text:
Harry has the willpower to say he liked the heck out of GREEN LANTERN
Fear is an interesting power in this Universe. In the past 48 hours the word became clear on GREEN LANTERN as a host of critics started chiming in. I try to ignore this stuff as best I can, but when friends like Moriarty, Mr Beaks, Quint & Nordling all circle the wagons and claim the Indians are attacking, you begin to think about joining the circle. There's a whole lot of negativity online & it's easy to jump into that circle pull down your pants and take a shit in the same spot as everybody else and call it a toilet.
Now, if you've been following my Twitter feed this year, you know that I've often referred to wearing my Green Lantern ring that I was sent as part of that crazy 100 RINGS promotion that Warner Brothers did. You should know, I rarely wear corporate art. I don't do t-shirts. Though I do possess an awesome pair of TRON shoes. But I only tend to wear comic characters on boxers and pjs. But there was something about the Green Lantern mythos that I latched onto as I've been going through my rehab for my spinal surgery this year.
Wearing the ring evoked the importance of WILL POWER in my journey. So much of this journey I've spent the last 6 months on is so incredibly personal, but when your personal journey includes wearing a GREEN LANTERN ring… well, silly stuff inspires. And when you think about the fact that I've dropped 100lbs this year. That I've been reactivating muscle groups that had laid dormant for 8 years due to my Stenosis… well, you need WILL POWER. In therapy, daily, I'm asked to do something that is impossible, as far as I know, but I made a deal with myself to do everything my Physical Therapist tell me to do, because I figure if they're brave enough to ask, that means they believe I have a reasonable chance at doing what they ask me to do. Looking at that ring, closing my eyes, visualizing the action they've requested in my mind, breathing, then DOING IT is a daily affair for me.
Where did this come from, well, I've read a shit ton of GREEN LANTERN stories, from the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, Modern Age and of today. He isn't my favorite superhero, but he's one of the ones that the more off Earth he gets, the more I love him.
I love the notion that one of us was chosen. And I liked it when it was just Hal Jordan. He's my favorite Green Lantern…. Well, after Kilowog, that is. But that's a latter life love. For me, I adore Hal Jordan. The mad genius of his constructs, I loved the sweetness that was deep inside him, and the fierce determination. Something that I really and truly love about the BATMAN story far more though. But that Ring literally became a totem of success in my Rehab. My therapist say I'm the single most determined patient they've had, but dammit, now that I know my spine is right, I know the only thing between me and rejoining the uprights is pure willpower to do what must be done. So I won't be going to Comic Con this year, even if something from Documentary on COMIC CON will play, because I'm targeting walking into the premiere of this bitch – which would be quite sweet. SO…
As those bad reviews hit, I began to think about the review that I thought was going to be impending. I started thinking about how I would write about this motivation as the one good thing that came out of this film for me. I was ready to bitch about Blake Lively, but then I saw the film.
I spent the first 40 minutes of the movie waiting to hate it. Waiting for something that embarrassed me as a fan of Green Lantern. Waiting to get as pissed as I got at Schumacher for BATMAN & ROBIN, or Pitof for CATWOMAN, or Hayward for JONAH HEX. I was fully prepared to bitch that only BATMAN & SUPERMAN had ever had decent adaptations for.
I smiled a lot in that first 40 minutes, but once I let go of seeking to find something to bitch about, and just watched the movie, ring on my finger – and dammit… I had a blast with it.
Is it perfect? No.
Is it the Green Lantern movie that I've always hoped to see? No, but it has some of the things I wanted to see that dream movie in my head.
Now, I do feel Martin Campbell really hamstrung the film in editing the sequence of things a bit. Originally in the draft I read it began with Hal Jordan as a kid, hero worshipping his Dad. The film was meant to give you Jordan's story in a very straightforward way.
I do think the Guardians should have been done mainly with photographic make up, as the animation on those guys is a bit spotty. BUT – overall, I went with it. The essence of Hal Jordan is there. The core beliefs of the Corps are intact.
What do I love?
I love Hal's first construct moment on Earth. I love the texture of everything off Earth. Sinestro, Kilowog and Tomar-Re stepped right out of my dreams. Watching Hal train with those 3 is one of the sheerest moments of Comic Book Perfection that I've ever seen in one of these adaptations. The problem? Well, God dammit, I could have spent 2 hours of the movie with just Kilowog being brutal on Hal Jordan on Oa. Hell, I don't even think a threat to Earth was even needed.
To me – that moment where Hal Jordan looks up from his puddle, see a strange ship crash site – and an arm dangling weak or near death – and he launches like a fucking rocket to help. THAT IS HAL JORDAN. Watching Hal Jordan struggling with his confidence would have been better had Campbell let the pre-ringed Jordan stuff build better (like their old draft). But that's neither here nor there. What did get made is an absolutely valid 1st film.
If you liked Bryan Singer's 1st X-MEN, this is LOADS MORE FAITHFUL and more pure FUN than that. What this GREEN LANTERN film isn't better than is GREEN LANTERN: EMERAL KNIGHTS – the new straight to Blu-Ray animated GREEN LANTERN film from the geniuses at DC Animation. But then, that's also true of SUPERMAN & BATMAN… which I feel have been done better in animation than in film – and guess what – the comics are still better than all of this stuff.
BUT – shhhhhhhh! That's alright – it's just so fucking cool that they've made a GREEN LANTERN movie that is mostly in the right direction. The sooner they get Hal Jordan intergalactic, that's where the fun really begins. Once you have Sinestro as a bad guy, beating Hal within an inch of his fucking life – being sadistic as he does it, that aristocratic snobbish alien attitude of his the whole time. That shit will be epic.
For me, GREEN LANTERN was what introduced me to concepts that George Lucas gave me later with Yoda – who is a far better GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE character than these new guys. The animation and solidity just isn't there on those guys and it doesn't quite feel right, especially on the close ups.
The film isn't perfect, but damn if I'm not gonna watch the fuck out of it. I mean… the training sequence alone I'm willing to watch this film at least 3 times in a row once I get it on Blu-Ray.
NOW – for the 3D. The film I saw earlier today was also in 3D, and that 3D was jaw-droppingly amazing to watch. On GREEN LANTERN – the 3D is generally quite fun, but on shots with something in the immediate foreground that captured your attention, the characters in the background would gain ghosts. I noticed this about 12 times in the movie, but beyond that – flying through OA in 3D, the Asteroids, the solar and flame activity… all really cool. But just realize there's a movie coming, whose 3D is fucking wow. I'll tell ya soon.
Mark Strong is electrifying as SINESTRO for me. I'd always thought that David Niven was born to play the character, but watching Mark Strong's portrayal… holy shit man. Wow. That is now and forever fucking SINESTRO. I would love to see whole movies with out any Human Green Lantern. Just going along with Sinestro and Abin Sur. This is full on Space Opera material – and there's no doubt that for some, this film could remind you of a really crazy LAST STARFIGHTER, and that film definitely owns this one, but towards the end of the film, as Hal Jordan is telling Carol Ferris that his new job requires him to travel… I have to say… next film… no need for Earth. Let's go cosmic 100% . Faces in space because they fucking WILL it. I love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE that. There's shit going on in this film that I never thought I'd see on film. That's just cool. Seriously.
At the end of the film though, would I like to see Martin Campbell do another GREEN LANTERN? Absolutely not, I vote for Alfonso Cuaron. Martin did an admirable job of directing the look of the Galactic part of this film, but he doesn't give the film that breathless rush it needs. He doesn't deliver the emotional connection with what these scenes should have felt. Part of that is a dead fish score from James Newton Howard. It never really allows the movie to soar as high as it should.
Grant Major, Francois Audouy and Ngila Dickson though… GIVE THEM THIS JOB ON THIS FRANCHISE FOREVER! Great work! Outstanding stuff.
Just realized, I'm probably making it sound like I hate the Earth stuff, that's not quite the case. I really really like Peter Sarsgaard – he's not quite doing Jeffrey Jones from HOWARD THE DUCK, but he kind of fondly reminds me of my favorite moments of that character in that crazy fucking movie. But I say that in part because Tim Robbins' Senator/father of Peter Sarsgaard looks way too young to have Sarsgaard for a son. But also, Tim Robbins is literally playing his Senator character as if he's thinking the entire time, "Holy Shit Little Tim, I'm in a real live Green Lantern movie!" – and it makes me laugh. Like when he smiles at his pathetic son, and we know that cuz his son is psychically hearing his thoughts as he gives this awesome jackass smile. Well, Tim is all kinds of fun in this, though there's no moment as awesome as his attempt at Duck Speak with Howard.
Lastly… This goes directly to Michael Clarke Duncan and the team of magicians that brought Kilowog to life for me. THANK YOU! Hearing Kilowog in Duncan's awesome voice spit out POOZER – I know… GEEK. Put me in cuffs, I kinda loved this one. Not as much as THOR or X-MEN: FIRST CLASS. But the moments that GREEN LANTERN nails best… to be honest, they take me a little higher than those same high moments of those two films. Now somebody cast the perfect GREEN ARROW to team up with Ryan. Seriously.
