Decepticons to worry about in this film. His girlfriend, Carly, has a boss that looks a lot like Dr. McDreamy, mainly because he’s played by Patrick Dempsey. I like this casting choice because Sam is the every-man, and Dempsey is who the every-man’s wife dreams about. So when Sam is punching McDreamy, I’d like to think I am too.

 The biggest gossip surrounding this film was Rosie Huntington-Whiteley replacing Megan Fox as the female lead. A hot girl is one thing, but a hot girl with a British accent is dangerously sexy; sorry Megan. If it makes you feel better I think her lips are too big. This was Huntington-Whiteley’s first film, and I think she did ok. She’s not going to win any awards, but I’ll be damned it she didn’t look good the entire film. But for me that’s also the problem. Part of the reason these films work so well is that Sam as that quality that makes us believe we could be him. While watching this film I kept thinking it’s more realistic that giant robots will invade Chicago than a supermodel, or even just the character of Carly, would ever be with a guy like Sam Witwicky.  I mean, I love my wife, but I could never score Heidi Klum. 

Now as for the film, the thing I love most about it is that we can all just forget Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ever happened. They briefly mention things that occured in the second Transformers film, but it’s not a necessity to see that film in order to enjoy this one. Yes, I am one of those people who loves the first Transformers film and hopes every copy of the second film spontaneously combusts. As for the third film, I was smiling almost as much as I did when I saw Optimus Prime battle Megatron the first time around. The film is a great blend of comedy and action, much like the orginal. When the Decepticons invade Chicago I felt like it took too long to get to the end of the film, but everything before that reminded me why I love summer blockbusters, and how much I miss my former city of residence.

John Turturro returns as former Agent Simmons to help Sam once again, and brings along his assistant, played by Firefly alumni, Alan Tudyk. The brief scenes where the three of them were together were great, with Tudyk stealing most of them; god I miss Wash. Anyway, Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel are back as the soldiers who aid Sam and the Autobots. John Malkovich makes an appearance as Sam’s new boss, and Frances McDormand plays a high ranking government pain-in-the-ass. Peter Cullen returns as the voice of Optimus Prime, as he has been for over twenty years, and Leonard Nimoy does his second Transformers voice in his career as Sentinel Prime. And don’t worry people, Kevin Dunn and Julie White are also back as Sam’s parents, but luckily no brownies are eaten in this film.

Transformer: Dark of the Moon took the franchise back home in every way. Instead of some far-off country the battle ground was the center of America, and this film had everything that helped make the first film great. Labeouf is the ordinary man wrapped-up in extraordinary events, the story and characters are solid, there are no Jar Jar Binks-like characters, the action is great, and there is a hot girl taking your eyes away from the special effect robots they spent millions of dollars to make.

 If this was the second film in the Transformers trilogy I’d say that this franchise is on its way to being one of the greats, but unfortunately it wraps up the trilogy. As much as I would love to criticize Michael Bay films for being un-intelligent popcorn movies I go to the theater to be entertained, and this film is definitely Prime Time for Mr. Bay. I might even go back to see this film in 3-D, but it’s not the Autobots I want to see up-close, giggity-giggity oh!

RATING: B+

Animated Series That Deserve A Come-Back!

This month Cartoon Network has a premiere I’m more excited for than any Hollywood blockbuster coming to the theaters this summer. A remake of the 80’s classic cartoon Thundercats will air its hour-long pilot episode on July 29. It seems that there will be a few things different about this revamp from the original series, but I’ll be damned if I’m not excited for it. Thundercats was my favorite cartoon as a child, so even in my 20’s you can bet I’ll be buying the new Sword of Omens when I find it. Rumors swirled for years there was going to be a Thundercats CGI movie made, but it turned into a TV series instead. I hope this paves the way for other 80’s/early 90’s cartoons that need to be revived. Here are a few I can name off the top of my head.

10. Captain N: The Game Master (1989)

 When the original Nintendo became a phenomeon people decided to cash in on the craze. One way was a cartoon about a gamer named Kevin, and his dog Duke, who get sucked into Videoland through his Nintendo. Kevin was summoned by Princess Lana to help defeat Mother Brain using the Nintendo blaster gun and controller, which granted him special powers. The N Team consist of Nintendo characters Simon Belmont, Mega Man, and Kid Icarus. Even Link from The Legend of Zelda made appearances, and eventually the portable Nintendo system Gameboy was worked into the show.

I think this would make a great time-piece film where it has to be the original Nintendo, and not an updated version. If you make Videoland full of Nintendo characters, anyone who ever played a Nintendo in their life will come to see it!

9. Silverhawks (1986)

 After the success of Thundercats the creators took on another series about five space policeman who were sent to the part of the galaxy known as Limbo to defeat the evil MonStar. The theme of the show was "partly metal, partly real". The Silverhawks could fly in space using this metal wings, and laser beams that shot out of their shoulders. One of them was even a country bluegrass pilot. This series could be a little silly, but still better than most of the cartoons I see being made these days.

8. Gargoyles (1994-1996)

In Scotland 994, the Gargoyles protected Castle Wyvern from Viking raiders. They were protectors at night, but during the day were stone, until betrayal causes a massacre of the clan during their stone sleep . A spell was cast on the six survivors putting them to "Sleep, until the castle rises above the clouds." In present day, a billionaire named David Xanatos purchases the castle and moves the crumbling remains, piece by piece, to the top of New York City and awakens the Gargoyles in modern day.  The Gargoyles must adapt to their new surroundings as they vow to protect the citizens of New York.

Does that sound like a badass movie or what? The voice casting for this series was great with Keith David, Ed Asner, and Star Trek: TNG star Jonathan Frankes all lending their talents. The ensemble of the six gargoyle personalities is enough to make this series great, not to mention Xanatos is a villian who could give even Lex Luthor a run for his money.

7. The Real Ghostbusters (1986-1991)

I'm not talking out the Filmation one with the giant monkey. While there have been two films, as well as a cartoon series, I think it's time for a reboot. The original films were a great blend of humor, fantasy, and action. If it can be recaptured again this franchise could be reborn.

6. Captain Planet and the Planeteers (1990-1996)

Go Planet! With Hollywood and the rest of the world going green these days why not make a film or television series about it. "Gaya (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg) the Spirit of Earth, can no longer stand the terrible destruction plaguing our planet. She sends five magic rings to five special young people, Kwami (voiced by LeVar Burton), from Africa, with the power of Earth. From North America, Wheeler, with the power of Fire. From the Russia, Linka, with the power of Wind. From Asia, Gi, with the power of Water. And from South America, Mah-Ti, with the power of Heart. When these five powers combine they summon earth’s greatest champion, Captain Planet."

They don't make them like this anymore kids, and with an assortment of villians from Duke Nukem to Hoggish Greedley this could be a great film trilogy. The five planeteers come from five parts of the Earth. It could be not only be a franchise about saving the planet, but about cultural differences. I rest my case.

5. The Legend of Zelda (1989)

Sure most movies based on video games suck, but do this thing right and it would be like a Lord of the Rings-type film. Link is a great leading character, and the bickering between him and Princess Zelda in the cartoon series provided some funny banter. I’m just wondering why this film hasn’t been made yet?

4. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983-1985)

Forget the 1987 film with Dolph Lundgren and Courtney Cox. Everyone is allowed one bad movie early in their career. Stick with what worked in the original cartoon. A skinny, white, prince picks up a magic sword and turns into a big, buff, black guy. He-Man can fight Skeltor for control of Eternia with such classic sidekicks as Man-At-Arms, the bumbling magician Orko, and He-Man's mode of transportation, Battle Cat. Several other He-Man series were made in 1990 and 2002, but didn’t catch on like the original one. Word has it a film is already in pre-concept stages, but let's hope it doesn't involve anything called "The Key".

