A Real Fan's Green Lantern Review! (UPDATED WITH SPOILERS!)

A Real Fan's Green Lantern Review! (UPDATED WITH SPOILERS!)

I had the privilege of attending an early screening of Green Lantern last night and this is my review. Spoiler free followed by spoilers after the break.

Review Opinion
By superman7 - Jun 15, 2011 11:06 PM EST
Filed Under: Green Lantern
Source: Me

So I can not give too many details as to how I was able to see the movie (I don't think anyway) but a friend hooked me up.



Let me start by saying that I do have a GL bias, given that I've read the entire volume 5 of green lantern. I was hooked ever since his (green lantern's) involvement with the death of Superman story line.

This is the Spoiler Free section
The spoilers will be identified after a few lines of hyphens. Sorry, but I don't know how to make the font white unless highlighted.
ONWARD!



On Similarity to the Source:
The movie stayed pretty true to the source material with many little easter eggs and fan nods throughout the movie. There were many parts of the film that had me "Ooh"ing with excitement over the nerdy fan services. However, that is not to say that this was not geared for main stream audience. The man next to me said he'd never picked up a comic his entire life and he loved the movie. The movie did deviate on a few (IMO) minor details that could be explained easily if thought was given to them.

For instance, most fans know that Parallax's M.O. does not (usually) include sucking multiple people into his essence, which kills them, leaving husks. But that's just his style in this. Given that he is a brain-child-combination of Legion, Parallax and Krona, you see how he came to that. The second big deviation (aside from deaths) will be discussed later in the Spoiler section. But it still remained extremely faithful to the comics.

Special Effects:
All of the problems about CGI and the costume that I had were completely rectified in the final rendering. The constructs looked incredible, the costume looked organic, the backdrops were beautiful. It was stunning to watch.



3D:
The post-production conversion to 3D did not affect the quality of the dimensions at all. The layers of the dimensions were extremely realistic and it looked as though you were watching the movie through a window that this was happening on the other side of.
I was very skeptical about this, due to other movies that went through post-production conversion, such as "The Last Airbender." But they nailed it.



Acting:
The general consensus after the movie was "spot on acting!"
I, however, found Angela Basset's performance of Amanda Waller to seem a little too Broadway, and less Hollywood. And Carrol Ferris seems to cry a bit more than I'd expect. But that's not really the actor's (Blake Lively's) problem. But that did not take away from the movie, given that those brief little criticisms were nit picky.

Reynolds made you feel like this was Hal Jordan. After the movie, I tried to think about how Reynolds played Hal, and the only words that came to mind were "Cocky" and "Arrogant", before the ring of course.

Peter Sarsgaard played a great villain and reminded me of a John Malkovich style villain. It worked!

Mark Strong's Sinestro was PERFECT! That's all I have to say: PERFECT!
Everyone in the film did a great job.

General:
The best way I can describe the movie is "fun". It is directed more for adults, but doesn't go so dark to exclude children. It has humor, but doesn't make the character a clown. The best way I could describe the feel is the first time I saw Spider-Man (1) in theatres, except Green Lantern was FAR more enjoyable. And I was a hard core spider-man fan at the time. I highly recommend seeing it.




SPOILER ALERT!!!!


READ NO FURTHER IF YOU WOULD NOT LIKE TO READ SPOILERS.

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REPEAT: SPOILERS AHEAD!

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With that being said, lets get to the Juicy bits of this movie.

Now, the movie stays pretty damned accurate to the comicbook mythology. All of the basics are the same: 3600 Lanterns patrolling 3600 sectors. The ring selects each member. Ect. Those are the basics.
However, like in the comics, Green Lantern’s “secret identity” is kind of a joke, since all he has is the domino mask. By the end, Tom Kalmaku, Carol Ferris and Hector Hammond all know Hal’s secret. And this only strengthens the story. Unlike Spider-man and many other movies, there is no pining over worrying about people finding out who he is, which was incredibly refreshing!

