March 25: Green Lantern

"A test pilot is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe." 

   Next to Batman, Green Lantern is one of my favorite superheroes and thus, I highly anticipated this film. I first watched it when it was first released and I felt very neutral about it. I think my love for the character hindered my ability to see through the mess of the film and now, after re-watching it, I have learned the error of my ways. Green Lantern is a horrible film that completely tarnishes the Emerald Knight and all of the incredible mythology wrapped around him. After finishing the film, I felt very similar to how I felt after watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull- a beloved character brutally murdered by poor writing and over-the-top special effects. 

Rest in peace, Dr. Jones... rest in peace

  If you look at Green Lantern on paper, you'd think there's a masterpiece in the works. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Marc Strong (Sinestro... hell yes), and directed by Martin Campbell, one would think nothing could go wrong. Somehow, it does, and it gets worse the more you watch. Now, Reynolds is Hal Jordan, the ace fighter pilot who becomes the Green Lantern and he fits the role perfectly, bringing his natural charm and charisma to the part. But, even then, it can't save the film. Martin Campbell directed Casino Royale and you would think that the action sequences would be at least similar to those in the Bond flick. Everything's just too over-the-top, including the special effects, and it completely takes away from any sense of danger or peril given by the action, as well as the human factor to the Green Lantern as a superhero. The film really should have been named Green Screen, because everything is computer generated. 

$200 million right here

   Green Lantern could have been so much better. The stars were aligned and a good man was at the helm, but clearly all of the budget went to making it look pretty and not on the script. It may be that the mythology of the Green Lantern is just too vast and deep to ever bring it to film in the proper way. One of the weakest parts of the script is having to explain how everything happens, who everyone is, and why it's all happening. The film does have a post-credits scene building up to a sequel that could be badass, and it teases you about what could be. Here's hoping all the mistakes of Green Lantern will be repaired by its sequel and that The Emerald Knight can have the movie he deserves. 

The Good:

Ryan Reynolds does the best he can with what he's given and I fully believe his casting was very smart

The Bad:

the film is about 80% CGI and it's more of a video game than a movie

The Ugly:

a disgustingly bad script with awful dialogue

Extra Ugly:

Blake Lively continually trying to act and being taken seriously

Overall: 4.8/10

Best Quote:

No, nope, never, nay, not going to happen

Trailer: