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+

Aquaman Swims back into the Spotlight in September

I’ve always been a creature of the sea. I love any body of water. Whether it be oceans, lakes, or even swimming pools. So naturally one of my favorite heroes has always been Aquaman. This was also a nickname of mine growing up since I was on the swim team. But this nickname also came with snickers and laughter because for years Aquaman had been the laughing stock of the DC Universe. Ever since the Super Friends cartoon series back in the 1970’s Aquaman never got any respect, even though he was one of the founding members of the Justice League along with Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter.

People think his powers are lame, but let’s run down the list:

1. Can swim super fast in world that is 70% water.

2. Has super-strength and can breathe underwater.

3. Can speak to sea creatures. I for one don’t want to mess with a guy who can sick an octopus or shark on my ass.

Aquaman first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941. His origin was that his father was sea explorer and when he built himself an underwater home his son developed powers, like breathing underwater and the ability to swim really fast. Later, when the character was re-introduced in the Silver Age, his origin had changed to where he was the son of an Atlantian outcast and a lighthouse keeper. Then his origin was changed again to where is Mother was a queen and his father a scientist. Arthur Curry started out as King of Atlantis. When he lost his child he turned into a creepy sea hermit with a harpoon hand. He was later resurrected as a being with a magical water hand. Finally though, after his presumed death in Infinite Crisis, a young man believed he was Arthur Curry reincarnated, but it turns out his mentor was the real Aquaman, who finally met his demise in Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis. Talk about your Identity Crisis. If Arthur Curry had no idea who he was, how was a reader supposed to know?

Even though on the HBO series, Entourage, an Aquaman movie was the #1 film of all-time he’s had rough waters outside of comic books as well. In 1967 The Adventures of Aquaman cartoon series had a short run of only three seasons. And during the fifth season of Smallville actor Alan Ritchson guest starred as Arthur Curry and was the shows highest rated episode. Creators Miles Millar and Alfred Gough planned an Aquaman live-action TV series starring Justin Hartley. But this was in the middle of the WB/UPN merger into The CW and although a pilot was shot, the series was not picked up. But Gough and Millar liked Hartley so much they used him as a reoccurring character on Smallville, playing Oliver Queen, a.k.a. Green Arrow. Ritchson also returned for several episodes as Arthur Curry, a.k.a. Aquaman.

It wasn’t until 2010 that Aquaman would find his redemption thanks to comic god, and DC Chief Creative Director, Geoff Johns. Johns made Arthur Curry one of the characters that returned from the dead at the end of Blackest Night. But Aquaman returns to find out that his wife, Mera, was originally sent to kill him, his protégé is dead, and he only has the ability to control DEAD sea life. This turned Arthur’s world into more of an underwater Shakespearian tale than just some guy riding a sea horse. With Brightest Day over Aquaman still lives, and is about to dive into some fresh water I hope.

I’m not sure yet how I feel about DC revamping almost

their entire collection of characters, mainly because I don’t know all the details. But one thing I am excited for is Geoff Johns writing what will be the seventh comic with the title Aquaman #1. Johns has reinvigorated Green Lantern, The Flash, and now he’s working on Aquaman; I love it! First thing I feel Johns has to do is clean up Arthur’s origin story, and it’s probably best to throw out a lot of his past. However Johns will be including him in the new Justice League line-up, just has he originally did back when the League began.

        

 My hope in writing this is that anyone who has been an Aquaman hater needs to realize that this is just as epic a character as Batman or Superman, and that this is the beginning of something good, if not for DC, at least for Aquaman. I also recommend you check out the Aquaman live-action pilot online. It was like Smallville, but in bathing suits; which is a winner in my book! 

Casting Call: Green Lantern Corps

Next weekend audiences will get a small peak into the world called ‘DC Comics version of Star Wars.’ Ryan Reynolds will bring the Hal Jordan to life and along with him will be some other fan favorites. Sinestro, Tomar-Re, Kilowog, and even future Green Lantern,John Stewart, will appear in the film. But this is only a small group of the many Green Lanterns that comic books fans have come to know and love, spanning over 50 years and hundreds of comic book issues.