Favorite image tonight – leaving the Drafthouse – to see my nephew with 2 other kids his age – all with glowing Green Lantern rings just having a serious discussion about GREEN LANTERN. My nearly 11 year old nephew loved this film, so at the very least it has emboldened him to want more trade paperbacks of back issues to read. Which is a relief.
It also might have been when I asked everyone in the theater to point their rings and WILL this movie to be good, that our print of the film magically transformed into something I couldn't resist. This is a good enough GREEN LANTERN film to start with. But let's definitely take this series higher next adventure (focus on that word).
Readers Talkbackcomments powered by Disqus
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June 17, 2011, 1:32 a.m. CST
by sjfatty
were you paid to say that??
June 17, 2011, 1:34 a.m. CST
I thought Thor was lame, so this...
by dead youngling
Might make me a Twihard...
June 17, 2011, 1:34 a.m. CST
So Harry liked it...
by Aragorn742
Still not bothering to see this...
June 17, 2011, 1:34 a.m. CST
by kusanagiguy
Ill give it a try if you enjoyed it.The reviews had put me off but in truth I mostly agree with your opinion over films than others.
June 17, 2011, 1:39 a.m. CST
Cool review
by kK stoned
I have to say, I actually want to see it despite all the negative reviews. It's cool to get something that's really fantastical.
June 17, 2011, 1:39 a.m. CST
Two things.
by BlueLando
1) If you don't go and see a film because a critic slated it, then you're an idiot. Unless you didn't want to see the film anyway. Critics are not you, they do not share your opinion, and - at the end of the day - everyone on this site does not deal in fact so much as personal bias. Heck, have any of these 'critics' actually graduated from an esteemed university in either Journalism or Film Theory/Critical Analysis? 2) Go read Lime Lampshade 0. It's Green Lantern if Green Lantern revolved around a Scottish Paramedic who joined forces with a talking and small Alien polar bear. http://fb.me/13zfRvkNv
June 17, 2011, 1:39 a.m. CST
So you seriously think there's going to be a sequel?
by Tristan
June 17, 2011, 1:42 a.m. CST
I'm glad I saw it.
by Sikpup
After reading all of the negative reviews I had canceled my plans for getting 4 of my friends together to go see this. As I sat at dinner tonight I realized that I was pissed that I wasn't going to give the film a chance. Those 4 people became 1, but we went and saw it... and I feel the same way Harry did. It wasn't great, but damnit I just saw a green lantern movie and it hit the notes I was hoping it would. I am glad I went. I will pick up the blu-ray and watch this again. Here's hoping for a sequel.
June 17, 2011, 1:44 a.m. CST
Is this a review or a tome?
by JethroBodine
I swear, it takes longer to read this review than to see the damn movie for myself. And that's including driving to the theater and back. And it ain't because of a lack of reading skills on my part.
June 17, 2011, 1:47 a.m. CST
by kusanagiguy
Most people read the reviews of Critics that have similar opinions to themselves. If the general concensus from the majority of critics are that a filmis bad chances are the film is bad. Critics are useful when you are borderline on seeing a film.With so many flicks to check I rely on a critics opinion to help me decide if im going to go to the cinema to watch a film or wait to catch it on dvd
June 17, 2011, 1:49 a.m. CST
i liked it too,not ashamed
by SupermanIsMyGod
Not great, no...but they got a hell of a lot right. Don't hate on this film just bc its chic to do so. Though I will say the score is as bad as it gets, and my theatre mates snickered every time Hammond's huge head appeared.
June 17, 2011, 1:51 a.m. CST
by The Founder
June 17, 2011, 1:51 a.m. CST
by The Founder
June 17, 2011, 1:56 a.m. CST
if I listened to critics...
by kK stoned
...then I would have never seen Sucker Punch and found out how incredible it is.
June 17, 2011, 1:58 a.m. CST
You griping fanboys live in an age where there is a GL movie!
by Dogmatic
I mean seriously....just 12 years ago (pre-Xmen) the chances of all these superhero comic movies being made with ANY measure of respect was a total impossibility. Now, we live in an age where that is possible and are all these films great? <p> Nope....but for every Elektra or Jonah Hex or Blade Trinity or X-men: The Last Stand there is a Spider-Man 2 or an Iron Man or a Dark Knight or X-men First Class (AMAZING for those who havent seen it).....and those huge success ones allow for the Green Lanterns and Thors and Iron Man 2s and Incredible Hulks that are not amazing pitch perfect comic adaptations that we know we could have written a better one but they DO get a LOT right and they do it with 21st century effects that even when not seamless STILL wash away the terrible memories of Roger Corman's FF effects and that tepid Captain AMerica flick starring JD Salinger's son or a Punisher flick with NO chest skull! <p> I say you fanboys have GOT to lighten up and just enjoy this AMAZING era we live in where our childhood superheroes are emblazoned upon the silver screen!!!!
June 17, 2011, 2 a.m. CST
These reviews crushed all my expectations and therefore I was pleasantly surprised
by BlaGyver
I have no idea how I'll feel about it in a few weeks, but right now I'm just so fucking glad I didn't hate it, because I really thought I would after some of those reviews. It's not perfect, but it hits the notes and has enough good in it to get a pass from me. The second is gonna have to seriously step up its game, but I think this was a solid first attempt. And again...really, so fucking glad I didn't hate it. And, SPOILERS The line where Carol realizes it's Hal is fucking priceless, as is the training scene when Sinestro clearly makes Cap's shield. That was great.
June 17, 2011, 2:01 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
Word. I'm sorry, but even without seeing this I know it's not the worst GL flick we could've got. And I know that it's not even the worst comic-book film of the year (that's Green Hornet) or decade (Kick Ass.)
June 17, 2011, 2:01 a.m. CST
It was....
by ddschneider1972
Everything I expected in a GL movie. I thought it was pretty damn good. Also saw X-men First Class tonight...pretty damn gooder, and I'm a DC guy. Both are well worth seeing on the big screen.
June 17, 2011, 2:01 a.m. CST
by townshend
just ugh.
June 17, 2011, 2:01 a.m. CST
Fuck the Reviewers
by flagen2010
I liked the movie and look forward to more...Tired of all the people that thing all superhero movies are the 2nd coming of Jesus/Mohammad/Buddha...No its not a perfect movie...but fun not the less....Duke Nukem came out this week also...this was ripped apart by the critics ....as a 41 year old that played HOURS of Duke the new one is FUN!!! Hell if you look at superman 1 there are parts that are corny and flat out stupid...(Otis and Lex) but still it was a good movie...Todays Critics would have trashed that movie as well!
June 17, 2011, 2:01 a.m. CST
Also, to ANYBODY who hasn't seen it yet:
by BlaGyver
Look out for this part (this is in no way spoilery) There's a scene that takes place at a high-end party (you'll know it). Hammond's father gives a speech and at one point acknowledges Hal. Listen closely, and when he does, you hear some light applause from the partygoers and then in the background, this one fucking guy just goes "YEAH, HAL!" It's absolutely fucking hilarious.
June 17, 2011, 2:04 a.m. CST
SURPRISE SURPRISE!!! I 100% Agree with HARRY! Green Lantern was not horrible or bad by a long shot. I've no idea what the critics beef with it was that garnered such negativity. It has flaws but it worth seeing
by The Founder
I went in expecting to be let down and I waited and waited for the awfulness to come and it never did. There is nothing wrong with GL that that couldn't be said about some of the other popular comic films that have had success. SPOIlERS!!!!?.............. The bad I saw in the movie was the origin of Paralax, Amanda Waller being underused but I understood why, not enough of the other lanterns in action but I understood and Paralax being killed but then I didn't like it's origin and from what I know of what Paralax is in the comics it would seem like it couldn't be killed in that fashion. Overall it's very entertaining and RR is a good fit for Hal and he did not ham it up and there wasn't a ton of one liners and comedic moments from him. I say a good attempt that fell a lil short and I certainly agree with Harry as to not bring back Campbell. If WB dodges a bullet with this and it makes some Cash I'm almost certain they are going to shake up the creative team. All those bad reviews isn't sitting well with them.
June 17, 2011, 2:06 a.m. CST
The Critcs also gave nearly glowing reviews to a movie called U-Turn years ago and it was garbage.
by The Founder
June 17, 2011, 2:07 a.m. CST
KK Stoned
by BlaGyver
Fucking A. Was not prepared for how hard the ending of that movie was gonna hit me. Good shit.
June 17, 2011, 2:07 a.m. CST
harry i love your optimism.
by billyhitchcock1
Can't wait to see you walking!
