Stars - Ryan Reynolds
Directed by: Martin Campbell
Summary: A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe. (via imdb).
I was never a big fan of Green Lantern as a young lad, because I mostly bled for Marvel mags like Spider-Man and G.I. Joe. So, I wasn't steeped in the Lantern Corp. mythology to a large extent beyond knowing Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner were both members and yellow is his Achilles heel. So, I didn't have as high of expectations for this as I did for say Watchmen or The Incredible Hulk, as I was more intimately familiar with their story lines.
I was mainly excited for this because I like Ryan Reynolds. He seems born to play a superhero. Why else would he have done it twice already? His turn as Deadpool was the biggest redeeming factor for me in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. He plays well comedically and has the chops for the action and more serious parts as well. I expect a long storied career for him. I've also become a big fan of Mark Strong, who takes on the role of Sinestro in this film. Ever since I caught him in Sherlock Holmes and in Rock 'n Rolla, I've had my eye on him to break out.
I saw this film in 3D with my 10 year old son. He was a little afraid of Parallax in the beginning, but he was able to overcome it and sit through the whole thing. His pronouncement? AWESOME! Mine? Pretty dang good.
As with all introductory movies in a series, there's the requisite back story and challenges to overcome before the lead takes the hero mantle. All of which are a bit predictable, but necessary to tell. All this buildup does payoff in the end with some astounding visual spectacle and a satisfying conclusion. Stick around during the first part of the credits for a little setup scene for the next movie (I hope they make a next movie).
I was blown away by the performance of Peter Sarsgaard. His awkward outsider status in the beginning is played note perfect, as is his unleashed bad guy later. I only wish he'd have had a bit more to add to the end to make the finale stretch out a bit.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it as a big screen event. The 3D wasn't obnoxious or off-putting in the slightest and the movie didn't play to it schlockily either. No heavy wink nods to the glass wearing audience like they used to do back in the original 3D heyday. I appreciate a film that let's the 3D feel natural and just plays it for dimension. I hope you were paying attention Michael Bay.