3. The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (1996)

What little boy didn't grow up wishing to be Jonny Quest? He travels the world with his billionaire dad looking for adventure. They are accompanied by their bodyguard Race Bannon, Jonny’s best friend Haji, and their dog Bandit. The Quest family had some badass adventures. I know this series was based on the 1964 cartoon series, but this remake was what I watched when I was a kid. In this version they also added a new character, Race's daughter, Jessie. Jonny, Jessie, and Haji could be the new Harry, Hermione, and Ron. And while Questworld seemed silly at the time, I can just picture it now with Tron: Legacy graphics!

2. Mighty Max (1993-1995)

Based on the popular toys, Mighty Max was about a smartass kid who becomes the capbearer and can travel through worlds trying to defeat the SkullMaster, who wants the magical hat for himself. Along the way Max is accompanied by Virgil, the wise chicken, and his Conan the Barbrarian-like bodyguard, Norman. A series like this has a Harry Potter-style written all over it. My only concern would be making a CGI chicken to communicate with. But if they can make Yoda CGI real I guess Virgil could work.

1. Exo-Squad (1993-1995)

Not too many people know about this 90's animated show. It was on Sunday mornings, so most of us were in church, but it was a goodie. Set in the 22nd Century, humans have created a new being called Neo Sapiens that are much stronger than humans, and they use them to collimate Mars and Venus, but when the Neo Sapiens revolt it's a full-scale civil war. Lt. J.T. Marsh commands Able Squad, a group intent on defeating the Neo Sapiens using machines called E-Frames. These things were like what Ripley had at the end of Aliens except can fly in space, and have a crap load of weapons. Although Able Squad spent quite a bit of time out of their E-Frames the drama and action of this series was epic. This series had a very serious tone for a cartoon, and dealt with racism, tolerance, and had epic space battles. If you like Star Trek, Firefly, or enjoy a good space tale check it out at Hulu.com.

How To Save A Superhero Franchise

Warner Bros. has just announced that they will moving forward with a sequel to the film, Green Lantern. Rumor has it that the studio was only going to green light a sequel if the film made $60 million or more on its opening weekend. It came in just over $53 million, which was a disappointment for Warner Bros, who spent $200 million to make the film. The film also dropped 66% of its audience in its second weekend and has been met with poor reviews. So why is Warner Bros continuing with a sequel? Pure desperation. The studio only has two successful franchises; the Harry Potter films, which are about to end, and the Batman franchise. I for one enjoyed Green Lantern. Like most critics though, I thought the film lacked focus, but felt it was a descent starting point to make something better the next time around.

If you haven't seen the film yet then I have no idea why you are reading this blog to begin with, and if you didn't stick around till after the ending credits then you missed, SPOILER ALERT, Sinestro putting on the yellow ring of fear. Any Green Lantern fan knows Hal Jordan's mentor turns into his greatest enemy. So where do they go from here? And how can they turn this franchise around? Never fear, a Green Lantern fan is here.

Step 1) Center the sequel more: The first film seemed like it was about Hal Jordan becoming a Green Lantern by overcoming his fears, but I couldn't be sure because they kept flipping back to Hector Hammond. If director Martin Campbell wanted the film to be about three childhood friends, Hal, Hector, and Carol, then the film should have been longer and shown their relationships more. I could feel a connection between them all, but not sure what it was. I felt like the film should have been all about Hal. How all his fears center on his father's death, and how he had to overcome it. Christopher Nolan's Batman works so well because it's about Bruce Wayne's journey, not the villains, which is something Joel Schumacher obviously forgot. If you need more detail then refer to Geoff Johns storyline, Green Lantern: Secret Origin.

Step 2) Listen to Geoff Johns: The DC Chief Creative Director made his mark in comics by turning Green Lantern from a dying comic to thee hot title in the industry. He knows Hal Jordan, he knows the Green Lantern Corps, and has been making hit after hit since Green Lantern: Rebirth. I know it's Warner Bros money that is making the films so they want a say in what goes into it, but Marvel Studios listens to its fans and the writers who keep these characters going. They find out why the heroes are interesting, and why they last through the years. Use DC Comics and then maybe you'll figure out how to achieve Marvel film success.