June 17, 2011, 2:08 a.m. CST
by batman713
June 17, 2011, 2:10 a.m. CST
I'd rather see the movie of Harry in rehab getting power from a promotional toy sent by Warner Brothers
by Professor_Monster
Seriously, this movie is a mess. I do admire the way Harry sees movies - he wears different hats depending on what he's about to bear witness - in this case he simply dusted off the same one he wore for Episode 1,2 and 3 and a slew of other bad playhouse productions- this hat comes with blinders and earmuffs by the way. If someone were to tell me tomorrow that Martin Campbell didn't use a script but opted for a coloring book to adapt the film from - it would make sense. I heard from a number of people that Ryan Reynolds re-wrote his own scenes- actually took the script, marked through what a professional wrote down and penned in his own drivel and when you watch this thing-- you can tell. Warner should have saved Green Lantern - saved it for the next time the public is ready. It should have been one of those movies that kicked off a superhero trend - not followed the current one that is quickly on the decline. Remember when 89 Batman came out -- all you saw for months was the poster of the symbol - that's it. We used to drive by the damn thing eagerly awaiting the day it opened -- Green Lantern should have been that type of movie. The first sci-fi Superhero. That's all I have to say - until that piece of garbage Captain America comes out.
June 17, 2011, 2:10 a.m. CST
Harry is dead right
by TalkingKat
Especially about the musical score. It especially sucks that whatever music they use in the trailers and commercials works much better than the actual score. But yeah I kept waiting to hate it and never did. That scene after the credits had the audience cheering btw
June 17, 2011, 2:12 a.m. CST
by BlaGyver
YES that post credits sequence, we burst into applause. And this might be the first Harry review that I've agreed with in detail. I kept waiting for it to suck and 40 minutes in just kinda said fuck it.
June 17, 2011, 2:12 a.m. CST
It just looks too weird and campy
by double_l88
Its good that the character inspires you, but this movie just looks too weird. I don't think it will do well b/c of that, and there will not be a second one. I don't trust your reviews either when you talk about this and don't like Inception. I mean, wtf?
June 17, 2011, 2:14 a.m. CST
Double L
by BlaGyver
Yeah man, if shit looks weird, it definitely doesn't do well. God man, remember that fucking bomb of a movie Avatar? Good thing nobody saw that shit, it looked weird....
June 17, 2011, 2:14 a.m. CST
And really, did anybody else notice "YEAH, HAL!" guy during the party?
by BlaGyver
June 17, 2011, 2:19 a.m. CST
by double_l88
That movie was good though, and I know Green Lantern is not Batman, but have a smoke monster and everybody with big heads. Weird may not be the right word, just say campy, and comic book movies are better when they are closer to reality.
June 17, 2011, 2:24 a.m. CST
I like you and all Harry, but I'll never take your word for anything.
by ganymede3010
You're like me on steroids. You really want to enjoy each and every piece of geek cinema that surfaces. Even to the point where you'll delude yourself into liking something instead of facing the harsh reality of it sucking (TPM, AOTC).
June 17, 2011, 2:27 a.m. CST
I'm excited to see Green Lantern tomorrow after this review!
by antonphd
I have enjoyed Thor and X Men, but while they were both very well made neither really had those summer tent pole moments you look forward to in summer movies. I know that Green Lantern looks kind of silly, but it also looks like it has those moments of awesome that I love. I expect that this movie is going to do giant box office with all of the kids out there for whom this movie was made. It's been great to enjoy more adult comic films like The Dark Knight, but comic movies are generally for the kids. This one looks like something I would have watched 50 times as a kid. I'm sure I'll watch it a few times(including at home) as an adult. By the way. I rented the video game. It was fantastic! It was kind of God of War'ish. But it was very well made. I was impressed. I think I'll actually finish the game. Which is no small thing for me (I make them).
June 17, 2011, 2:27 a.m. CST
Fair 'nuff, Doub, didn't mean to come across as a dick.
by BlaGyver
My bad. I try not to get shitty on these boards. Fuck. It's 3:30. Blagyver's tired. Goodnight, all.
June 17, 2011, 2:30 a.m. CST
Anton, READ MY POST TO ANYONE WHO HASN'T SEEN IT
by BlaGyver
Seriously. It is the funniest part of the movie if you look out for it.
Good for you Harry! Being truthful, rather than taking the easy route. I, for one, will be seeing this film regardless of the negative reviews. And personally, to whoever insulted Harry for not liking inception, well you can add me to the insult wagon, because I didn't enjoy inception (not at ALL) either.
June 17, 2011, 2:33 a.m. CST
Oh and also...
by LouisCedar
Whoever said that a person who choses not to see a movie because of a critics opinion is an idiot? TRUTH. You're an idiotic sheep if you allow other people to make up your mind for you. No excuse, no argument, no amount of explanation can change that.
June 17, 2011, 2:38 a.m. CST
batman713, The Inception review just made no sense
by double_l88
Inception was great movie in every way. Its not even really debatable. The acting the directing, everything was so well done. Just b/c critics are saying Green Lantern is not great, does not mean it is not, I will need to see it first. Has never looked promising though from the first trailer. I really like the character in general, and just wish the movie did not look so camp.
June 17, 2011, 2:41 a.m. CST
Harry, let's see some recent pics!
by BadMrWonka
OR a before and after set? Some of us have been coming to your site for over a decade, and we're thrilled that you're getting healthier and healthier. a lithe Harry Knowles is a little weird to imagine, but we want you around for decades to come, big guy!
June 17, 2011, 2:46 a.m. CST
Nurse! We need more plastic, promotional dinguses. STAT!
by Laserbrain
Warner Brothers - FIX this health care system! YOU HAVE THE POWER!
June 17, 2011, 2:47 a.m. CST
Yeah that's interesting News
by CT1
Well.. interesting review. You know, it starts off really good, and I thought to myself, you know maybe we're really going to get an honest, redeem-himself-in-the-eyes-of-harsh-critics type of review. I can really see your viewpoint, and I can understand on a personal level how Green Lantern helped give you the willpower to get through your struggles; God only knows we all might have a.. "certain" movie that helped us through a rough spot in our lives, a movie that can guide us on how to be a hero in our own personal lives. You really illustrate it in your review how movies can be so much more than just something to please the audience, and can help us become just better human beings all around.. but then something happened about halfway through. Unfortunately, after this very eloquently, heartfelt declaration, you then go RIGHT back to the derivative, corporate-shill knob-golling speak, and from a man that was just contemplating heavy issues and how maybe SOMETHING couldn't live up to expectations, we go back to the usual rationalizations and bold adjectives like "electrifying" and "holy shit man" and "jaw-droppingly amazing". But to be fair, almost all of your praise and emotions seem to be coming from the comics and what they mean, and from what COULD happen in the future if there were to be future "films".. although certain talkbackers are probably correct in certain predictions about the future of comic book media. This is a bold move though.. it looks as though you're going to be standing almost alone on this one, and it's a hell of a spot to take your stand and think you got the balls of a Copernicus.. good luck.
June 17, 2011, 3:03 a.m. CST
by kwisatzhaderach
Harry likes shit movie.
June 17, 2011, 3:13 a.m. CST
So Hary's palms have been greased with studio money again!
by Dhaemon
Surprise surprise.
June 17, 2011, 3:13 a.m. CST
Hey Kwis...whats up dude? Long time no see
by southafricanguy
How are things....
June 17, 2011, 3:14 a.m. CST
must be the pain pills talking
by darth_hideous
i mean .. really????? this shit ain't citizen kane for fuck's sake
June 17, 2011, 3:14 a.m. CST
Is anyone suprised Harry liked this? Anyone?
by southafricanguy
Raise your hand if suprised...... Anyone....?
June 17, 2011, 3:16 a.m. CST
Okay, so how long before you start bashing it?
by Chuck_Chuckwalla
There have been a few instances when Harry initially praises a film that's getting dissed from the critics only to later talk shit about it after it finally sinks in and he realizes how truly sucky the thing is after some time has passed (Jar Jar). I hope you don't do this here Harry, stand by your reviews.
June 17, 2011, 3:23 a.m. CST
Harry's Inception review
by Shubniggorath
It wasn't that he gave it a bad review. He didn't review it: "I fell asleep."
June 17, 2011, 3:25 a.m. CST
Harry's ability to see parts of his life projected to every movie he sees is a sort of superpower of it's own.
by AsimovLives
I wonder what part of Harry's life he could relate with Pasollini's SALO.
June 17, 2011, 3:37 a.m. CST
I don't get it
by No time for Haters
It seems like Harry (along with a few others) keep saying, sure it wasn't the greatest or yeah it could have been better- but I loved it anyway! I don't know if that's a ringing endorsement so much as an apologetic love for it. Usually when Harry loves a movie, he is non-apologetic and loves it whole-heartedly. I'm not used to him saying sure it wasn't the greatest, but I loved it anyway. I just wonder if it wasn't for what he's going through personally, would he have loved it as much. That being said, I'm watching it on Saturday and willing to go in with an open mind. There are other comic book movies out there that people have just hated that I didn't think was so bad or just flat out liked, so maybe that will be the case with GL.
June 17, 2011, 3:41 a.m. CST
Good Review Harry
by grievenom
I'm checking this out with my kids this weekend. Bummed about all the negativity from critics, but hoping we'll enjoy it. The tv spots look great to me.
