A not so stellar first live-outing for the Emerald warrior

Millions of years ago a race of immortals who safeguard the universe called the Guardians of the Universe, founded a group of intergalactic policemen called the Green Lantern Corp, whose job is to protect a sector of the universe. The Green Lanterns are armed with cosmic-powered rings that are only as strong as the bearer's will. One of their number Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison) neutralized a threat years ago named the Parallax. The being returns once again for revenge. Abin Sur is killed and his ring seeks out a new host, and he chooses ace pilot from Earth, Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). -summary

It's getting to the point where some of these superhero films need a caution label before entering for the comic fans, and as a fan of Green Lantern and his world, I find it rather necessary here, since the result is not even a decent translation from the comic. When looking at this from a film fans perspective, then Green Lantern ends up as a mediocre movie. No matter which avenue I decide to take, Green Lantern just really isn't that good of a movie at all. Released a few months ago, Green Lantern directed by Martin Campbell is based on the DC character of the same name. Although Campbell provides a good enough introduction which was mainly meant for the non fans of the character. The movie really had a rushed feel and it could have benefited from a longer run time and serious editing.

I thought the special effects had moments where they were good. The CGI-laden battle scenes and attempts at heroism were kind of fun to watch. Campbell delivered some moments for the fans with Jordan using the ring. I liked the look for the world of Oa, as well as the over-sized, dark cloud that was the Parallax. Hal's CG looking costume didn't bother me, and I thought it was a nice look for this day and age. The action scenes have their fair share of destruction, however, they're not on the overly absurd level you will see in a Michael Bay movie.

I thought Hal's character was well developed, and he took to the ring and everything that comes with it in a realistic manner. The cowboy like attitude from the comics wasn't present here, as he showed signs of fear and uncertainty. Even as a fan of the comic it didn't really bother me, but there were other things instead that left me feeling uneasy.

The plot follows Hal, as he tries to battle against his own demons and live up to the responsibilities on being a Green Lantern. The Parallax makes its presence known, and embarks on a mission to destroy both the Earth and the Guardians of Oa.

Campbell really didn't work too well with the time given. At times, the movie felt as if it wasn't only a Green Lantern movie, but also a Green Lantern Corp movie, and I felt neither one was completely fleshed out. Hal's little training regimen wasn't the least bit believable, and his transition into the hero he could be wasn't that easy to buy into. Campbell made an attempt at displaying the Green Lantern Corp in action, however, this as well had way too much of an undeveloped feel. It seems as though you get a small portion of two servings, yet neither leaves you even half way full. I believe the movie should have taken a page out of Batman Begins, and focused more on Hal trying to master the ring or put him in small situations where he really had to work with it, instead of spending time on his possible love interest, who was only present for the sake of eye candy. It's strange, but the animated feature Green Lantern: First Flight managed to make this part of the character easy to digest in such a shorter run time, to include, it completely left out the female eye candy as the unnecessary plot device.

I really didn't like the choice of Parallax as the first lead villain. As a fan of the comic, it really did bother me since he's a far more complex villain. If they weren't going to go with a certain guy with a yellow ring, then perhaps Evilstar would have been a better choice as a first villain to go through. In any case, I felt no real chemistry here between the hero and villain. Reynolds as Green Lantern didn't bother me as much as it did others. I really don't think some of the blandness of the character was the fault of the actor, instead the writing concerning him was the main culprit. I didn't have an issue with any of the acting now that I think about it.

Green Lantern is a film that disappointed me plenty; from both perspectives, as a comic fan and  a movie fan. There should have been more of a focus on the main character. Towards the end of the movie, it felt a little too much as a vehicle to plan for the sequel, by giving Sinestro (Mark Strong) knowledge of the Yellow Element. Campbell tried his hand at too many things, and the end result was everything feeling half-assed. I only recommend this to those who just love action flicks and/or superhero movies.

The movie has a 114 minute run time.

Pros:
-Special Effects here and there

Cons:
-Nothing truly stands out