There are several ways Warner Bros. can take this film franchise. My hopes would be in the direction of Emerald Twilight, which lead to the introduction of my favorite Green Lantern, Kyle Rayner. Hal Jordan is still the main character in the Green Lantern comic, but the other Green Lanterns help fill two spin-off comics, one being Green Lantern Corps. Hal Jordan and John Stewart may already have their real-life counter parts picked, but here are my suggestions for some of the others.

Milo Ventimiglia as Kyle Rayner

At one point he was called ‘The Torchbearer’ and ‘Ion.’ Kyle Rayner was just a young artist until one night he walked out the wrong end of a bar and found a desperate Guardian wanting to bestow upon him the last Green Lantern ring left in the universe. Kyle Rayner went on to be the next generation of Green Lantern after Hal Jordan/Parallax destroyed the rest of the Corps. Kyle soon proved himself a hero and after defeating Parallax he started to become very powerful. It seemed Kyle was channeling the power of Ion, the source of all the Green Lanterns power. Kyle had a choice to either live as a god, or restart the entire Green Lantern Corps. I think we all know what he did.

On the show Heroes Milo Ventimiglia played Peter Petrelli, a man always trying to do the right thing. Peter had a strength and integrity that Kyle also portrays, which is why Milo would make a good Kyle Rayner. Milo also looks like he has a small chip on his shoulder, which is something Kyle feels due to all the loved ones he has lost since being a Green Lantern. Kyle wasn’t chosen to be a hero, he earned it, just like I think Milo would do.

Ryan Kwanten as Guy Gardner

Guy Gardner is the Lantern with attitude. Most people don’t seem to like him, but there is no doubting he knows how to bring it. When a college football injury ended Guy’s plans he thought his life was over, but little did he know he was one of two potential candidates for Abin Sur’s ring when he crashed on Earth. Hal Jordan just happened to be closer. Guy served as Hal’s back-up when he was unable to perform his Green Lantern duties for a while. At one point, when the Corps was destroyed Guy combined his own blood with alien DNA to still give him powers. But when the Corps was restored to glory Guy jumped on the band wagon and signed on as Kyle’s sector and business partner as the two set-up a bar for the thousands of Green Lanterns to hang out at during off-hours.

To play Guy Gardner I needed someone who could play an asshole, but a likable one. I came to the selection of Ryan Kwanten from HBO’s hit series True Blood. As Jason Stackhouse Ryan can be so annoying, and get himself way over his head, but through it all you want everything to be ok for him. He could play the tough-guy-Gardner with ease. Plus I think it’d be cool to see him slip on the red ring of Rage.

Natalie Portman as Soranik Natu

Sornik comes from Sinestro’s home planet of Korugar. She grew up, like the rest of her people, in fear of Sinestro, but she had loving parents you taught her right and Soranik grew up to be a doctor. When the call to be a Lantern came for her she refused it. She saw how the ring corrupted Sinestro and didn’t want any part of the Corps. She soon learned she could help a lot more people than just on Korugar. After a while she even hooked-up with another Lantern, Kyle Rayner. But Soranik’s world came crumbling down when she found out that Sinestro was her real father. He had given her up years ago when was a fugitive so that’s he could have a normal life. Soranik now despises her father and is determined to prove herself a better Lantern than he ever was.

Yes, I know, I love Natalie Portman. But when I needed someone to play a smart, confident, woman she was the first one to come to my mind. Portman has shown the world time and time again she can do everything from Oscar winning roles to romantic comedies. If Ryan Reynolds can jump from Marvel to DC why can’t Portman? So get this; Soranik’s father, Sinestro, married his best friend’s sister, Abin Sur. Abin Sur passed his ring on to Hal Jordan, who was replaced by Kyle Rayner, and Kyle Rayner is currently dating Soranik. Talk about your six degrees of Kevin Bacon.