June 17, 2011, 3:44 a.m. CST
by HEADGEEK
One time in Spain, I had sex with this gal at the film festival and she started... Nah, I'll leave it to your imagination.
June 17, 2011, 3:45 a.m. CST
I'm on the same page
by sharpie
Pretty much at least. I just got back from seeing it a second time (I got to go to a screening wednesday which I was absolutely elated about)The training scene was fantastic, the scene where where Carol realizes it's Hal is hilarious, and any time Sinestro is on the screen, I'm riveted (I cannot *wait* for the sequel, I could watch that man read the phone book). The first time I saw it, I was a bit let down, I was expecting so much (I mean really, how hard would it have been to throw Mogo in there?) but after the second time, the pacing wasnt as bad as I'd originally thought, and the good parts shone brighter. That damn scene in the bar with Carol makes me wince though. Come on, what the hell was up with that song and why did they make Hal sing it? The movie had a lot of issues, but it was definitely a lot better than it could have been
June 17, 2011, 3:55 a.m. CST
AICN is officially over
by TopHat
This review hammers the final nail in the coffin. Fake photo postings, without any apology or acknowledgement. A Sarah Palin documentary article just for the hits. Deadline.com pretty much beating every single "scoop". Harry blatent attempt to only post positive reviews. This site is nothing more than a cash cow. No script reviews. I'm already bored writing this. I'm not reading this site anymore. This has become the equal of a neo-conservative group. Nothing is questioned. Only positivity is accepted. Anything negative, you're not a "real" film fan. Just a bunch of kiss asses trying to get set visits. What's the point? "This movie isn't perfect, but ____" <---90% AICN reviews for the past five years. DONE
June 17, 2011, 4 a.m. CST
i could be wrong....
by emeraldboy
but doesnt carol ferris become the green latern's main villain. later on.
June 17, 2011, 4:19 a.m. CST
Harry right about one thing...
by workshed
...every critic on the globe seems to have turned troll on GL. Seems like it's a done deal that this is the fowl of the season. I'm still gonna take my kid to see it simply because I think of all DC's properties GL deserves another shot. It's not the source material's fault; the gold is there in the pages of the comics, but the team on this clearly failed to assemble all the elements into a cohesive whole. That's Campbell/WBs fault entirely. Let Bruce Campbell direct the next one.
June 17, 2011, 4:31 a.m. CST
I saw it. Liked it a lot and @Noidling5
by C A Iversen
You'd be dead right if four of the rest of AICN reviewers didn't like it. How can a site be selling out with mostly negative reviews and one positive review. Is the world full of one right opinion nowadays? Just to point the finger your pointing right on back, I think that's how some germans used to feel in the late 30's and we all know how that worked out.
June 17, 2011, 4:44 a.m. CST
dogmatic makes for a very good point
by AsimovLives
Not that i think we should find excuse for bad comic book movies. But never before comic book movies have been as well served as today. This is a golden age for comic book movie adaptations.
June 17, 2011, 4:46 a.m. CST
I thought it was better than Thor...
by Mariusz
...but nowhere near the class of Matt Vaughn's X-Men flick. I went in thinking it was gonna be Sucker PUnch, given the reviews it's getting, but I came out surprisingly pleased. No shit. Reynolds is the best thing about it.
June 17, 2011, 4:47 a.m. CST
really, who cares?
by Mr Gorilla
Green Lantern? What? Who cares? Is this for 10 year old boys? Really wish people wd stop paying to see this shit, then they might stop making so much. I mean, just how many superhero origin movies can you see in one lifetime? Everyone on this site loves movies, right? So stop encouraging Hollywood to make dumb-ass superhero films. Jeez. Bored. I'm really, really bored.
June 17, 2011, 4:49 a.m. CST
Reviews for GL
by DannyOcean01
Have been weird in what they liked and didn't like. Even negs don't seem to agree - some hating the CGI, some really liking it; earthbound stuff being the worst, earthbound stuff being the best. Would really like to see the BO for this flipping the bird to the majority of critics. Harry's enthusiasm and giddiness have won me over, anyway. To be honest, I was there after that final action clip with some of the ring constructs.
June 17, 2011, 4:54 a.m. CST
Everyone is entitled to their opinions...
by AndoSoundsLikeAMong
And if you can back them up, then that's even better. But can we please get over the worst peice of Internet Magic; that you can say anything and have it be valid in the realm of fact, simply because "the opinion" is all mighty? If it is your opinion that the Mona Lisa is a piece of shit, great. Hell, you may even be able to tell us why you think so. But you are wrong. Opinions can be wrong. And they can be right, too. All of those critics who slated this film didn't do so on a whim. At least part of thier critisism comes from tangiable things like quality of writing, direction, editing, pacing; the guts of film making that can be quanitifed to some extent, by people with sufficient experience, and can be definitely compared between films. I'm glad Harry managed to enjoy this, and he makes his position clear, so good for him. I'm not even stating he is "wrong" in the black and white, simplistic overview I gave above. But I don't understand people who can look at all those greens on a Rotton Tomatoes pages, read some of those reviews, and still just blindly think they are going to love a film. You don't have to brainwashed by them, you can disagree with them, but you can also compare the information you are getting from them + your own views and get a much better idea about a film. Surely that's the point of critisism as it relates to the individual?
June 17, 2011, 5:14 a.m. CST
Οh what a surprise Harry lucks that pile of shit GL movie
by KilliK
i guess the ring you got from WB was that good,eh Harry?
June 17, 2011, 5:14 a.m. CST
by KilliK
June 17, 2011, 5:27 a.m. CST
Sequel does not exist in this dojo
by Cobra--Kai
Harry's already looking forward to GREEN LANTERN 2! He's also been counting down the days to SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE BOX OFFICE and JONAH HEX: THE CURSE!!!
June 17, 2011, 5:33 a.m. CST
Prosecution does not exist in this dojo
by Cobra--Kai
HARRY IS A SHILL. HARRY WAS BOUGHT OFF. Exhibit A, your Honor. May I present... this glow in the dark plastic ring! Now, good ladies and gentlemen of the jury. I call our first witness... Yoko. So Miss Knowles - what pyjamas does your husband wear in bed? I remind you, you are under oath. 'He... (sob sniff)... he wears GREEN LANTERN pyjamas." No more questions.
June 17, 2011, 5:46 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
And I studied an MA in Scriptwriting, does that make my opinion matter more than yours? No. Critics deal with opinion. It's not fact, and if it decides whether you see a film then I genuinely believe you had no interest in it to start off with.
June 17, 2011, 6:03 a.m. CST
by MorganLeafy
Obviously you are right. Taste is subjective but you can judge any piece of art (or anything else) by a set of objective parameters. And those objective parameters tell us that GL is crap!
June 17, 2011, 6:20 a.m. CST
SW A New Hope
by Chris
Got negative reviews when it first came out. And months later it was still selling out tickets. I plan to see GL over the weekend. I'll decide for myself. Keep healing, Harry
June 17, 2011, 6:21 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
Don't use logic, people are forming their usual backlash.
June 17, 2011, 6:28 a.m. CST
An 11 year old liked it...that tells me all I need to know
by alienindisguise
This piece of shit is just a cash grab with the comic bandwagon hopefully soon to be rolling out of town. Now we all get to see the shitty merch in discount bins for the rest of the year.
June 17, 2011, 6:36 a.m. CST
Sorry Harry, you just come off as A CORPORATE STOOGE. And you admit they bought your ring.
by Jeff Myers
A Sad day....
June 17, 2011, 6:42 a.m. CST
I hope it's as good as
by syn_flood
Nightmare On Elm Street or Van Helsing
June 17, 2011, 6:43 a.m. CST
by mastes360
Is there anything you DONT like?
June 17, 2011, 6:56 a.m. CST
by my liege
An 11 year old liking it tells me all I need to know as well - That someone has made a FUN comic book movie for COMIC BOOK FANS as opposed to a dull ass movie for adults who are too embarrassed to admit that they like reading stories about dudes in tights.
June 17, 2011, 6:57 a.m. CST
Is it possible that Harry's opinion is swayed...
by Righteous Brother
by that lovely Green Lantern Power Ring he was sent? Mind you, H also liked Alexander - which the critics savaged, but I also really like. Hmmmm....could it be that Green Lantern is actually ok? Nah, probably not!
June 17, 2011, 7:01 a.m. CST
by BSB
June 17, 2011, 7:07 a.m. CST
I am planning on seeing this. As I mentioned in Quint's talkback I'm not
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
pleased with the fact they've made Hal Jordan an asshole. I'm not please with Galactus' DC step cousin. But I'm willing to let that slide for now, and give it a shot.
June 17, 2011, 7:09 a.m. CST
I still hope the film opens massive!
by Righteous Brother
So we get perhaps a better one next time round.
June 17, 2011, 7:15 a.m. CST
Asi, your SALO post--
by THE_CHOPPAH
--that was prime CHOPPING right there.
