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+
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