Green Lantern Movie thoughts

[Operation:Mego]

Right on, Operation: Mego! It's good to hear someone else defending RR's turn as Hal Jordan. I thought he did a great job of capturing Hal's cockiness (without making him a p***k (as he currently appears to be doing in JL), his love of flying, his abiding (and somewhat paralyzing) sadness over the loss of his father, and his sense of humor over dealing with an absurd situation.

And if anyone wants to talk about someone acting like a "tool", just look at how RDJ did portray Stark in IM2. He was basically an arrogant, c**k-of-the-walk, half-drunk weinerhead throughout most of the movie!!

I truly think that GL's weakest link was the way in which the screenplay handled the character of Hector Hammond. I can only figure that they decided to cast him the way he was in the movie (as basically a brilliant misfit-hermit) because in the book (especially SECRET ORIGIN), he's much more a reflection of Sinestro; sort of an earthbound version of him, as a matter of fact. I can only guess that the studio assumed (incorrectly) that the general viewing audience would not be able to differentiate the two of them had they play Hammond the way he comes across in the book...

Me too! He did a fantastic job and, imo, was spot-on in his portrayal of Hal Jordan. Everything that you said was exactly what I felt. Not to mention a ladies man.

I haven't seen IM2, but I've heard that they turned the "tool" and "******" levels to the max. And what you've said just confirms that.

I didn't really mind Hammond that much, he was actually one of the best parts of the movie for me (I haven't read Secret Origins, so I wouldn't know the difference). Sarsgaard was excellent in playing the creepiness of Hammond, especially after he gets infected by Parallax's DNA. I would've loved to see him in a sequel. Too bad they killed him. All though, what if when Parallax dies, his victims souls come back to their bodies? Cliche? Yes, but then those Lantern's and possible cameos (when they're running away from Parallax) would still be alive.

[MIB41]

I think for the casual viewer, Hector Hammond's general appearance was just too nerd-like. And because his father treated him like a misfit, it really placed additional emphasis on that point. And since he was the only non-CGI villain playing foil to GL, that watered down the other story points intended to have greater emphasis. Translation: Audiences wanted Sinestro NOW. But I think this initial set up was absolutely critical to bringing Sinestro to the forefront. You had to witness his fall from grace to fully appreciate the tragedy of him turning to the side of fear. I think it would be a colossal mistake not to finish out that story. What fans are wanting resides in that next installment.

[Earth 2 Chris]

The more time wears on, the more I doubt we'll see a GL sequel. But I could be wrong, since I never thought Ghost Rider 2 would be made. But then Ghost Rider didn't have the enormous merchandising and advertising push GL did.

I think if Warner's hadn't put so much faith in GL as a summer tentpole and ongoing franchise, we'd be more likely to get a sequel. I think their Marvel envy was showing through, figuring almost everything Marvel Studios had produced turned to gold. I guess they forgot about The Incredible Hulk (a good movie that underperformed, thanks mostly to the stink of the previous Hulk flick). Maybe it's the color green?

Chris

[emeraldknight47]

The more time wears on, the more I doubt we'll see a GL sequel. But I could be wrong, since I never thought Ghost Rider 2 would be made. But then Ghost Rider didn't have the enormous merchandising and advertising push GL did.

I think if Warner's hadn't put so much faith in GL as a summer tentpole and ongoing franchise, we'd be more likely to get a sequel. I think their Marvel envy was showing through, figuring almost everything Marvel Studios had produced turned to gold. I guess they forgot about The Incredible Hulk (a good movie that underperformed, thanks mostly to the stink of the previous Hulk flick). Maybe it's the color green?

Chris

::laffs:: Yeah---but shouldn't the color green equal lot's of $$$$$$$$????

[madmarva]

Just watched the first disc of the $6 million man set, and Lee Majors would have made a great Hal Jordan back in the day.

[kennermike]

This is one movie I didnt like at all and I tried to watch twice and with an open mind.It just did not come together for me.but Im not a fan of Director Martin Campbell.and the overuse of CGI was just a turn off.I barely finished it the Second time around

[emeraldknight47]

Just watched the first disc of the $6 million man set, and Lee Majors would have made a great Hal Jordan back in the day.

AGREED 100%. Majors would've made a fantastic GL back in the day. If only they had the technology then that we have now. I think another current actor who could do a pretty good job of portraying Hal is Michael Weatherly from NCIS.

Of course, I always thought that George Eads from CSI would've made a killer Batman or Captain American, too!

[MIB41]

I think if Warner's hadn't put so much faith in GL as a summer tentpole and ongoing franchise, we'd be more likely to get a sequel. I think their Marvel envy was showing through, figuring almost everything Marvel Studios had produced turned to gold. I guess they forgot about The Incredible Hulk (a good movie that underperformed, thanks mostly to the stink of the previous Hulk flick). Maybe it's the color green?
Chris

Emeraldknight and myself have discussed the Hulk at great length. I believe we both strongly feel that what was missing from the Hulk (both incarnations) was a personality. In the comics, the Hulk always had his own separate persona. Loosely like a Jekyll and Hyde. Now clearly the first film had a number of artistic issues coming from the fact the director, Ang Lee, didn't have a fundamental familiarity with the character. Thus he gave us this artsy/fartsy film that no one liked to any great degree. It was over thought. The second one fixed a great many things and tried to tie in closely between the comics with a nod to the television show. However the Hulk still remained mostly a CGI character without much inflection. So all anyone could do was see how well the effect of the Hulk was rendered. But there was no relating to him as a character. That leaves you with a blank slate and essentially just a special effect running around. We both have wondered if that will be further developed in the Avengers. And if they will finally give him his own identity. Will be interesting to see.

With the Green Lantern it made good money on DVD and sold alot of product. But as time passes, it will become less likely a sequel will get made unless they commit relatively soon to a script which can retain the actors needed for the next chapter. You can't keep those involved in limbo too long. Plus I'm sure all contracts only bind actors for a certain period of time, after which they are no longer bound to participate.

[madmarva]

If I were Warners, I'd hire Brad Bird to direct GL 2. He made arguably one of the best super hero films with the Incredibles, Iron Giant was fantastic including the great homage to Superman and he's made the best Mission Impossible film that's out right now.

He understands superheroes, how to tell a great story and and how to make a great action film. But that's just me.

[emeraldknight47]

If I were Warners, I'd hire Brad Bird to direct GL 2. He made arguably one of the best super hero films with the Incredibles, Iron Giant was fantastic including the great homage to Superman and he's made the best Mission Impossible film that's out right now.

He understands superheroes, how to tell a great story and and how to make a great action film. But that's just me.

Great thinking, MM! The question is----would Warner Bros. want to pay him what he's worth...?