June 17, 2011, 7:19 a.m. CST
Oh what a fucking surprise, Harry likes it.
by Ricardo
Which means it's shit.
June 17, 2011, 7:25 a.m. CST
I don't understand why Green Lantern & Green Arrow are a good team up
by DonLogan
One can conjur up anything he imagines from his magic ring... ...the other has a bow & arrow.
June 17, 2011, 7:25 a.m. CST
Harold Throckmorton Knowles IV
by THE_CHOPPAH
Thank you for posting your review. You and I had the same response, it seems. Harold's review is legit, folks. Get off his ass. Just for this, at least.
June 17, 2011, 7:26 a.m. CST
Cos they're both green!
by Righteous Brother
They match.
June 17, 2011, 7:47 a.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
you are sooo in for a treat with this movie. Reynolds does a drugged out flex-a-thon when he is under sedation on Oa. He writhes and flexes in just some tight white underwear. You will be begging for a bucket of water to through at the screen.
June 17, 2011, 7:52 a.m. CST
GODZILLA (1998) called...
by YackBacker
They want Harry's misplaced, positive review back.
June 17, 2011, 7:53 a.m. CST
Harry doesn't have the willpower to say he liked all the FREEBIES™ he got from "reviewing" GREEN LANTERN
by Jake Pantlin
Hey, those rings and XXXX Size t-shirts don't come cheap!
June 17, 2011, 7:53 a.m. CST
Another dufflebag full of money for Harry.
by cookylamoo
June 17, 2011, 8:01 a.m. CST
never thought I would say this...
by THE_CHOPPAH
I almost completely agree with Harry on GL. THAT SAID.... I don't believe for one second that his physical therapists think he is "...the single most determined patient they've had...".
June 17, 2011, 8:05 a.m. CST
I also agree with Harry on......
by THE_CHOPPAH
....banging Asian women. Just trying to find some commonality today.
June 17, 2011, 8:10 a.m. CST
by Spandau Belly
I think psysiotherapists tell all their patients that they are the most dedicated patient making the most rapid progress they've ever seen. It's called encouragement.
June 17, 2011, 8:11 a.m. CST
by Domi'sInnerChild
I smell a crossover.
June 17, 2011, 8:11 a.m. CST
22% at Rotten Tomatoes
by Dkev00
Ouch. I'll probably rent it though. I'm putting my money on Capt. America as the top super hero flick this summer. And I loved XMen:FC
June 17, 2011, 8:14 a.m. CST
Folks seem to be forgetting something about AICN...
by Horgy
The reviews on here, especially Harry's, aren't JUST movie reviews. They're based on the whole experience of watching the movie, with all the associations, prejudices, expectations, memories and feelings that the reviewer feels from watching the film. The film reminded Harry of a puppy he had? Well, then that is included in the review, and can completely skew it one way or another. This movie is a sequel to one where Harry got his first handjob in the theater? That'll be in the review, and can mean the movie is great, or that his expectations are low. He had the flu when he saw it? Probable bad review. He saw it when he just got out of rehab? The movie is hopeful and inspirational. He saw it while constipated? It left him feeling unfulfilled. The movie is about a character Harry loved as a child? Then the movie will have a deep emotional impact, and a generally positive review. <p> The point is, this site isn't just about the regular, typical, dry movie review. There's a lot more to these reviews. Yes, sometimes at the expense of telling us how good a film actually is, but sometimes, that's not why we go to the movies. We go to see aliens. We go to see wizards doing magic. We go to see places we've never seen. We go to have some laughs at stuff that will never really happen to us. We go to see lives and stories that can inspire our own, or just lift us from a bad day for 2 hours.
June 17, 2011, 8:23 a.m. CST
I begged my kid not to make me take him to this...
by ChickenStu
The reviews have really put me off. But it looks like I'm going to have to swallow a lot of shit and be prepared to take this one on the chin. Harry I sure hope you are fucking right. No disrespect dude, but the other reviewers here are the ones who I'd be more inclined to go with.
June 17, 2011, 8:26 a.m. CST
love the vast dramatic pauses in between paragraphs
by zom-bot.com
as if what was said is so weighty it needs to sit for a sec in the readers minds. but really it just seems like your stop to catch your breath in between your childhood metaphors.
June 17, 2011, 8:36 a.m. CST
I didn't hate it
by I_am_not_Henry_Silva
Is not enough. We should ask for the bar to be raised just a bit, no? Even if it "sets up a good sequel" it's not "good" is it? Everything tastes good to a starving man.
June 17, 2011, 8:41 a.m. CST
by BSB
I'll need that bucket to contain all the cum I'm gonna shoot over that scene. Writhing, you say? Flexing? Tighty whiteys? If y'all think texting is annoying in the theater wait'll you get a load of me.
June 17, 2011, 8:41 a.m. CST
I think Harry trolls his own site by giving good reviews to shitty movies
by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz
Seriously I find it hard to believe that he seems to always be on the other side of the critics when it comes to these movies that everyone else agrees are total shit. I really have to consider that Harry is just trolling for a reaction to drive attention to his reviews on this site by being the counter voice to the popular opinion. <BR> <BR> Or he is just a paid stooge like everyone else claims, but I don't want to believe that either because I have been coming to this site since the 90s and I remember when a review from Harry truly held it's weight and was balanced and credible. <BR> <BR> So which is it Harry? Trolling or stooge?
June 17, 2011, 8:45 a.m. CST
Harry's Attack of the Clones review
by WerePlatypus
Never forget.
June 17, 2011, 8:45 a.m. CST
Really harry? REALLY?
by knowthyself
June 17, 2011, 8:47 a.m. CST
So green lantern is a great kids movie?
by knowthyself
June 17, 2011, 8:50 a.m. CST
What is the most resilient parasite??
by PopCultureJunkie
A virus? An intenstinal worm? How about Harry thinking "Green Lantern" was a good film? This film doesn't touch the charisma of "Thor" or the character driven "X-Men: First Class". "Green Lantern" along with its lifeless script and terrible direction remains one of the biggest disappointments I've ever seen onscreen and I'm a pretty big fan of Green Lantern. WB needs to wait 10 years and do a reboot and learn from this abomination. Harry, you can't seem to call the film what it is ='shit'. How can anyone take you serious when you 'fall asleep' while watching a movie, especially with the likes of "Inception"? People rumble at the fact that you are a sell out. Please don't prove them correct.
June 17, 2011, 8:51 a.m. CST
"liked the heck out of" = Meh
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
Note: Harry's use of the word "liked" instead of "loved" and "heck" instead of "hell." Harry, for once, is at a loss for hyperbole. Seems the willpower of the Warner Bros. execs may have got to him.
June 17, 2011, 8:51 a.m. CST
CORRECTION! Harry DOES have the willpower to say he liked all the FREEBIES™ he got from "reviewing" GREEN LANTERN
by Jake Pantlin
My mistake for doubting you, you fucking hack.
June 17, 2011, 8:51 a.m. CST
Ok I've had enough of this
by thedarkgnat
Why do you guys who obviously hate the way Harry reviews movies and prove so by time and time again by chiming in with your bitching still visit this site? I seriously don't get it, and when someone brings up your obsessive behavior you come back with some other snide "under appreciated movie scholar" comeback? Or just attack the persons comment in some lame way like they're being stupid? Sorry but I've been reading your horrible remarks like you hate this sites opinions and ethos with a vengeance yet you still keep coming back. How about don't read the reviews? Visit another site? If you seriously lack avenues to make yourself heard go take up painting or something useful, or even better go do some community work and get some perspective. Geez enough of the bitching and whining.
June 17, 2011, 8:53 a.m. CST
and so Im not off subject
by thedarkgnat
I am looking forward to bringing my wife and son to a fun superhero movie thats COLORFUL. So Aintitcool thanks for the broad spectrum of reviews and leveling out my expectations. Excited!
June 17, 2011, 8:55 a.m. CST
by BSB
I just want to see RR writhe and flex in his tighty whiteys. On second thought, this might really be The Godfather Part II.
June 17, 2011, 8:58 a.m. CST
INCEPTION Is So Overrated
by Autodidact
INCEPTION was fucking boring and my memory of the movie is wall-to-wall-to-wall exposition along with very un-dream-like dreamworlds.
June 17, 2011, 9:05 a.m. CST
Sorry Harry but...
by koruption
Even if I wanted to believe your review, I couldn't. You received early schwag from the film, have been hyping it up... and let's face it, your "a name" on the internet, so you are going to get benefits from giving it a good review. That's why i never review a game I get free stuff for. It makes you look biased even when your not.
June 17, 2011, 9:08 a.m. CST
To autodidact and your hate towards Inception
by PopCultureJunkie
You state that Inception is boring but do not explain why. The film is very ambitious and thought provoking. The layers of dreams and the premise of being able to manipulate people through extraction or inception was incredible. The film also works on multiple levels - from the perspective of Mal or Dom. Put this together with top direction, great score, action, acting and you have a winner. To be able to get viewers to look at the world differently is intriguing.