MAJOR SPOILER:

The major change that I mentioned earlier is that the yellow ring does come into existence during this film. However the Guardians create the ring to combat the Yellow power of fear with itself. In the comics, Sinestro was banned to the Antimatter universe, where the Quardian Weaponers built the ring for him. Sinestro is the one who prompts the Guardians to forge a yellow/fear based ring, with the idea that he’d be the one to wield this new power.

However, after the ring is forged, Hal steps in and tells Sinestro, in front of the Guardians that the power can’t be trusted. He tells them how it corrupts the host, which is why Hector becomes so evil. The Guardians tell Hal he's right and they place the ring in a containment.

Hector actually seemed like a nicer guy at the start of the movie, but becomes a (somewhat) puppet figure for Parallax.

That leads me to the after the credits scene. Now I know you’re reading this part because you want to be spoiled, but seriously, this is for only those whose curiosity knows no bounds. I’m about to spoil the after the credits scene that made the movie for me, so if you do not wish to know, stop reading!

MAJOR MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!

So after the credits, we see the yellow ring (which looks exactly as it did the concept art shown on this website) floating in a containment chamber. The chamber breaks and we see it float toward Sinestro, who then takes off his GL ring and places the Sinestro Corp ring on and he instantly knows this is his type of power. His eyes turn yellow and you can see he’s already corrupted. IT WAS PERFECT!
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Protonite
Protonite - 6/16/2011, 12:04 AM
A "real" fan? I didn't know there were imaginary fans. LOL!
CraptainAmerica
CraptainAmerica - 6/16/2011, 12:31 AM
I fan of the GL comics loved it. That's a proper review. I'm pumped for this!
greenlanter13
greenlanter13 - 6/16/2011, 12:35 AM
Cool hope it's at least fun from your review sounds like I will enjoy it
MrLoki
MrLoki - 6/16/2011, 1:01 AM
Not seeing it. Everyone else says it sucks.
Coloso
Coloso - 6/16/2011, 1:10 AM
They were having screenings on wednesday for Green Lantern in select cities so that's how your friend was able to get you in, no secret there.

This article is way slanted towards fanboyism, sorry but I'll reserve judgement till I see it myself (but not in theatre) :p
Coloso
Coloso - 6/16/2011, 1:14 AM
@CraptainAmerica, Superman7 said it himself in the article "I have a GL bias". No way this is a "proper review" :D
Yasn7
Yasn7 - 6/16/2011, 2:05 AM
Thank you! Hope is being restored and why the fudge is this not on front page while other reviews are I dont know...
Orphix
Orphix - 6/16/2011, 3:09 AM
Plant?
DiLusso
DiLusso - 6/16/2011, 3:15 AM
i was there to bro
here is my review
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/news/?a=39556
gandalf550
gandalf550 - 6/16/2011, 4:07 AM
Can't wait to see it tomorrow night!!! :D
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 6/16/2011, 4:33 AM


Awesome review buddy!

This and THOR cbms of the year!!!!!!!





marvel72
marvel72 - 6/16/2011, 4:40 AM
@ leee777

hello mate,have you seen the reveiws not looking good.

i've got my fingers crossed that this is the most underrated film of the year.

we need this to be a massive hit because other characters will be put on hold if its not.