Step 3) Move back before you move forward: I thought making Parallax the main villain in the first film was a mistake, but what's done is done, so let's move on. At the end of the film Sinestro put on the yellow ring, but most people didn't see it, and I say use that to your advantage. In the end Hal went off to patrol the rest of Sector 2814, not just Earth. I say open the sequel with Hal Jordan returning to Earth for the first time since leaving. It's been a while, Hal and Sinestro have fought together and become close, but Sinestro becomes frustrated with the Guardians rules and decides to put on the yellow ring. This is where they insert the previous clip, which makes the clip at the end of the first film more of a foreshadowing if anything else. He asks Hal to join him, Hal refuses, and Sinestro starts up his own Corps and the war begins!

Step 4) Create the legacy: After the next Batman film Christian Bale is done, which means Warner Bros has to either continue on without him or re-boot with a different actor. There is only one Batman, but there are thousands of Green Lanterns. Hal Jordan was the first human picked, but he wasn't the last. When the Yellow and Green Lanterns start killing each other replacements will need to be picked. Let's bring in Hal's replacements, Guy Gardner and John Stewart. This gives you a whole different set of characters to continue with after Ryan Reynolds is done with Green Lantern. If it were me I'd bring back Parallax to turn Hal Jordan into his evil self, which leads the way for New Dawn, and the introduction of 'The Torchbearer', Kyle Rayner. When Reynolds is done playing superhero there are plenty more to take Hal Jordan's place, each with different personalities, and enough history to each have their own film trilogy.

There are so many different ways they can take the Green Lantern film franchise, from Emerald Twilight to Blackest Night. Warner Bros just has to get the right people running the show and making the decisions, preferably not them. Most films are so loved that their sequels are met with criticism. With Green Lantern bordering on failure Warner Bros and DC Comics have nowhere to go but up, and done right they can blow the roof off this universe. And if they have any trouble just come find me, I'll work for cheap.

My Top 12 DC Re-Vamps to Check Out

A year or two back I had an epiphany, or a realization. I, for the first time in my life, was buying more DC comics than I was Marvel. Since I’ve collected comic as far back as I can remember this was weird for me, but with Geoff Johns making all the mainstream heroes in DC awesome once again you really can’t blame me. Now Johns and the rest of DC crew seem like their giving us loyal readers a giant slap in the face, with a cold fish none the less. In September, DC Comics will be restructuring their entire universe with fifty-two new #1’s. Some characters, like Green Lantern and Batman, will change little, mainly because their DC’s best-selling titles right now. Other characters, like Superman, will be completely re-done. Such has making him younger and breaking-up his marriage with Lois Lane to date the Amazonian Princess, Wonder Woman. Although I’m still fuzzy as to all the details there are something’s I’m kind of excited to see. Here are twelve of them.

12) Legion Lost #1

Written By Fabian Nicieza

Drawn by Pete Woods

The Legion of Superheroes has always been a staple in the DC Universe, if not always a well known one. These were the kids who traveled back in time from the 31st Century to meet their idol, Clark Kent, before he was Superman. And in doing so they help turned him into the hero they worshipped. Now seven Legionnaires are trapped in the past. They must stop their future from being destroyed, and to do so they must live in the present; bummer.

Time travel and alternate reality stories always catch my attention, but this one could be a little different. Sure it seems like Every X-Men character now has traveled back to the present to stop their evil future from happening, but think of the technology the 31st Century has, and then to get stuck with 21st Century technology. That would suck. My only hope is Nicieza can draw out the struggle and turmoil of these characters, otherwise this series has lost me after issue #3.

11) DC Universe Presents #1

Written by Paul Jenkins

Drawn by Bernard Chang

Paul Jenkins is mainly known for his work with Legion of Superheroes, but now he’s going to try and pick-up where Geoff Johns left off with Brightest Day. Boston Brand was a trapeze artist until his death. Now he is a ghost and has the ability to possess people while trying to search for his killer. At least that’s his original origin.