June 17, 2011, 9:14 a.m. CST
It's Harry's FU€KING OPINION THAT HE LIKED GL!! I agree the fuck with his review, but I guess that makes me a plant? Fuck all the HATERS!! Movies are based on opinions, GL is one where some will like it or hate it. It saw the flaws that some spoke of but
by The Founder
It was too paint by numbers pure and simple. Personally I see too much plaing it safe and too much studio interference. I felt the suits were to afraid to have majority of the film play off planet and have Hal and Corps out patrolling the sector. The best moments were when Hal was on OA and interacting with the other Corps members. The Earth stuff wasn't boring as some have claimed but then I can see from others point of view why they would get bored but it worked ok for me. You gotta have the hero save his planet and perform being a hero on Earth but it wasn't needed here. WB flaw is fear of letting GL play out in space, where most of it should've taken place. They didn't get stand played it safe and made a typical superhero flick that have been done to death. They had a chance to make a Star Wars type Superhero flick and blew it. Hal wasn't placed in his element where he should've been. I'm hoping for a sequel and he gets out there. Then again this is WB so it may be more of the same with their fear of having 90% of the film take place off Earth.
June 17, 2011, 9:22 a.m. CST
I hope it makes a ton if for mother reason then to drive the haters crazy. It was more faithful then Fox's Xmen films including First Class
by The Founder
Wasn't as good as FC,so let me say that but at least it was a good GL flick from the point of it being more faithful to the source material but as an overall movie it was enjoyable fluff. A popcorn flick that kids and more then likely a lot of the mainstream will love or either enjoy.
June 17, 2011, 9:24 a.m. CST
I'm with you Harry and I'm going to stand by the film despite what others say.
by The Founder
June 17, 2011, 9:25 a.m. CST
Glad you liked it Harry!!
by CoolFrood
... and I am happy with your physical progress, and wish you the Best!! For me, I will wait to see GL on DVD, as I do not want to encourage WB and other studios to think half-hearted efforts will make as much $$ as quality movies... I should have boycotted IM2 for the same reason. Here's hoping Captain America is a good MOVIE (and not just 100 minutes of superhero CG effects.) Frood Out!
June 17, 2011, 9:31 a.m. CST
jealous TBers
by THE_ONE_MAN_GANG
I hardly ever agree with Knowles' reviews, but what the fuck- it's his own fucking review. not yours. i mean give me a fucking break. "oohhh he doesnt agree with my own shitty taste in movies ohhh wahhh"- get a fucking life.
June 17, 2011, 9:33 a.m. CST
by PopCultureJunkie
Yes, it is Harry's review but have you considered why he writes the reviews to begin with? It is to inform the public and as someone else mentioned he is a 'name' on the internet and people are likely to believe in what he states and will go see a movie. It doesn't make sense when the masses disagree with a person who is supposed to be guiding. Think about it
June 17, 2011, 9:35 a.m. CST
has Harry ever given a negative review?
by lostboytexas
he loves shit movies. and he gets free shit because of this. sigh
June 17, 2011, 9:36 a.m. CST
by Aftertaste
Everyone has their own opinion about what they like.
June 17, 2011, 9:40 a.m. CST
To Aftertaste
by PopCultureJunkie
You are right but you are not considering the context in which Harry's review affects.
June 17, 2011, 9:41 a.m. CST
the mysterious 3D movie he saw...
by vicmackey1268
...is Transformers right? It's gotta be...I doubt the transfer for Harry Potter is as good as the description he just gave...and really there's no other movie besides Cars 2 that I feel will have good 3D this summer and...well...it's Cars...so ya....I think the mindnumbing awesome 3D has to be Michael Bay related.
June 17, 2011, 9:43 a.m. CST
Brave Little Ginger!
by blackwood
Right on, Harry. I kind of thought this would be your review. Harry isn't a shill, guys. Harry was going to love this. It was destined, not bought. You don't wear a cheap-ass GL ring for six months because your opinion is for sale -- you wear it because you were all-in the moment the film was announced. And as someone who has been coming to the site for nearly a decade, anyone who thinks the site is 'dead' because they aren't always first with news or exclusives or sometimes have predictably enthusiastic responses to stuff they've been let in on misses the point. Which is us. And talkbacking. Anyway. I will keep my fingers crossed for your Curon-helmed second installment Harry. But not, like, tightly crossed.
June 17, 2011, 9:45 a.m. CST
by johnnyrandom
...You. Fat. Bastard.
June 17, 2011, 9:47 a.m. CST
Something that I really and truly love about the BATMAN story far more though.
by D.Vader
What the fuck does that mean?
June 17, 2011, 9:48 a.m. CST
Will go see it with zero expectations
by Knobules
Yeah because people who post on this site do stuff like that. Well I dont mind LOOKING at Blake. Ill just put something in my ears when she speaks.
June 17, 2011, 9:53 a.m. CST
power ring payola
by Rupee88
or maybe he really did like it because subconsciously he wanted to or feel he had do. Anyway all the bad reviews have swayed me not to pay to see this. There's no way it will be good. It will probably be bad but entertaining but not going to pay $10 for that and sit through a bunch of commercials before the film..fuck that.
June 17, 2011, 9:58 a.m. CST
I hate to say it, but I'm siding with Harry on GREEN LANTERN. --Judge for yourself, people.
by JDanielP
Perhaps most importantly, if GREEN LANTERN does well enough box office, a sequel will prove (to be) more inspired. And just maybe we'll get a JUSTICE LEAGUE flick, with TRANSFORMERS-worthy special/visual effects. (And THAT is something I really want to see!!!)
June 17, 2011, 10:02 a.m. CST
by PopCultureJunkie
Inspired sequels? Seriously? That has never been the case with only a few exceptions. Usually it just studio execs pumping more in to something that Joe the moviegoer will see.
June 17, 2011, 10:04 a.m. CST
He likes it!!! Hey Mikey!!!
by Bobo_Vision
June 17, 2011, 10:05 a.m. CST
Yellow is the color of FEAR!!!
by doom master
Bear Grylls does NOT approve. Harry....From now on everytime you give an obviously poor, empty or bad movie a thumbs up I'm going to read between the lines. Reverse Psychology.
June 17, 2011, 10:06 a.m. CST
I'm looking forward to seeing the box office numbers this weekend
by Titus05
I don't see Lantern making as much as Super 8 did last weekend
June 17, 2011, 10:06 a.m. CST
LOL so take a shit in a different spot and call it a toilet, Harry
by doom master
Nothing wrong with that, either...
June 17, 2011, 10:11 a.m. CST
If I may....
by JustUsNerdsHere
...I'd like to point out a couple interesting things I've noticed in Harry's review and the talkbacks that have followed. Here's my Flash Facts (get it?) if you will. 1. Harry and some of the rest of you just kind of defeated any reason to read and follow this site by saying critics don't matter and that you should see it for yourself. In part, I agree, but critics serve the valuable function of saving me money by seeing shit films for me since I have limited income and don't have the opportunity to see every film for free. 2. Yes, we are indeed in the golden age of comic book adaptations for both the big and the relatively untapped small screen (concerning this genre). 3. The downfall of any "golden age" occurs when the quality starts going to shit and the fans, as it were, stop shelling out money for the product. In conclusion, if you want this so called golden age to continue, you should encourage filmmakers and studios to make better films by spending your hard earned Monopoly money on good films. Let us all remember that the motion piciture business is just that, a business, and that money fucking talks. Why is there a Transformers 3? Because it made a fuckton of money. Why is there not a Scott Pilgrim 2? Because you fart smelling, we love the shitty GL film because we loved the comics, cheese eating, shut-ins didn't pry open your wallets like I pried open your grandma's legs last night. I too love the Green Lantern, mainly Guy Gardener, but I like bad hair cuts from the 80's, but that in turn doesn't excuse them making a bad film of it and ruining what I love about the comics.
June 17, 2011, 10:15 a.m. CST
Never before has it looked more obvious that Harry's review was bought- he practically admits it
by D.Vader
I'm not saying he *was* bought, but its obvious his reaction to this movie is tainted by the Green Lantern Ring he was given by the studio. Its not a "Here's a free trip, here's some money, give us a good review," type of situation. Its actually a bit more nefarious than that. Its pretty ingenious actually. Knowing how Harry reacts to things like the Ring, some smart exec sent him one. He knew that Harry would love the Ring and it would enhance his viewing experience when finally seeing the movie. And it appears that's exactly what happened, seeing as how he's mentioned it a few times in the review. So, never before has Harry even addressed being "bought", but here he doesn't even realize it, because to him there's been no trade-off. He was given a gift, a gift he loves, a gift related to the movie, and so any feelings he harbors for the Ring will spill over into the movie about the Ring.
June 17, 2011, 10:19 a.m. CST
The reason studios make movies an idiot can enjoy.
by cookylamoo
Is because there's so many idiots out there to enjoy them.