& i don't know how much more batman i can take & thats from a comic fan.
ThorsGoldenHammer
ThorsGoldenHammer - 6/16/2011, 4:41 AM
I saw it. Much better then the reviews give it credit for
TheDetectiveComicRises
TheDetectiveComicRises - 6/16/2011, 4:47 AM
This movie will be awesome, I believe in it!
Batman5
Batman5 - 6/16/2011, 4:47 AM
nice review man, as long as it pleases the cbm fan, than ill be happy. that may be why ppl are giving it less than stellar reviews, because the movie does not fully explain certain parts of the gl mythos like you said. but if thats the only problem than it wont bother me. cant wait!
ironpool007
ironpool007 - 6/16/2011, 4:48 AM
Here's how I'm breaking down this movie. Critics will hate it with the exception of a few. Fans will love it, and casual movie goers will be split down the middle. Some will skip, others will see it and think it's dumb, and others will see it and love it. Moneywise, I think it will do fine, and probably make enough to warrant a sequel.
Kashio
Kashio - 6/16/2011, 4:50 AM
I saw it yesterday and i thought it was a good movie. It's not as bad as some of the critics are saying it is but its also not the greatest CBM.

Im not a huge fan of Green Lantern. I knew little to nothing about the character when the trailer was released back in October. I read a little bit on Wikipedia afterwards to understand the basics. Never read a Green Lantern comic before.

I had a read of some of the reviews before i went and they all pretty much summed up the film to be a bit of a disappointment and not great. So i didnt go in with high hopes of it being a great CBM.

I went with a friend who had no idea what the movie was about. He liked it and he thought the CGI was impressive. It looked pretty good in 3D and i dont really like 3D movies. He's not a comic book fan at all. A lot of the people who went to watch seemed to have enjoyed it.
ironpool007
ironpool007 - 6/16/2011, 4:52 AM
Of course taking into account everything I just said, let's all do our part and see the film and then spread the word. I'm going with a friend tomorrow after work for a 2D showing. After that, I'm sure I'll be back for a 3D screening.
marvel72
marvel72 - 6/16/2011, 4:54 AM
@ teabag

i liked battle beyond the stars when i was younger,cybil dannings B(.Y.)BS were fantastic.

ElDuce74
ElDuce74 - 6/16/2011, 4:56 AM
It's a sad day when people have to say this movie is a "bomb" just because critics don't like it. Think for yourself and see it and judge it. Let's not forget, Transformers was a critical "bomb" yet started a franchise. Say what you will but it made money. Also, let's not forget that Siskel and Ebert gave Speed 2 two thumbs up. Do you REALLY trust what some one that is paid to have a (usually) biased opinion who, most of the time, only appreciates "high art"? Green Lantern is not Shindlers List so there is no reason to put it under a critical microscope like this. It's suppose to be fun and a move, according to those invovled, for the fans. If you're not a fan, don't see it. if you find nothing interesting about GL, don't see it. But don't be a fool and let a critic tell you waht to see.
Lazerbeast
Lazerbeast - 6/16/2011, 5:09 AM
Saw a screening last night. If you love superhero films and love cinema in general...DONT SEE THIS FILM!!!! Nerd check..I have been a GL fan longer than most you have been alive. It is a lifeless husk of a a film that does little to pay tribute to the rich mythology of comic books and possibly the worst example of poor directing and screenwriting. Reynolds was actually ok, the fx were ok as well ( trust me I am professional vfx artist ) but everything else is an EPIC FAIL. DC should stop making films if this is what we can expect from a Flash or Justice League film. I am pissed.
Lazerbeast
Lazerbeast - 6/16/2011, 5:26 AM
@Intruder Ha! No it is perfect.
thesymbiote
thesymbiote - 6/16/2011, 5:31 AM
Funny how if you give a good review, you are apparently a "real" fan.

I'll be the judge of whether this is a good movie or not for myself. But as for this being an adults movie, definitely not. While other CBMs are getting mature, all the reviews so far have said this CBM is directly aimed at the kids.

Proof? The last trailer before the movie is Happy Feet 2. Shows the target audience.
Shaman
Shaman - 6/16/2011, 5:32 AM
You see... i have a problem with a "real fan's" review because, yes you're a fan of the book, but are you an avid film fan too? A mere fan of the books could stare at a green colored pile of shit and like it if it was called Kilowog and yelled out "Poozer" every now and then. An avid film fan can put aside his comic book fanboy biasm and evaluate the film as a separate entity. I mean, a Transformers "real fan" can still appreciate Revenge of the Fallen. A G.I.Joe "real fan" can still appreciate Rise of the Cobra. But at the end of the day, it still doesn't make them good "films" even though they were "fun". Maybe if you would compare Green Lantern to other CBMs you enjoyed and disliked?