Jon Cryer as the voice of Salaak

He is the gatekeeper and receptionist between the Lanterns and the Guardians. He relays all messages, tells the Lanterns where there is trouble, and always trust the Guardians judgment; big mistake if you ask me. I never really liked Salaak because he seemed like too much the Guardians lap-dog. However, I feel like he’s just now starting to figure out the Guardians poo isn’t made of rainbows.

When I thought of an actor who could be a major kiss-ass with no spine, and perhaps a little quirky, Jon Cryer came to mind. On Two and a Half Men Cryer plays the dorky goodie-goodie perfectly. I think he’d be able to project it through a microphone. My favorite Salaak moments are when Guy Gardner teases him.

Jordana Brewster as Boodikka

She is known as one of the best Lanterns there have ever been. She’s taken over training of new recruits for Kilowog for a while, and even taught Hal Jordan himself a thing or two. But Jordan fired back when he was Parallax and Boodikka was one of the Lanterns charged with stopping his reign of terror. Jordan took her ring by cutting off her hand and leaving her for dead. But Boodika survived and returned as a Lantern when the Corps was re-charged. She was one of the first the Guardians chose when they created the Alpha Lanterns. If the Green Lanterns are the police of space then the Alpha Lanterns are internal affairs, and nobody likes internal affairs; especially when they’re half-robot beings that can only follow rules written in the book of Oa.

With a strong character like Boodikka I needed an actress who can appeal to all sides of her. Jordana Brewster can appear vulnerable, strong, subordinate, and sexy all at the same time. I loved her in the Fast and Furious franchise, and I think it’s time for her to jump on a franchise that doesn’t just bust out the same ol’ model every film. Plus she’s just really hot.

Jennifer Lawrence as Arisia Rrab

Arisia always seemed to me like a very naïve and innocent character, but she’s not. Maybe it’s because she’s always so hopeful about everything. After becoming a Green Lantern Arisia soon developed a crush on Hal Jordan. For a time the two even lived together peacefully on Earth, but once Hal became Parallax and thought he killed her all bets were off. Hal found her years later, along with other Lanterns, being used as batteries by the Cycborg Superman. Hal and Guy Gardner freed them and Arisia rejoined the Corps. Since then she’s been doing her best to keep the Green Lanterns positive and efficient.

In X-Men: First Class Jennifer Lawrence played a young Mystique that seemed to be hopeful of the future. If Lawrence can take that same character attitude over to the DC universe I think we’d be in business. Of course I think she’s going to pretty busy these next few years, what with the lead role in The Hunger Games franchise. Oh well, it’s a nice thought.

Ali Larter as Laira

This is one girl I would not want to cross. Not only does she wield one of the most powerful weapons in the universe, but she is also an expert martial artist. Laira was trained by her father, a former Guardian of the Universe, to take his place as a possible Green Lantern when he died, and she did just that. She’s a tough as nails chick who murdered a member of the Sinestro Corps after he killed her family. This caused her to be chosen for the Red Lantern Corps, but was later killed by Sinestro himself.

Another Heroes alumnus who I think has more to offer than her TV personality. For two seasons she played Nikki Sanders on Heroes, but it was her evil personality, Jessica, I think she would need to tap into in order to play Laira. Larter I think could bring out the strength and rage of this character, and look good while doing it.

Colin Egglesfield as Sodam Yat

Sodam was raised on planet Daxam, and they hated anyone not from Daxam. Kind of like a racist planet. When Sodam was chosen as a Green Lantern, against his father’s wishes, he learned that other people weren’t so bad. His strength as a character also allowed him to be the newest embodiment of the Green Lantern mascot, Ion. The Guardians assigned Kyle Rayner to teach Sodam about wielding this awesome power seeing how Kyle was the only other being to be Ion. Daxam is also a planet similar to Krypton, so when Sodam is near a yellow sun not only does he have the power of a god, he also has heat vision too. Some guys have all the luck. But this luck didn’t safe him when he sacrificed himself to turn Daxam’s sun yellow so his people could fight off a Sinestro Corps invasion. But we haven’t seen the last of Sodam, trust me.

