Movie Review: Green Lantern

Those of you who know me know what a superhero fanatic I am. In fact, before I went into ministry, I was on the fast track to having “superhero” as my profession of choice. Superheroes often bring out the best in all of us. They are, to me, one of the most evident ways in which we can see our culture aspire to be something better. They are the residue, if you will, of the imago dei. Green Lantern is no different.

I normally don’t write movie reviews, but I felt compelled to write this one since Green Lantern was released today and got a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. For those of you who don’t know, that is not too good. In fact, the rating is “rotten” rather than “fresh.” In comparison, X-Men: First Class got 87% and Thor recieved 77%. Having just left the movie, all I could think was, “What did they see? It certainly wasn’t what I just saw.” As well, I am saddened because the low ratings will mean low ticket sales. Low ticket sales will make a sequel less likely. Sigh… Well, here is my attempt to throw my hat of influence in the ring and say as loudly as I can: Don’t listen to the critics!! Green Lantern ranks among the best superhero movies ever made. Here is how I would list my top five:

1. Superman the Movie (1978)

2. Batman: Dark Knight

3. Iron Man/Green Lantern

4. Spiderman

5. X-Men

What made this movie great?

Let me be blunt here. Ryan Reynolds did a fine job, but this will not be his breakout movie. In fact, his performance will probably be one of the least memorable parts of the movie. But Hal Jordan (the Green Lantern/Ryan Reynolds) is no Tony Stark. In other words, Ryan Reynolds is not supposed to be a bigger-than-life character. His story, while great, is not the compelling feature of the Green Lantern comic. Sure, he is the greatest Green Lantern to ever wear the ring (although John Stewart is close), but what makes Green Lantern epic is not any one member of the Lantern Corps, it is the Lantern Corps itself. And this movie downplays Jordan just enough for us to get what it is all about.

The Green Lantern Corps, to make it simple, is a force of intergalactic police. Only the greatest men/creatures are chosen to be a part of this Corps. They fight for goodness everywhere. Each wears a ring that is powered by “green.” Well, not really green, but what green represents: the will. The power of the will brings each member of the Corps almost unlimited power to fight against evil. Here is their motto:

In brightest day
In blackest night
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil’s might
Beware my power
Green Lantern’s might

I just got chills writing that!

Green Lantern is a well-done movie which focuses on how Hal Jordan became a part of the Green Lantern Corps. Like all good movies, there is a bit of mystery to it, which is this: Why did the ring choose Hal Jordan, this seemingly messed-up pilot who disappoints everyone?

The villain of the story was more than I could have hoped for. In essence, it was fear personified. Well, there is more to it than that, but the story is one of our battle against our fear. The solution is not pride or power, but courage. A redeeming feature of the movie is one of courage. Courage, as all beings (even the great Guardians) have to learn from the timid Hal Jordan, is not the absence of fear, but being able to face these fears. As Christians, we understand that our position before the Lord has the implications of a fearless life (1 John 4:18). However, sanctification involves a continual overcoming of our fear.

Ultimately (spoiler alert), the primary villain of the Green Lantern Corps is Senestro. As far as characters go, he is the best character in the movie (especially for those of us who know he turns bad). He serves as an illustration for those of us who have good intentions, but use evil to accomplish the good. Evil cannot be entertained. As you will see if you stay to watch the scene after the credits, Senestro will learn the hard way.

Criticism

Though the final scene where Hal Jordan overcomes his fear and recites the Lantern creed was more than up to par, I did feel as if many of the most important scenes were somewhat anti-climactic. The humor was not as good as that of the Marvel brand (DC rarely can compete with Marvel here). Those would be my biggest criticisms.

Is it good for kids?

Overall, yes. I would allow all of my kids, ages 4 to 12, to see it. I don’t remember any curse words at all (though I could have missed one or two). Sexuality is very minimal. Outside of one scene where Hal Jordan wakes up late for work and there is a girl in his bed (under the covers), there is no implication of sex at all.

Overall, Green Lantern is one of the best superhero movies ever made.  The story is so original and compelling that it would be hard to tell the story without it being good. I am no prophet, but I foresee kids for the next decade hanging up their capes and their web-slingers and putting on a ring reciting the creed.

Long live the Corps.

What did you think of the movie?