Green Lantern

Movie Name: Green Lantern

Year of Release: 2011

Director: Martin Campbell

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins, Jay O. Sanders, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Clark Duncan, Clancy Brown

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 4

Synopsis:

Martin Campbell, a director mostly known for big action films, is back with his first adaptation of a comic book character. This film comes after his very successful "Casino Royale" and the less accomplished "Edge of Darkness". The film follows the story of young and irresponsible Hal Jordan, an air force pilot, who carries and battles a past traumatic family issue that haunts him. Hal is chosen by an intergalactic force to become one of them, a carrier of an emerald ring, that gives huge power to whomever uses it. Hal's first opponent, becomes also one of the deadliest - an entity that uses fear as it's main power source. It's up to Hal to vanquish his own fears and risk everything to save his planet and the woman he loves.
The character of the Green Lantern has existed in the DC Universe since 1940 and has amassed so many different stories and a huge following. The transition into films was only natural, and Warner Brothers has invested tremendously in the film. The problem with the film lies with it's cliche ridden screenplay and the complete wooden performances from some of it's key performers. The film is filled with stunning special effects, however making the story a mix of "Top Gun" & "Karate Kid", adds absolutely nothing in terms of character development. The "rebel" who doesn't conform, who dislikes responsibilities, has been played infinitely. Good actors as Ryan Reynolds and the wonderful Peter Sarsgaard are completely wasted. The romantic component goes absolutely nowhere, since Blake Lively manages to give the worst performance of the film and ruins what could have been a spark of life in a story bogged down by cliches. A sadly missed opportunity!