GREEN LANTERN does some thinsg right with fantastic visuals and building teh green Lantern mythos.   Character development takes a back seat to the special effects and action as the Green Lanterns aren't that developed- most are just there as you see Sinestro bark orders and want a yellow ring created (those who read the comics will want to stay around into the credits for an extra scene with Sinestro).   Ryan Reynolds is at ease as Hal Jordan while Blake Lively is just window dressingas the love interest with not much to do except be worried and bitchy about Hal.   Mark Strong is imposing as Sinestro, but I hope they build Sinestro's back story if a  sequel is made.   Peter Sarsgaard is OK as Hector who doesn't impress me in this role as he has with other reviewers.   Tim Robbins is coasting as he cashes his paycheck.

GREEN LANTERN feels like an empty summer movie with lots of detail and not a dveeloped enough script.   I want to see a great follow up, but I wonder if GREEN LANTERN will make enough money to cover the $150 million plus budget in addition to $100 million in marketing costs.    I have mixed feelings about this sci-fi comic book adaptation which didn't give itself enough room to breathe and build on the wonderful universe they showcase in the movie.   It focuses too much on Hal's insecurities to overcome fear while I wanted to see more about why Sinestro wanted to embrace the power of fear.   Also don't get me started on not enough time for the green lanterns Kilowog and Tomar-Re.   I hope a sequel could build on the universe introduced in this movie and explore the various characters of the Green Lantern Corps in addition to introducing one or two humans who would also become Green Lantern (Guy Gardener, Kyle Rayner).   This film just touches the surface and makes me wnat to read the comic books.

this movie review is (c)6-18-2011 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  send all comments to feedback@enterline-media.com