Phil sees GREEN LANTERN in 3-D at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-June 17,2011

This summer will see the arrival of four, count 'em four, films based on popular comic books. Marvel will be leading the way with three of those films (THOR, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, and CAPTAIN AMERICA). But our good friends over at DC Comics have a superhero film of their own, one that could become a surprise hit for Warner Bro. Studios. Tonight, in the blackest night, I witnessed the powerful light of the GREEN LANTERN.

In the film, Ryan Reynolds portrays  Hal Jordan, a cocky test pilot who is chosen to wear a mystical green ring that grants him otherworldly powers to become Green Lantern, and become an elite member of the Green Lantern Corps. However, Jordan's courage will be put to the test as an evil entity known as Parallax descends towards Earth. Now, with the help of his fellow pilot and girlfriend Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), Jordan must master his new powers to defeat Parallax, as well as with Hector Hammond (Peter Sarsgaard), a scientist and friend who has been infected with Parallax's DNA, which gives him the power to feed on fear.

Now I must admit, I was one of the first to say that I thought it was absurd that the filmmakers casted Reynolds in the title role. However, I said the same thing about Robert Downy Jr. in IRON MAN, and decades earlier when Michael Keaton was cast in Tim Burton's 1989 film BATMAN. But Reynolds does a fantastic job as both Hal Jordan and Green Lantern. He is a flawed human being that rises to the occasion and becomes the superhero that resided within him. Lively's Carol Ferris is tough, sexy, and sympathetic, and encourages Hal to face his fears. Of course, a hero is only good as his adversary, and Sarsgaard's Hector Hammond's decent into madness is very well done, but I feel it was too rushed, and the filmmakers could've fleshed out his character more. But Parallax himself (voiced by Clancy Brown) is a worthy adversary, and just about the coolest and scariest looking creature I have ever seen in a superhero film.

The computer graphics in the film were top notch, and having it in 3-D only made it that much more amazing, but it helps to have a great director. Having helmed EDGE OF DARKNESS, CASINO ROYALE, and both of the ZORRO films, Martin Campbell's directing was perfect, melding heroics and danger with drama and humor. He keeps the film flowing and cranks up the action when needed and slows down the film for us to catch our breath, the revs it up again.

GREEN LANTERN is a rollorcaster ride of action, excitement, and superhero fun! Everybody should flock to the theaters and see this film. This summer has already been labeled as "Superhero Summer" and this film supports this claim. So remember that in brightest day, in darkest night, no evil shall escape his sight. So all you evil doers beware the might and light of the Green Lantern.

GREEN LANTERN is now playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in San Jose. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/index.shtml

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!