Johns brought Brand back in Brightest Day and made him the center of it all as he searched for the protector of Earth. While on this journey Deadman showed many layers. He even hooked-up with Dove from the famous Hawk & Dove team. I just hope Jenkins continues to show those layers, because I’m sure it’s not easy being un-dead. Now just let me see why.

10) Blue Beetle #1

Written by Tony Bedard

Drawn by Ig Rura and Ruy Jose

I always thought of Blue Beetle as DC’s Spider-Man. Not because they both got bitten by a bug and now have super-powers, but because they’re both teenage geeks who become heroes. Jaime Reyes is possessed by an alien bug that is on a mission to save planets or annihilate them. Reyes must find a way to control this power or mankind will suffer. Also, he has to get his chemistry homework in on-time.

9) Superboy #1

Written by Scott Lobdell

Drawn by RB Silva and Rob Lean

Connor Kent has become a fan favorite since his introduction after the death of Superman. His DNA is part Superman, part Lex Luthor. In his time he’s fought off the evil inside of him, become a member of the Teen Titans, and died once saving the world. But now I’m not sure where he’s going from here. Just look at the picture.

I started out loving Superboy, collecting his first series for a few years, and since then I have loved where DC took the character, but this? He looks more like Cyborg than Superman in this picture. In any event, it’s like a train wreck; I can’t look away. But maybe that’s just what DC wants me to think just so I’ll end up reading. Oh you craft dogs you!

8) Green Lantern #1

Written by Geoff Johns

Drawn By Doug Manke and Christian Alamy

Geoff Johns is still working on the comic that made him a household name in the business, and I’m sure I speak for all Green Lantern fans when I give a big sigh of relief. I don ‘t want to see anyone taking on Hal Jordan except the writer who gave him a ‘Rebirth’. With three other Green Lantern titles coming out Hal won’t be alone, but I don’t think it’ll be like we all know it. War of the Green Lanterns was an even better story than Blackest Night so I’m excited to see where Hal, Kyle, Guy, and John go from here!

7) Red Hood and the Outlaws #1

Written by Scott Lobdell

Drawn by Kenneth Rocafort

When last I remember Jason Todd he was fighting Dick Grayson on a train for the right to wear Bruce’s cowl after his supposed death. Thankfully his predecessor beat him and Dick took over being Batman while Bruce was doing his Quantum Leap thing. Now Todd is back in Batman and Robin, and something tells me it’ll lead to a redemption tale just in time to see him hook-up with the Outlaws. Joining the Red Hood will be Green Arrow’s former sidekick Arsenal, who used have a drug problem, and Starfire, the sexy, orange, alien who was stranded in space for a year in 52. These characters are all messed-up, just the way I like ‘em. I can’t wait to see the heads roll!

6) Batgirl #1

Written by Gail Simone

Drawn by Ardian Syaf and Vincente Cifuentes

Simone is known for her work on Tiny Titans, Wonder Woman, and Birds of Prey. I think she had a good handle on Barbara Gordon in Birds of Prey so I feel she’s the right person to bring the original Batgirl back. My theory is when Barry Allen and Batman fix reality after Flashpoint they may do a little improvement, including giving Barbara back her legs after the Joker took them away in The Killing Joke.

I love the character, and how she evolved to become Oracle after her tragedy. I will miss it, but I’ve never really know her much as Batgirl. So for me, and others like me, this is new territory for her character. Especially since her old flame, Dick Grayson, will be returning to be Nightwing. I think someone is going to find themselves under the missile-toe come Christmas. And honestly, I still have no idea who the hell Batwoman is.

5) Grifter #1

Written by Nathan Edmonson

Drawn by Cafu

As I strolled down the line-up of #1’s I was shocked to see Cole Cash on the list. Apparently Wildstorm characters are branching over to the DC Universe, and Grifter is one of my favorite trading choices. In Wildstorm comics Grifter was their equivalent of Wolverine. He is quick with a gun and even quicker with his attitude. I can’t wait to see how he shakes up DC. I foresee a pissing contest between him and the Red Hood in the future.

