Everyone has had high expectations for Green Lantern, the Martin Campbell directed live-action adaption of the stories of Hal Jordan and the Corps. In many ways, Green Lantern unlike a Batman or Superman has from the offset, a huge and rich universe of aliens, relationships, and stories. One mistake I’ve often said that could be made in adapting Green Lantern to the big screen is that in bringing these deep and rich tales to the screen is that the screenwriters and director simply gloss over all of this in favour of a mass-crowd pleasing summer flick.
It is depressing to say that Green Lantern is lacking so much in its own lore, that there were many times when I forgot that this was a GL flick. Here’s where they went wrong:
The biggest misfire is the Sinestro/Hal relationship. Hal is the one character that is able to show to readers in the comics (or Viewers if any of you saw First Flight) the motivations and reasoning of Sinestro; so when Sinestro puts on the Yellow Ring and proclaims war against the Green Lantern Corps, it’s been justified, and makes sense within the confines of his characterization.
This film in so many ways just neglects all of that, Sinestro fights Hal once and makes a speech about fear. That’s all we get for Sinestro characterization. How hard would it have been to have Sinestro tag along with Hal in this movie and have that showcase Sinestro’s totalitarian methods. Even if it had the after-credits show Sinestro banished to the Antimatter universe, where the Weaponers of Qward give Sinestro the Yellow Power Ring.
This seems like a logical path for the character, and it seems like lazy screenwriting when the writers just jam what should be some of the most important characterization into a two minute scene. Also, since when did the Guardians craft the Yellow Ring? Doesn’t it seem stupid for them to create a ring that would nullify their Green Rings as being weak and useless. Now I can see why Sinestro despises the Guardians :P
The other thing that’s missing is the general lack of intergalactic scenes. Basically the Corps show up to train Hal and then he goes off to save the world. I would of course have thought Sinestro would go, but again, after this training sequence there is no other way that these characters meet up. I said that the Earthbound stuff in Green Lantern would probably suck, and I’m right; but the movie never gives us enough of Oa and the Corps to really make the movie seem like it’s an intergalactic affair.
When it comes to villains, Hector Hammond is serviceable; but his campy dialogue seems like a borderline parody. He also never really amounts to much within the confines of the film. Funny enough, there are scenes where Hammon, Hal, and Carol reference a childhood friendship, but it never feels fleshed out. Am I supposed to know going into the film that these three are fans? Even as a comic boof fan, I forgot about that from the comics.
Parallax is just a downright disappointment. His design is ugly, he never really does much either (much like Hammond; although to a lesser extent). We get chances in the film where we see Parallax influencing Hal, and in a sequal I’d like to see Hal be replaced by Kyle Rayner and have them go toe-to-toe in any sequel.
None of the supporting cast is close to decent; Killowog and Tomar-Re stand out, but any characters on Earth are just bland and uninspired. Blake Lively does what she needs to do, look hot. Ryan Reynolds is a little too jokey for me, I never bought him as a true warrior. I would’ve preferred Bradley Cooper to be honest; Reynolds just makes the movie too light-hearted.
The CG in the film seemed decent, if rushed. I think knowing the production schedule of the film influenced my judgement, I think most people will be fine to be completely honest.
The problem with Green Lantern, is that it’s NOT Green Lantern. There’s hardly any of the Sinestro/Hal stuff that sets up Sinestros fall, and most of the action is on Earth. If the screenwriters turned down the pace, I’m sure this movie would do a lot better. Instead the up the sex appeal and the action scenes, forgetting everything that is Green Lantern in the process.
All I’ll say is, good luck on the sequel guys.