June 17, 2011, 10:20 a.m. CST
You won't find glowing reviews...but it's worth checking out. Maybe I'll take my young son to see it, after all.
by JDanielP
6 popcorn buckets out of 10. --Heck, maybe I'll go crazy and give it a 7. --Judge for yourself.
June 17, 2011, 10:21 a.m. CST
Harrys reviews
by drunkenmonkey73
Does anyone care what Harry writes any more, its quint, Capone and the rest of the team that make aintitcool a credible site
June 17, 2011, 10:22 a.m. CST
I gotta say, I hope I enjoy the flick
by D.Vader
I think I will. It doesn't look terrible (and I mean terrible like GI JOE terrible). It might feel a bit "meh" by the end with a few really cool scenes, but I doubt I'll end up hating it.
June 17, 2011, 10:24 a.m. CST
Donlogan, the team-up of the two characters
by BlaGyver
Is largely due to the characterization of the two when they were first teamed up. Lantern was this very by-the-books police officer type. He did what his superiors told him to. Arrow was taking on more liberal views at the time and the point was that they both opened up the other to new ideas about handling what they do.
June 17, 2011, 10:30 a.m. CST
by zom-bot.com
excellent analysis without really bashing Harry or hurtfully saying he was bought. i too, think he's bought without knowing it. things like the ring and other freebies- i mean i genuinely think he believes that companies give him this stuff because they like him and consider him in their circle... but the truth is, they are planting seeds that will ultimately taint his opinion whether he knows it or not. luckily for us, and not them- no one listens to his reviews anymore. unluckily for us, bad movies that have been chopped and dumbed down to pander to the idiocracy keep getting made.
June 17, 2011, 10:31 a.m. CST
Hi there
by Lbrown
I paid $32.67 for a XBOX 360 and my mom got a 17 inch Toshiba laptop for $94.83 being delivered to our house tomorrow by FedEX. I will never again pay expensive retail prices at stores. I even sold a 46 inch HDTV to my boss for $650 and it only cost me $52.78 to get. Here is the website we using to get all this stuff, CentBuzz. Com.
June 17, 2011, 10:34 a.m. CST
I haven't seen it yet...
by Evil Sean
...but it appears that after a decade of set visits, exclusive interviews and assorted varieties of Hollywood ass-kissing, Warner Bros finally figured out that all they need to do is give Harry a Happy Meal toy in exchange for a positive review.
June 17, 2011, 10:36 a.m. CST
After Harry's Review ...
by BikoQue
I will diffinately see it. I was so sick of the critics and AICN talk backers killing GL. I just wanted a light a small one to lead me to the theater. I also want to thanks the same talk backers for being honest when they did like GL. This is a good summer, not like 2009. I'm Out.
June 17, 2011, 10:40 a.m. CST
by blackwood
Is that being 'bought', though? Emotionally manipulated, maybe. But really, I think he was just predisposed to like whatever this movie was, ring or no ring, crap or no crap, because he really wanted to and, dammit, a BLG stands up to face the mediocrity head on, and lowers his standards to meet it. I don't know. I guess I just don't feel being 'bought' is justified in this situation. Harry didn't have a chance with this film. Like, say, with me and ON STRANGER TIDES. I liked it. I really liked it, despite there being a whole lot in it that didn't work. But with the Pirates franchise, I'm in for a penny, in for a pound. The material just gets my geek off in a very particular way that reminds me of being a kid with boundless, unfiltered enthusiasm for stuff that knew where and how to tickle my fancy and make it o. On the bright side, despite critical reaction to TIDES, it's on track to be the most successful entry in the franchise. It's made almost a billion dollars worldwide. I am grateful, because middling quality or not, it means they get another go and maybe, finally, there will be an AMAZING Pirates film that vaults over the easy earn and does something truly special. Until then, I can enjoy the time I spend with the characters as they mug and plod their way through some lazy storytelling and keep the Pirates film I've always wanted in my mind, like a little lantern of my own, guiding me through. I guess what I'm really trying to say is, I get it. I get that Harry can like this despite all contemporaries hating it and the very really possibility it is mediocre-to-shit. Because for whatever flaws it has, it doesn't destroy that little bit of him that will always love GL for what it could be, not what it necessarily is.
June 17, 2011, 10:45 a.m. CST
this is interesting view from GL's comic writer for 7 years
by BikoQue
June 17, 2011, 10:46 a.m. CST
I don't have a problem with Harry liking the film, but it is clear from his half-hearted review that he didn't think it was that great
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
And this is why I question Harry's integrity on this one. Because, it is clear reading between the lines that Harry didn't think GL was a very good movie and yet he still felt compelled for some reason to give it a very limp thumbs up.
June 17, 2011, 10:48 a.m. CST
Hot Turd on a Platter
by crazybubba
This sucks. Fans that find any lame excuse to accept whatever crap the studios turn out for comic book movies and people that the think we are in the Golden Age of Comic Book movies only continue to encourage the studios to turn out more movies that fail to do a good job of telling good comic book stories on screen. Seriously what is written in comics is so much better than most of the stuff put on screen.
June 17, 2011, 10:48 a.m. CST
Oh and darkgnat
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
June 17, 2011, 10:48 a.m. CST
Thanks Zombot
by D.Vader
Yeah I think I'm over it all now. I used to get angry about it all because I'd been reading this site for so long, and it was so influential for me, and to see myself basically mature past Harry, who was somewhat of a hero for me in high school (I learned SO much about movies from this website) was a huge letdown. To see Harry like everything (even the Nightmare on Elm St remake), to not show a desire to improve his writing abilities, to basically just coast, well it was extremely disappointing. But now I guess I've come to accept it. This review is just par for the course.
June 17, 2011, 10:51 a.m. CST
The other 3D movie Harry describes as "wow" is "Transformers 3"!
by The Reluctant Austinite
Get ready for a great "Transformers 3" review. How do I know? I follow Jay's Twitter account (like all of you should! Jay is awesome!). Talk amongst yourselves.
June 17, 2011, 10:51 a.m. CST
I kinda loved it
by D.Vader
Another problem with his reviews. Drop this "kinda" shit, it makes Harry look even more wishy-washy about movies, like he's afraid to say "its not a good movie, but I still liked it." Just SAY it- its bad but I enjoyed it. Be brave. Have some courage to do that. Using "kinda" when describing how he reacted to the movie does more of a disservice to it than he realizes.
June 17, 2011, 10:53 a.m. CST
A Flash movie on youtube
by Kwame Williams
There's a flash movie I just saw on youtube called The Flash Heroes Are Born that was pretty good. You guys should really check it out. It's great for comic book fans. Fans of he dcu especially.
June 17, 2011, 10:54 a.m. CST
D.Vader, that last post is spot fucking on.
by BlaGyver
Despite me agreeing with his opinion on this film... Man...what the fuck happened? And honestly, posting the TB about how he was OPENLY BRIBED BY WB was just a terrible decision.
June 17, 2011, 10:57 a.m. CST
Dollars to donuts Harry's positive review will be quoted by WB
by Meta
That being said, I will see this movie in a few hours and judge for myself. Expectations are already low.
June 17, 2011, 10:58 a.m. CST
harry- the green lantern footies are in the mail. ;)
by vulturess
June 17, 2011, 11:03 a.m. CST
The least literate man with the worst taste on AICN
by Laserhead
Really, reading a Harry review is like watching someone disintegrate.
June 17, 2011, 11:03 a.m. CST
by fathergreedosarducci
...SO CLEARLY HE'S BEING PAID OFF BY THE STUDIOS EXCEPT FOR WHEN WE BOTH LIKE THE SAME MOVIE AND THEN...AND THEN... Jesus marimba, people. Lighten up. Harry likes "Green Lantern." Cool. I haven't seen it yet. It's not at the top of my list to go see, not because I dislike the character, but because the trailers just make it look like Van Wilder vs. the poo-monster. It may be better than that. It may be just as good as Harry says it is. I may never find out: right now all the superhero movies are just a lot of blah blah blah (for me) till "Dark Knight Rises, Falls, Does a Triple Lutz, Pop N' Lockin' Old School" comes out. But I admire Harry getting up and telling these personal stories about how he connects to the films he watches, to their previous incarnations in pop culture and other film iterations. Film has to be experienced personally-- has to be worth experiencing personally-- to make the drudge-work of writing and reviewing worthwhile. With prices being what they are and the innumerable little shits running around texting, talking, and being generally annoying throughout the run-time of just about any film you go to these days, you need a reason to go see anything. And for a lot of us, it's that personal spark you have with the source material or the story being told. When Harry talks about those things, I love it. I will never, ever understand his take on "Inception," but I'll always read what he has to say because it's personal journalism at its, well, most personal.
June 17, 2011, 11:04 a.m. CST
It had its moments...
by eickhry
Saw a sneak peak on Wednesday. I am a GL fan and expected a lot. I agree that the movie's pace was slow in spots and some of the plot was questionable (why did they have to even have Hector in this at all?). BUT with all that being said, there were MOMENTS that were pretty darn cool! It is worth seeing for those moments even if the movie didn't live up to my expectations.