4) Nightwing #1

Written by Kyle Higgins

Drawn by Eddy Barrows and JP Mayer

Why am I smiling? Because as much as I loved seeing Dick Grayson as Batman I’m glad to see he’s back to being his own man and not living in Bruce’s shadow. Dick Grayson as always been one of my favorite DC characters and his new costume looks badass. I just hope we see some love action between either him and Batgirl or him and Starfire. That love triangle puts Twilight's to shame!

3) Green Lantern: The New Guardians #1

Written by Tony Bedard

Drawn by Tyler Kirkham and Batt

I’ve recently starting picking-up Green Lantern Corps for two reasons. One is that Kyle Rayner is my favorite Green Lantern. Second, Tyler Kirkham had me hooked on his art when he drew that full page spread of the four humans Lanterns, each wielding a different emotion besides Will. I’m glad to see those two people will not be torn apart during the re-vamp.

This comic looks like it’ll be another aftermath of War of the Green Lanterns, which I’m glad to see at least once comic I collect isn’t going back to newborn stages. Kyle is said to lead a new breed of Guardians, who looks like are not just focused on Will, but all the emotional powers. I love how Kyle Rayner was never chosen as a Green Lantern, but he has been thee pivotal character when it comes to their evolution. My smile is still going.

2) Aquaman #1

Written by Geoff Johns

Drawn by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado

Bringing back the Blackest Night pair, Johns is back to tell the tales of the King of Atlantis. He’s brought Arthur Curry back from the dead and turned him from the laughing stock of DC to the badass master of the oceans in Brightest Day. However this is one character I do hope gets a complete re-boot. Aquaman has had so many different origins that are so different I honestly don’t know how to sort them all out. But as long has Johns keeps Arthur kick-ass and complex you can count on my three bucks every month. And yes, I’m still smiling.

1) Justice League #1

Written by Geoff Johns

Drawn by Jim Lee

This like an All-Star game, that is if sports All-Star games didn’t happen every year, but every ten years. Johns, the chief creative officer at DC is hooking up with Jim Lee, the new Co-Publisher of DC, to bring you something I feel will be special. Both of these guys are considered the best in the comic book business, and they’ve brought together the best DC characters together in one comic book. This is the comic that DC is betting all their money on. If this comic doesn’t work, none of it does.

I love the current JLA line-up where the former Teen Titans now run the JLA as adults, but that isn’t the status quo the general public knows. Just ask any Spider-Man fan, you can’t stray from the status quo for too long. Too soon for Brand New Day jokes? If anything I’ll at least collect the first storyline for no other reason than to have it.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I know DC had to think longer term to bring in younger readers because lord knows their movies aren’t getting it done. Hey Warner Bros.! Butt the hell out of our films when you’ve never even read the comic book it’s based off of! Maybe then you’ll see some box office numbers like Marvel Studios is pumping out! But when a kid walks into the comic book store after just seeing Green Lantern a store owner should know what to start him off with, and it shouldn’t be all the way back to Hal Jordan’s first appearance in Showcase # 22 from 1959.
My biggest gripe in all of this is the re-start of Action Comics and Detective Comics. These two are tent poles for comic books and superheroes. If you want to re-vamp Superman and Batman that’s fine, but these are the two comics that say just how long comic books have endured with Actions Comics being in the 900’s now. Also, I love Jim Lee’s art, but he made his name in the 90’s, and not to criticize, but the 90’s is over Jim so let’s get our superheroes fashion sense out if it as well. I mean for god sakes what the hell is Tim Drake wearing on the cover on Teen Titans #1? I can’t believe I’m actually quoting Nicolas Cage, but he said Superman’s costume is “like a Coca-Cola bottle, you don’t mess with that stuff.” Ok, my smile is now gone.