To play a character as perfect as Sodam you need someone who looks almost perfect. Colin Egglesfield made girls swoon in his newest film, Something Borrowed, and although I don’t plan on ever seeing the film he looks like he can pull off this part. I think it would be an interesting scene with Kyle trying to teach Sodam all about having the powers of Ion when he really doesn’t need it to be awesome.

X-Men: First Class Starts Something New

Sworn to protect a world that fears and hates them, they are, the X-Men. They are lead by Charles Xavier, or at least they will be. Back in the 1960’s Charles Xavier is just a young man trying to figure out not only his life, but the world around him. Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn brings this prequel/reboot to the big screen as we see how Professor X and Magneto became friends, and then bitter enemies.

Erik Lensherr is a man on a mission. He is out to kill the man who killed his mother and tried to use him as a pawn during the holocaust. Meanwhile a young Charles Xavier has just become a professor and is helping the CIA hunt down the same man Erik is after; Sebatian Shaw, played by Kevin Bacon. Charles and Erik gather a band of mutants together to try and bring down Shaw before he starts the Cuban Missile Crisis. Included in this ‘first class’ is Charles's surrogate sister, Mystique, a highly intelligent boy who can hang upside down by his feet named Beast, and another young man who can use his supersonic scream to fly, codename Banshee. It’s the X-Men vs. Shaw and his Hellfire Club as they expose to the world the existence of mutants.

Let’s get the formalities out of the way first. I am a pretty big X-Men fan and have yet to be 100% satisfied with any X-Men film, and this one is no different. Alex Summers is among the X-Men in this film, but Alex Summers is Cyclops's little brother, who is like a son to Charles. You see the continuity flaws beginning? The White Queen, played by January Jones, is also Cyclops's current girlfriend in the comic books, but she is Shaw’s right hand woman in this film back in 1962. That’s going to be one hell of a cougar.

 Ok, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest I can focus on the film itself. It starts out very James Bond-esque with Rose Byrne as CIA operative, Moira McTaggert. Did I mention Moira is a scientist in the comic books? Anyway, she is going undercover to expose Shaw while Erik travels the world trying to find him. When Moira ask Charles for help the two cross paths and a legendary friendship begins, but Erik isn’t looking to stop the madman, he aims to kill him. The middle part of the film is where I began to lose interest. They collect some mutants, have their first encounter with Shaw, and soon decide they have to take him down. From there the film picks back up with the X-Men training and finally the showdown during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The veteran actors in this film shine, while the younger, less experienced ones, leave something lacking. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender were perfect though as young Charles and Erik. They both made the characters their own. Through their performance we can see that gap from who they are as to who they will become. Kevin Bacon hasn’t done any notable acting in a while, but his return as the villain Shaw is terrific. Finally, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique is quite enticing both in a physical and character arc way. Her and McAvoy help make their characters relationship a key point in this film, and the addition of Fassbender in their triangle is nicely done as Erik tries to show Mystique who she really should be.

The rest of the cast I’m afraid is lacking. They didn’t have enough lines, and were too insignificant as characters to really add anything to the film except a little action. This was not helped by the corny dialogue most of their speaking lines encompassed. I felt January Jones could have done better, especially with her acting chops shining so brightly on Mad Men. At least she was half-naked the whole film.

I think this film could have been better if it didn’t try to include so many characters, and a little tweeking in the script. Former X-Men and X2 director Bryan Singer helped write the story and produce the film, but since he didn’t do the script my faith in him as a film maker is not shaken. The film is a great story that didn’t quite come full circle in my opinion, but has some great moments, characters, and action.

Then again, like my wife believes, maybe I judge X-Men movies to harshly because of how much I love the original material. My advice is to just check it out and see for yourself, because as a standalone film it’s pretty good. I can say with 90% confidence is probably better than Pirates 4. I guess I’m just waiting for 20th Century Fox to lose the rights to X-Men so Marvel Studios can take over. Then I can show them my script for the X-Men movie I’ve written and pitch them my trilogy idea. Oh, by the way, enjoy the surprise appearance in the film. I know I did.

Rating: C-