Green Lantern Movie Review

by Rick Grant
The central theme of this comic book scenario is, humans are fearful, but in overcoming their fear, they gain power over their will. Thus, their power is greater than the forces of evil in the universe.
And so, in typical comic book lore, this film presents a group of protectors of good–3599 Lanterns, who are charged with defending the universe from evil.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, hotshot test pilot Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) has just defeated a couple of autonomous jets (pilotless) by going beyond their ceiling. Consequently, he exceeded the ceiling of his own F-35 and has to eject as his expensive jet fighter plunges to Earth. His employer is furious because the test was in front of buyers for the new autonomous jet.
To redeem himself, Hal explains that he was just exposing a flaw in the pilotless aircraft–their ceiling was too low and could be used against them. Not only is Hal reckless, he’s a smartass as well. So when the Green Lantern brigade sends their messenger to recruit Hal, viewers wonder why him? Obviously, the Lantern energy ball sees potential in Hal’s consciousness.
Yes, anything can happen in the comic book world and soon Hal has the ring and accesses the glowing green lantern. Boom, he’s suddenly a buff superhero with a pulsating green suit. Now he has to help save the realm from the hideous evil entity that is threatening to kill the entire Lantern brigade. The monster feeds off fear and Hal is afraid, so it puts him at the disadvantage.
Director and writers Greg Berlanti and Michael Green at least made an attempt to develop the characters before all the flying and other CGI effects. But, let’s face it, by definition, the depth of material is not there. After all, it’s a comic book story, written for the 12 year old mind or the comic devotee who has to revert back to their prepubescent self to enjoy this ridiculous movie.
Rest assured, superheroes always get the girl. Hal, as the Green Lantern flies down to visit his girlfriend, Carol Ferris (Blake Lively) and unlike Superman’s Lois Lane, she recognizes him. Incredibly, he has developed superpowers overnight so she is intrigued.
The picture follows a predictable path to the inevitable smackdown, but I must admit the special effects are spectacular, with Lanterns zooming around at the speed of light. There are some cool scenes that give credence to Hal’s dual role as a screw-up test pilot and superhero.
The massive evil cloud is introduced in the beginning so there is no suspense until he makes the scene. Still, it’s a frightening threat to the universe. Have no fear, Hal and his colleagues in the Lantern brigade are ready to give their life to protect the good realm.
Peter Sarsgaard as Hector Hammond steals the Green Lantern’s thunder as the mad scientist who mutates into a monster. As for Ryan Reynolds performance? He injects a bit of tongue-in-cheek overview into his characterization, which almost makes up for its absurdity.