Green Lantern Lacks Focus, But Has Plenty of Character

They say heroes aren’t born, they’re made. Superman was born with superpowers, but his parents made him into a hero. Batman wasn’t born to fight crime, but his parent’s deaths turned him into the Dark Knight. However Hal Jordan wasn’t made into a Green Lantern, he was chosen. The ring saw something inside of him that even he didn’t see. That’s the way I feel about this film. I see it for what it is, what it represents, and where it could take us all.

Hal Jordan, played by Ryan Reynolds, is a test pilot for Ferris Air, along with his childhood friend, and sometimes lover, Carol Ferris. Hal is magically transported to a location where he finds a dying alien, Abin Sur. Abin is part of an intergalactic police force known as the Green Lanterns, who wield rings that make them the most powerful force in the universe. The ring sought out Hal for Abin’s replacement as protector of sector 2814. Soon Hal is transported to Oa, the base of the Green Lanterns, and meets other Lanterns, such as Tomar-Re, Kilowog, and Sinestro, played by Mark Strong. They warn Hal of an evil known as Parallax that is threatening the universe that none can oppose it. When Parallax sets his sights on Earth Hal has to decide if he has the ability to overcome his fears and has what it takes to become a Green Lantern.

From the moment I heard Ryan Reynolds was playing Hal Jordan I had my doubts. As a Green Lantern comic reader I couldn’t picture him in the part, but Reynolds proved me wrong. I was worried he was going to be too comical and make too many smart-ass remarks, but actually I don’t think he made enough of them in this film. He didn’t re-define the superhero genre like Christopher Reeves in Superman, but he did make me believe he was the man in the DC Universe that is without fear.

The rest of the cast fit quite well. I knew Mark Strong was a great choice for Sinestro and I was right. He played the part with the perfect amount of edge it needed, especially for those who know where the character goes from here. Blake Lively proved once again in a film that she is better than the TV teen-soap she stars in. Her chemistry with Reynolds seemed good and Carol Ferris is another character I can’t wait to see her take the path of her comic book persona. Lastly, Peter Sarsgaard’s portrayal of Hector Hammond was done quite well, although if anything was lacking it wasn’t in his performance, but the story.

The film was supposed to be based on Geoff Johns Green Lantern storyline, Secret Origin, but aside from having the same characters it was nothing like it. If they did follow the comic more closely I think it would have helped the film by focusing the story on Hal. Director Martin Campbell, best known for films such as Casino Royale and The Mask of Zorro, seemed to break the center of the film between Hal and Hector. One giving in to fear, and the other trying to overcome it. But I for one didn’t care about Hector because he was just Parallax’s bitch pretty much. I got the sense that Hector, Hal, and Carol had all know each other for years, but with the film being less than two hours long there was no time to dig deeper and maybe get some actual character depth.

As superhero-origin-stories go it was a good set-up for a much bigger universe I hope will bust wide open in the sequel. They only briefly mentioned the death of Hal’s father, and the source of all of Hal’s fears. Another missing element for me was actor Nick Jones. I met him at last year's Austin Comic Con and he was set to play future Green Lantern, John Stewart, but I never saw him in the film. It appears his scene may have been cut, which means they could always re-cast if needs be for the sequel.

Of course the shining jewel in this whole film was the special effects. The Planet Oa was cool, along with the Guardians giving off the creepy, blue, short men vibe. I enjoyed the small things as well, like the flowing lights on each Green Lantern’s suit, and how they were all a little different. Kilowog, I think, looked great, especially with the voice of Michael Clarke Duncan to back it up. From Hal’s constructs to intergalactic space travel, if I were to see this film again it would be in IMAX 3-D to check just how well the FX guys really did.

As a Green Lantern fan I wasn’t disappointed, but I wasn’t blown away either. As a film enthusiast I thought it was ok, but as an origin story I thought it was good. What hurt this film was the lack of focus in the story, but what helped save it were its actors and special effects. I recommend you go see this film, if for no other reason than to ensure a sequel. And as with every superhero film, you should always stay past the credits.  Maybe this film isn’t the blockbuster juggernaut DC was hoping for, but I think it’s a ring powerful enough to help them overcome their fear of Marvel Studios.

Rating: C+