For my taste, if Hal "admitting he isn't afraid to admit that he's afraid" is the whole heart of the story, then there is no special effect, easter egg or fan nod that will make me enjoy this story. That's just crossing the line over to cringe territory and setting up camp. Thor was able to walk that fine line perfectly. Branaugh was able to take a story that had cringe written all over it and actually made it endearing and inspirational. Thor earned his power believably and i for one didn't feel he needed "extra time" or a "better reason" or a "flashier event" to establish his change in attitude and perspective. Thor wasn't an asswhole that needed his brashness beaten out of him. He was a kind and noble warrior that just happened to be a bit full of himself. That can go away pretty quickly when you're thrown straight out of your comfort zone and left to die.

But in regards to GL's story, Hal saying no to an opportunity only to come back and say yes because he realised he "just now happens to be" worthy only because he is't afraid of aknowledging that he is afraid is just stinky cheese. I really hope that the critics that have said this are over simplifying it to the tenth degree and the story is much more elaborate and well written than what they're insinuating. Otherwise, i'll be enjoying First Flight much much more than this film.
Ryanandrews82
Ryanandrews82 - 6/16/2011, 5:34 AM
Got my ticket booked - i'll judge for myself
cjkalel
cjkalel - 6/16/2011, 5:36 AM
Will be there with the ring on LET'S GO!
GoldenAgeGhost
GoldenAgeGhost - 6/16/2011, 5:38 AM
Did anyone actually expect this film to do well? I cant really see ANY DC movie smashing the box office. Only reason TDK did so well is due to Ledger's death and tweenage girls wanting to see his "last movie" when he was in about 3 after that. The DC fans on here are ignorant incompetent pieces of monkey smegma.
Ceejay
Ceejay - 6/16/2011, 5:43 AM
@teabag - That ship not only had TiT's, it had a mid-section shaped like a VAG! Remember seeing this in the cinema when I was a kid and laughing my head off at Robert Vaughn trying his best to be cool with the corniest dialogue in the world! Sybil Danning had a costume in a scene that was made of string, sexiest costume ever!
cjkalel
cjkalel - 6/16/2011, 5:56 AM
I don't know how real comic book fans could want any cbm to do bad this is what we all want I love marvel and dc thor was ok and xmen was great I'm hoping this is good to. You are simply and sadly a hater if your bashing this b4 it comes out this INTRUDER character is the worse
thesymbiote
thesymbiote - 6/16/2011, 5:59 AM
@Shaman

You put it perfectly. I'm a massive fan of film and I have lots of passion for it. So when it comes to CBMs, thats two things I love put together.

But when I see a CBM, I want to first see that it makes a good MOVIE, and then after that if it has all the nerd moments I want. Now, every so often, both those requirements overlap. Like for example as a film fan, I should have no problem with Sandman being Uncle Ben's killer in Spiderman 3. BUT, as a comic book fan, I didn't like that at all, and I kept thinking that there were better ways to handle the character.
JohnTom88
JohnTom88 - 6/16/2011, 6:02 AM
While I respect your review, being a fan might cloud the objectiveness of the review.

JULES
JULES - 6/16/2011, 6:13 AM
@intruder and marvel72
You were right about this movie since trailer one. I saw GL last night and it isn't good. I'd compare it to fantastic four 2 before Thor in tone. I was a little upset cause I was wearing my GL shirt and I could actually visualize future treatments of other DC properties. You two have the gift of seeing the future just like me. I knew it was going to be like that but I love cbm's btw I've seen the future and CA:TFA will rock
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