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Green Lantern: Emerald Knights
Green Lantern: Emerald Knights

A 2011 DC Universe Animated Original Movie featuring various short films about the Green Lantern Corps.

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A Tale of The Green Lantern Corps Before the Coming Big Budget Film...HYPE ON!!

  • Jun 9, 2011
Exclusive to the Lunch Network
Rating:
+4
With the upcoming “Green Lantern” film that is to be released in theaters this month, it is to be expected that Warner would release an animated film to give fans and potential new fans something to keep them occupied until its nationwide release. “Green Lantern Emerald Knights” is an anthology of sorts that takes the spotlight away from Hal Jordan and instead gives some background to the “Green Lantern Corps” which was formed by the Guardians of the Universe. The film explores some of the Corps’ history and carries references to certain “Green Lantern” comic book continuity and even a small reference to the 80‘s “Crisis On Infinite Earths“. This film does not seem related to “Green Lantern First Flight” at all. (if it was, then there would be a serious continuity issue)

The film is made up of 5 stories total and with a sixth making up its core premise. Krona is the renegade guardian who has been obsessed in finding the secret of the universe. In this goal, he has amassed the destructive force of anti-matter and of the shadow beings through the sun of the planet Oa, that can annihilate living beings. Responding to this emergency, Sinestro (Jason Isaacs), Kilowog (Henry Rollins), Laira (Kelly Hu) and the first human to become a Green Lantern, Hal Jordan (Nathan Fillion) along with a trainee, Arisia (Elizabeth Moss) joins the entire GL Corp to prepare a counter attack. During the preparations for final battle, Hal and Sinestro share the history of the Corp and what it means to be a “green Lantern” to Arisia….but is this the final battle for the emerald warriors?

               





Honestly, I wasn’t very enthusiastic with this new film directed by Lauren Montgomery given that I wasn’t exactly impressed with “Green Lantern First Flight” and I do feel that often ‘anthologies’ usually never work and they seem like a money grab. But hey, I have to say, I liked what I saw with “Emerald Knights”; it had enough comic book references to satisfy the comic fan and the focused execution of the direction made “Emerald Knights” an entertaining watch. The set designs and the sinister-looking villains made it stand out from other DCU animated films, as they incorporated a certain ‘characteristic’ and personality that made them unique. The film also keeps a balance between fast-paced action and its plot developments (however it feels a little shaky at times). Montgomery gets our attention by showing a corps member struggle with the shadow beings, then we get to see the tales of the Green Lantern Corps.

In a way, this is a film that may prove to be a good companion piece to 2011’s “Green Lantern” (as it was also produced by the upcoming live-action film), it makes a connection to fans and a credible introduction to new fans. I’ve read so many Green Lantern comics that it is always nice to see familiar faces such as Tomar-Re, Laira, Sinestro, Laira and Kilowog take center stage in the film. Comic book references are made with the “Book of Oa”, the mention of the coming “Blackest Night” and the “Sinestro Corps“, the dominators and the khunds, and Atrocitus who also makes an appearance. The stories about the history of the corps are made up of themes that define the meaning of being a corp member and they may also define the origin of the oath the corps say when they charge their rings.

                





Laira’s tale has a strong theme of justice over family, the story “Mogo doesn’t socialize” is a story about the power of diversity, the tale with Abin Sur called “Tygers” is all about destiny, “New Blood” with Kilowog has a theme of life as a corp member and the “First Lantern” is the tale that defines the meaning of creativity and the limits of willpower. There are a lot to be taken in as the film is rich with morale messages that somehow defines the Green Lantern oath in a subtle yet powerful way. I liked the way that the direction gave each central character their moment to shine and how none of the major ones got lost in the shuffle. True, with different thematic stories, the risk of one overshadowing the other is great, and it is still true to “Emerald Knights”. While I liked the stories, they really didn’t offer that many surprises and the quality of the tales vary from each. I feel that the story of Mogo was too predictable and Abin Sur’s felt rather incomplete; not that they’re lacking, but Kilowog as a poozer and Laira’s struggle with her father were just more compelling. I also loved the way the first lantern story took shape as it also reminded me of Kyle Rayner. (Hal may be hot stuff but Kyle also made his mark as one of the best corp members)




               

                  

              

As for the ring-slinging battles, they were a lot more creative than in “First Flight”. The direction took advantage of the fact that this is a cosmos-spanning adventure by displaying a lot of ring-slinging huge battles. The way the rings were utilized were more creative this time around. I mean, the rings meant willpower and the script did define the power of will. In “First Flight” most of the battles were power blasts and energy manipulation. This time, they had the use of creative constructs that define the user’s creative will. I do have also have one other complaint, the animation work feels a little uneven; the Laira and Kilowog stories looks a little like anime, while the other stories are a little shaky in the fluidity of the animated movements. Much as I liked the stories, some scenes also felt like minor ‘fillers’ and they rendered the pacing a tad uneven. I also felt like while the pseudo-religious and philosophical themes were there, they didn’t help in defining its main premise.

                        

Yes, I did like “Emerald Knights” though I didn‘t feel completely invested in it. I thought it was quite a satisfying “Green Lantern Corp” tale that gave fans things to be happy about and makes it accessible for casual fans. Admittedly, the film would easily be appreciated by the comic book fan like myself and even those who think they are comic book fans. True, some elements may make the Green Lantern greenhorn a little lost, but there is enough fantastical elements to keep everyone occupied. “Emerald Knights” may not be the definitive Green Lantern animated flick but it does help whet the appetite for Ryan Reynolds (I easily saw that he is miscast, but this opinion is based on the trailers for now ) portrayal as the metro-sexual looking Green Lantern.

Recommended! [4- Out of 5 Stars]







　

　
　
　
　
A Tale of The Green Lantern Corps Before the Coming Big Budget Film...HYPE ON!! A Tale of The Green Lantern Corps Before the Coming Big Budget Film...HYPE ON!!

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November 30, 2011
The review is very colorful and informative. This presentation will interest the youth immensely.
 
June 12, 2011
AWESOME! Watched First Flight and enjoyed it enough and this one sounds way better. I can't tell you how glad I am that GL is getting the attention he deserves of late. Awesome review bro, thanks. Ordering this for sure.
June 12, 2011
if you liked First Flight then this would be better and a good teaser for the upcoming movie. Thanks, Jay!
August 08, 2011
yo, Jay, I sent you a message about this topic and badge. :)
 
June 10, 2011
Wow Awesome review - Love the photos. We're seeing GREEN LANTERN on Wednesday - You'll get our review either Wednesday evening or thursday. Have a great weekend.
June 10, 2011
awesome!! I will look forward to it! Is John going to wear a ring?
June 10, 2011
working on it.
June 10, 2011
=)
 
June 09, 2011
I enjoyed First Flight, so I might like this one also. i also plan on peeping that movie.
June 09, 2011
we should. This is better than First Flight imho....
June 10, 2011
look at the photos under orlok's comment here.... :)
 
June 09, 2011
For some reason I've never been a big Green Lantern fan except when Denny O'Neil was writing his books and teamed him up with Green Arrow. A Green Lantern/Green Arrow film based on that run from the '70s would make for an amazing film. I'm not sure why no one had attempted it yet.
June 09, 2011
I am with you; I was more an off again and on again when it came to Hal Jordan. I did follow the book after Supes died, when he was on the verge on becoming evil and when Kyle Rayner was the title GL, I thought that was an interesting run. I liked the stories after his rebirth but lately they've all become marketing ploys....again. I shouldn't be surprised.
June 09, 2011
Oh they did team up at one time or another in JLU animated series....
June 09, 2011
Yeah, but that's not the same as an actual live action motion picture adaptation of those stories, which is exactly what I'm dying to see.
June 09, 2011
You know they ruined the Oliver Queen character in Smallville right?
June 09, 2011
I never watched much "Smallville". I caught the first season and a few random episodes, but I never got into it. I'm sort of a Superman purist and I prefer the really early stuff and some of what was done in the '60s and '70s, but that's about it.
June 09, 2011
I watched Smallville because of Kristin Kreuk and the girl who played Supergirl.
June 09, 2011
That's hilarious.
June 09, 2011
still laughing? ;)


 

June 13, 2011
still no comment on the photos?
June 14, 2011
Um, nope. Kristin Kreuk just doesn't interest me and whoever the other person is isn't my type. Though she does make that tiny Superman shirt look kind of cute.
 
June 09, 2011
Got this myself, watching it tonight, excellent review WP.
June 09, 2011
$ 12.99 dvd and $ 17.99 Bluray at Best Buy! Cannot beat the price, bud!
June 09, 2011
Yeah man I got the combo pack, can't wait to check it out here soon.
June 09, 2011
Me too. You will like it, a lot better than "First Flight" I am hoping the coming live action film will be as good.
June 09, 2011
I think it will be, not a classic but I think it will be good.
June 09, 2011
if it turns out to be as good as this one, then I'll be happy.
June 09, 2011
They got the game for PS3 now. I'm sure it sucks, but I see myself getting it anyway.
June 09, 2011
games based on movies usually suck anyway....but I did like Terminator Vs. Robocop
June 20, 2011
Ok, I saw the new GL movie finally and reviewed it...
 
1
More Green Lantern: Emerald Knights reviews
review by . August 08, 2011
posted in Speech Bubbles: Comics & Graphic Novels
A Solid Entry to the GL Mythos
   Ah Green Lantern (or “GL” to those familiar with the Justice League’s incarnation of the beloved superhero); has there ever been so solid a character with so sketchy a mainstream persona?  Rhetorical question, sure, but I dare go as far as to say this animated feature film may in fact be the definitive entry into the rich universe of the titular character and the Lantern Corps to which he belongs.  Such a praiseful declaration may not seem like a big deal …
review by . November 04, 2011
posted in Speech Bubbles: Comics & Graphic Novels
One member of the Green Lantern Corp is patrolling a sector of the galaxy. She's then suddenly attacked after coming across a sun. It's later revealed that the attack is from a powerful being by the name of Krona; an individual who was defeated and imprisoned in the Anti-matter universe by the Guardians of the Universe. He seeks vengeance upon the Guardians, and while they evacuate the planet of Oa preparing for the worse; they dispatch the entire Green Lantern Corp to try and deal with …
review by . August 13, 2011
posted in Love of Comics & Graphic Novels!
GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS follows Hal Jordan as he passes along some of the stories of the Green Lantern Corp to new recruit Arisia. The stories that are told during the movie are that of the First Lantern, Kilowag's story, the princess Laira and what she sacrificed for the Corp, a story about Bolphunga and Mogo, and another story about Abin Sur. These stories are tied together by the main plot of the movie: the Corps facing off against the destruction of Oa by the arrival of the antimatter …
Quick Tip by . June 09, 2011
posted in Animation Of The Past & Present
Caption
A pretty good tale of the Green Lantern Corps and may provide some needed background to the upcoming live-action movie starring Ryan Reynolds. It puts the Hal Jordan character out of the spotlight and makes the corp the main premise; its history, the stories, the encounters and the meaning of becoming a Green Lantern.      A little shaky but it manages to find its footing quickly. Yes, it is an anthology so expect some stories better written than others, but Montgomery capitalizes …
see all Green Lantern: Emerald Knights reviews (5)
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About this movie

Wiki

With stories by acclaimed writers including Geoff Johns, Alan Burnett and Dave Gibbons, this DC Universe Animated Original Movie explores the rich mythology of the Green Lantern universe through six interlocking chapters. While awaiting a battle with Krona, an ancient enemy of the Guardians of the Universe, Earth’s Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Kilowog, Sinestro and other members of the Green Lantern Corps recount their greatest adventures to new recruit Arisia – everything from tales of the first Lantern to the ominous events that led to the Corps’ Blackest Night! The power-packed voice cast includes Nathan Fillion, Jason Isaacs, Elisabeth Moss, Henry Rollins and Arnold Vosloo.
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Movies, Animated Movies, Comics, Dc Comics, Comic Book And Graphic Novel Adaptations, American Animation, Animated Films, Dc Animated Universe, Green Lantern, Animated Characters
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Details

Genre: Action, Animation, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Release Date: June 7, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Screen Writer: Alan Burnett, Geoff Johns
DVD Release Date: June 7, 2011
Runtime: 84 minutes
Studio: Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Premiere, DC Comics
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