Movie review: Green Lantern

Genre: Sci-fi, action

Rating: PG-13

Release date: June 17, 2011

Runtime: 105 minutes

Child Friendly? Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Are you just itching for the chance to pack the family in the car and see the dullest, most thoughtless CGI-driven popcorn flick of the summer? If so, Green Lantern might be the movie for you. The world could always use a few more comic book superhero spinoffs, as these summer blockbusters are probably the only chance for comedic young actors like Ryan Reynolds to broaden their horizons – or at least attempt to do so. In other words, he would've been better off doing a sequel to Van Wilder.

Good ol' Ryan is definitely no Robert Downey, Jr. Playing our beloved superhero who gets lucky enough to cross paths with a power-wielding alien, Ryan Reynolds is given the galactic power of the Green Lantern – which sounds more like the plot to He-man and his Masters of the Universe. At least "I have the power" wasn't one of Ryan's lines. His lame moments with Blake Lively are by far the most gut-wrenching parts of the story – if only it was her wearing the spandex.

It's easy for us to be conned into seeing this movie with Mark Strong's name on the credits – who's quite possibly the only reputable method actor in the bunch (besides the voiceovers of Geoffrey Rush and Michael Clarke Duncan). However, he's no Lord Blackwood in this one – in fact, you might be lucky enough to see him for a few minutes on-screen.

As for the direction of Martin Campbell, who graced us with action movies of epic proportions (GoldenEye and Casino Royale), there's nothing more disappointing. It's obvious he got one hefty paycheck to look the other way when it comes to pleasing his fans.

Still, although this movie has its faults, it might only be slightly worse than Fantastic Four. At least you get to see a few spaceships and explosions, which might be just enough to keep the kids entertained and stop you from falling asleep. If you need to pass some time with your brood while your wife goes on a multi-hour shopping spree, Green Lantern isn't the worst way to go.

Child-friendly? Green Lantern is the comic book adaption of a test pilot who receives unearthly powers and becomes inducted into a team of galactic crime fighters who must square off with another alien that has telepathic capabilities. The film stars a toned-down version of Ryan Reynolds and the always sexy Blake Lively. Green Lantern contains violence and mild language. Recommended for ages 13 and up.