Green Lantern Review

Title: The Green LanternMPAA Rating: PG-13

Director: Martin CampbellStarring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter SarsgaardRuntime: 1 hour 54 minutes

What It Is: Hal Jordan (Reynolds) is one of the best test pilots in the world, trouble is he knows it. Brash, arrogant, and irresponsible. THESE are Jordan’s biggest attributes. So when he has bestowed the power of a mystical ring from an alien named Abin Sur he is now given the powers of a Green Lantern. These Lanterns, 3600 in all, each control a “sector.” Jordan is the first of his kind. The ring worn by the wearer gives them the ability to craft whatever they think may be useful out of the ring. This ring is powered by the wearer's willpower. Jordan must battle not just his inner-demons, but a monster named Parallax, that’s built on the one power stronger than will…fear. On top of all this Parallax has taken human form inside of Hector Hammond, a biology professor and longtime rival of Jordan.

What We Think: Ryan Reynolds is….well Ryan Reynolds, and I think the character of Hal Jordan, who he is what he does all reflect Reynolds to a tee. However, that might not be a good thing you see while his sharp wit was entertaining in some cases it made him hard to believe during some of the films heavier dialogue. What really takes you out of the environment at times is the use of CGI for the Green Lantern costume. It almost seemed like Reynolds, and Mark Strong (who portrays Sinestro) were floating mid-scene. But perhaps the WORSE thing was the “acting” of Blake Lively. Her portrayal of Carol Ferris was flat, and while initially, she seemed strong, she quickly looks a lot more like Loise Lane and not the woman that would become Silver Sapphire. While we at FSR.com take pride in NOT spoiling the film we’ll continue this trend by just saying that though we found the ending somewhat exhilarating, including the after credits scene, it seems like it lacks depth. While we appreciate explosion and such as much as the next guy we expect a little depth from a hero like The Green Lantern whose own humanity is the thing that makes him so relatable.

Our Grade: C-, While this is a decent summer flick, it’s not the best, and most dimensional piece of cinema you're liable to see. If you're looking for a good waste of two hours. TGL is for you. If you’re a big fan of Hal Jordan’s exploits in Green CGI undies, you will also enjoy this.