I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never been a big fan of superhero movies. Most of the time, you have to know their extensive and detailed backstory which has been created over numerous decades via comic books and cartoons. When I watch most superhero movies, I’m confused, befuddled and frustrated because I have no idea what’s going on or who is the bad guy. Much to my surprise, Green Lantern is a fairly straightforward comic book movie with a likable hero, a strong female lead, and a goofy as hell villain. It also features top notch special effects that aren’t overdone or over the top. Because of these reasons, Green Lantern is an enjoyable experience at the movies this summer.
Ryan Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, a test pilot that is still living in the very large shadow of his deceased father. He’s selfish, late, and a little impulsive, but it’s hard to deny his talents as a test pilot. His wing man, or woman, in this case is Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively. They have a stormy relationship that is always tested because of Hal’s laziness. After an experiment gone wrong, Hal is considered an outcast in the pilot world. One night after feeling down on himself, he gets called into the Green Lantern Corps. The aliens don’t understand why he would be called into their group. They see him as an average human with below average intelligence. When he puts on the ring given to him by a deceased alien, he gains superpowers to create things with his mind. In order for all of this to work successfully, he has to defeat the fear that is present in his brain. As his dad used to tell him, “It’s my job not to be scared.”
Reynolds has always been a likeable actor. He has never been one of the best actors working in Hollywood, but everything seems to come rather easily to him. His effortless comedy and ease is much needed in this role. Blake Lively is also solid as the leading lady that takes no crap from the superhero. She is not afraid to get in his face and call him out on his nonsense. Lively and Reynolds share impressive chemistry together on screen, which is a big reason that the film works as well as it does. Peter Sarsgaard as the villain is also brilliant casting, as he really has a lot of fun with this role. I want my villains to be insane, because when they are crazy, they are unpredictable and incredibly dangerous. Tim Robbins and Angela Bassett round out a surprisingly effective supporting cast for a superhero flick.
I understand that Green Lantern has been universally panned by most critics. However, the film, in my eyes, does what it’s supposed to do. I saw the film in 2D, and it looked amazing on the big screen. It was green, obviously, colorful, and easy on the eyes. The film had very, very good special effects that helped showcase the world of the movie. However, they were done at just the right time in the film. They didn’t beat you over the head with them until you were numb and completely worn out. The film also has heart and some human issues, such as realizing what your potential is and not holding yourself back. This is not a great movie, but it is most definitely a good movie.
Grade: B
How should you see it? See it on the big screen at a discounted price.
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