Green Lantern [DVD] [2011]

This really is not a bad film. After the amount of bashing this film got by the critics in the days before the film release i went in with very low expectations expecting one of the worst comic book film adaptions ever. To tell you this was an amazing film would be a lie but ryan reynolds is likable as Hal Jordon, and some of the sepcial effects are awesome. Some great action set pieces and decent humour. What more can you ask for from a super hero movie. This is no Iron Man but its decent for what it is. Do not let critics form your opinion of this film. The fact that transformers 3 made more money than this is a travesty. This is not the worst film of the summer and deserves more credit than it got.

Don't believe the anti-hype: it's the domino effect of criticism, one reviewer follows another until nobody feels free to have an original opinion about a movie. Green Lantern is a thoroughly enjoyable summer blockbuster; it has its flaws, but nobody should be going in expecting a tight Shakespearean plot with tragic irony and profound soliloquies. The script is more than serviceable, the acting far better than the likes of Transformers or Thor, and the plight of the central character one that we can all relate to. Give this movie a chance. It will surprise you.

The Green Lantern has the unenviable task of bringing a smaller DC character to the screen to rival the endless stock of Marvel characters. With Batman soaring and Superman about to take flight again, this was going to be no mean feat. I'm not familiar with the original comics but from what I know of the super hero canon I believe he is one of the lesser known characters. This turns out to be no bad thing in my book. It's fun to go in with no prior knowledge of the history of Hal Jordan and co.

In most parts the film succeeds in providing a fun, effects heavy, spectacular looking blockbuster. However it does have one fatal flaw. The lack of a distinct antagonist hampers the film severely. Not only is the Parallax not given much of a back story, he doesn't feature too much until the end. Most of the evilness is given to Hector who bumbles about not really presenting much of a threat to anyone but himself. Hector is also introduced quite late on and his development into a sinister being is too slowly manifested which means by the time it happens your just itching to get to the next spectacular effects scene.

Ryan Reynolds is his usual reliable self, infusing Hal Jordan with a sarcastic, knowing sense of humour which gives his character some likability. He carries the film whilst on Earth as the supporting players are just that, background noise. However when he joins the other Corps in space, the film adds another dimension (no pun intended) and hints at things to come in a potential sequel.

The power the ring gives its user was another hurdle that needed overcoming. Basically the power is only limited by the imagination of the user meaning they can conjure up just about anything that springs to mind. In the heat of battle this ranges from an extra-large fist throwing a punch, a whip and a pair of fighter jets.

The critics panned the film but I think they missed the point. It wasn't trying to be dark or clever. It is what it is, a very good looking blockbuster film with some inventive moments. It never takes full flight, but on this evidence a sequel would not be unwelcome. The film succeeds in keeping its tongue firmly in cheek and enjoying the freedom it has. Next time round a more physical, dangerous villain will make all the difference.