Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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What does it take to become part of an inter-galactic peace-keeping force dedicated to fighting evil everywhere in the universe? Ryan Reynolds, as test pilot Hal Jordan, finds out when a dying member of the Green Lantern Corps unleashes the power of the ring he wears to seek out his replacement.
The members of the Corps are skeptical when the ring selects Jordan, knowing that the human race is young and immature and our reluctant hero seems determined to prove they're right. But the ring that grants super-powers to the being that wears it does not make mistakes and recognizes not only obvious qualities, but those that are hidden.
Compared to "The Green Hornet" debacle, "Green Lantern" is great. But in reality, it's just OK.
When Hal discovers that Earth is in peril from an enemy that strikes fear in the hearts of not only the Corps, but the members of the ancient guiding council, he knows he has to act. Problem is, this new peril, known as the Parallax, feeds on fear and becomes more powerful with each feeding.
Overwhelmed by his own fears and shortcomings, Hal is inspired by his lifelong friend and great pilot in her own right, Carol Ferris (Blake Lively). She encourages him to recognize his fears and in overcoming them, cultivate courage. What the Corps feared was his biggest liability could become his greatest asset -- his humanity.
Now I tend to judge all superhero/comic book movies by the disaster of last January known as "The Green Hornet." Compared to that debacle, "Green Lantern" is great, but in reality, it's just OK.
I appreciated some of the humor; I liked the performance of Ryan Reynolds and loved Blake Lively as Carol. But Tim Robbins as Sen. Robert Hammond and Peter Sarsgaard as his bizarre son, Dr. Hector Hammond, are melodramatic and over-the-top. So many issues are being dealt with by all the characters that it comes across as messy.
For those who didn't grow up reading "Green Lantern," including me, you might want to do a little prep work to avoid a few, "What's going on?" moments.
I'm giving "Green Lantern" 2 ½ stars and it's rated PG-13.