June 17, 2011, 11:07 a.m. CST
Mark Strong as Stannis Baratheon, make it so HBO
by skycrapper
Get him in something worthy of his talents.
June 17, 2011, 11:14 a.m. CST
Perfect example
by PopCultureJunkie
I love "Bloodsport", "Highlander" and "Dune" but I know they are not considered great films. I like the premise of all these films and that has carried my imagination to further appreciate. Harry should just say "Green Lantern" is terrible but since I'm a huge fan I enjoyed it. Think more 'guilty pleasure'.
June 17, 2011, 11:15 a.m. CST
GL mythology isn't for everyone, with all the different aliens and such.
by bat725
For me, that's what's exciting about seeing this movie. I personally hope they bring some of the sci-fi stuff back to Superman, too.
June 17, 2011, 11:20 a.m. CST
I enjoyed...
by ketchuplover
Elektra. Just sayin'
June 17, 2011, 11:20 a.m. CST
But will there be a Sequel
by Wcwlkr
I mean I know a first movie in a Super Hero adventure doesn't have to reach Spiderman 2 or Dark Knight level. But can it at least be an Iron Man. Which is a fun introduction & not a crapfest. There was nothing from the trailers that appealed to me about this movie. And after reading this review. The only thing it seems to say is hang in there it gets better in the next movie. But what if there isn't a next movie? Then you're stuck with that Golden Compass effect. I feel like this is DC's problem along with Superman Returns. They think fans will just line up in droves accept whatever crap is on screen. And forgive the SH*T presented because it'll get better in the next one. That's just retarded thinking to me, especially if there never is a next one. I mean how'd that follow up to Superman Returns work out. Make mine Marvel.
June 17, 2011, 11:27 a.m. CST
OK. I'll get sucked into the 3D vortex and check this out tomorrow. But, I am not seeing Transformers 3, and I AM NOT DRINKING MERLOT!
by AzulTool
June 17, 2011, 11:27 a.m. CST
photographic make up
by Immortal_Fish
Anyone know what this stuff is? After 13 years, I should be able to speak fluent Knowles, but I need help with this one. Thanks.
June 17, 2011, 11:34 a.m. CST
Harry, Green Lantern on blu-ray = Blue Lantern!
by Stereotypical Evil Archer
Between the lines, Harry thought the movie was mediocre, probably go on the shelf next to Daredevil and Electra.
June 17, 2011, 11:35 a.m. CST
Asi, I got to admit
by Continentalop
Your SALO post was one of the funniest things I have ever read. Unfortunately it also opened a Pandora's Box of Ginger talking about his sex life, and now I got that awful image burned into my brain. 9:35AM...need...a drink...already...
June 17, 2011, 11:39 a.m. CST
Saw it last night & Harry's right it is like Star Wars...if you're thinking Phantom Menace!....The Fail cat fed well on this gaudy CGI mess topped with a big derp cherry of Reynolds uber fail....
by Arkhaminmate001
June 17, 2011, 11:39 a.m. CST
by stevepants
So many of the reviews I've read seem to have problems with the GL Mythology in general...from bashing Parallax to snarky attacks on Sinestro's name. Is it just me?? I sense a much more cynical pov in these reviews. This is silver age stuff people...Bagging on Sinestro's Name and saying...should we really be surprised he turns is like saying should we really be surprised that Captain America is an American Soldier or that Superman has Super Powers??? OFF COURSE IT'S OBVIOUS!!! :) Not that you can't dislike this movie...but it really does feel like people are piling on...
June 17, 2011, 11:41 a.m. CST
I'd always thought that David Niven was born to play the character
by Continentalop
Well he should be a great choice because that is who Gil Kane based Sinestro's appearance on. Hal Jordan, for the record, was based on Paul Newman.
June 17, 2011, 11:42 a.m. CST
Thanks for being honest
by Bernie Margolis
Rottentomatoes has the critics giving this film a 22% rating while the general public gives it a 72% rating. I think you hit the nail on the head with your comments about how easy it is to take a dump on the same spot that everyone else does.
June 17, 2011, 11:44 a.m. CST
We were all waiting for confirmation...
by matthooper8
...now we know it sucks. Seriously, I was still on the fence but now I will not see it. This review should clinch the fact that it is worse beyond what we feared.
June 17, 2011, 11:47 a.m. CST
critics loved xmen:fc
by animas
and they were flat out wrong, it was total dogshit. so harry is right about "circling the wagons." however, there is no way i'm going to spend any more money on comic book or superhero movies again. been burned way too many times....
June 17, 2011, 11:50 a.m. CST
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
And whatever you do, DON'T DRINK AND DIAL!
June 17, 2011, 11:54 a.m. CST
BSB, guess you'll need a super sized popcorn bucket for Hals tightey whitey scene
by leo54304
Empty or still filled with popcorn your choice.
June 17, 2011, 11:54 a.m. CST
Animas, go watch the season finale of South Park
by Mattman
It's based on your life.
June 17, 2011, 11:55 a.m. CST
The video game Aliens Colonial Marines will be WAY BETTER than Pee Green Lantern.
by Darth_Kong
June 17, 2011, 11:57 a.m. CST
Problem with GL history is its tooo big and convoluted
by leo54304
CA, bats, supes all are pretty straight forward but GL is a different beast. Too much history, characters, concepts and villains that don't translate well to the screen (In addition to making the creations of the ring believable and not laughable). Not to mention the HORRIBLE mask and uniforms.
June 17, 2011, 11:58 a.m. CST
Harry, my guess is the one film that works in 3D- is Transformers 3?
by Kamaji
I've heard alot of rumblings that this was on par with Avatar-style 3D quality. Heck, I saw the 15-minute 3D reel at Botcon 2011, and I will admit it worked pretty well. Though at this point, it's going to take alot for me to consider paying extra for 3D. Stuff like Toy Story 3 and Cars 2- fine with regular screenings.
June 17, 2011, 12:02 p.m. CST
Harry has the willpower to say he liked the heck out of WIELDING THE BAN HAMMER!
by Darth_Kong
June 17, 2011, 12:12 p.m. CST
by krabklaw
June 17, 2011, 12:12 p.m. CST
by robo6.net
so basically, to like this movie we needed to go through serious medical issues with our spine.... go through rehab... and understand the power of the human spirit and the undergo a test of our will?
June 17, 2011, 12:18 p.m. CST
Summary of Harry's review
by pikazerox
WB gave me this sweet ass ring, isn't it amazing?
June 17, 2011, 12:23 p.m. CST
RE: End Credit Scene (Spoiler)
by Jon
The Scene makes no sense within the context of the film you just saw. The reason why sinestro wanted to use the yellow ring in the first place was because he believed it was the only way to defeat fear/parallax, because it seemed to him that will power wasnt strong enough to do it, but hal clearly proved that will power is stronger than fear. meaning, there is no reason what so ever for sinestro to try and wield the yellow ring. its power was just proven inferior. And even in the scene we last see him everything is fine and dandy for the lanterns on Oa. It was just shoehorned in, instead of being saved for a really cool moment in a sequel.
June 17, 2011, 12:33 p.m. CST
Wait, you mean they actually
by django_il_bastardo
make a GL ring big enough to fit Harry's bloated fingers?
June 17, 2011, 12:34 p.m. CST
Though I guess if FF got a sequel
by Wcwlkr
Then it's not outside the realm of possibility for this to get a sequel. Because FF was up there as one of the worse pieces of trash to ever grace the celluloid. But this movie costs 200M so unless it makes at least over 300M in it's theatrical run I can't see a sequel being made.
June 17, 2011, 12:36 p.m. CST
"The film I saw earlier today was also in 3D...But just realize there's a movie coming, whose 3D is fucking wow. I'll tell ya soon."
by Zardoz
Was this Harry Potter, Harry? Or, Gasp! Captain America? Well? Tell us, Harry!
June 17, 2011, 12:39 p.m. CST
X-Men and X-Men 2 (and X3: The worst comic book movie ever!) blu rays on sale at Best Buy for $7.99!
by Zardoz
Also, you get a coupon for $12 for a ticket to X-Men: First Class!
June 17, 2011, 12:39 p.m. CST
So did you review the movie?
by Tom Fremgen
Or the concept of a Green Lantern movie? I have yet to see it, but while I love the concept of a Green Lantern movie, that doesn't mean I'll love the actual movie (but I hope I do). Harry you were right about the Green Hornet, it was just a fun movie- I liked the trailer, and the movie totally followed suit. With Green Lantern, I haven't liked any of the trailers- so now I'm afraid the movie will totally follow suit. So sorry I question your review, but I'm not sure how you can give a movie the thumbs up, and say you don't want the director to make another. Because, I totally want Michel Gondry to make another Green Hornet, because despite all the haters, it was still a good movie. Can you really say the same about GL?
June 17, 2011, 12:40 p.m. CST
I thought Harry might have an ounce of intelligence and just not review the movie.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
Harry, you're a complete and utter bribe monger. Congrats, whatever reputation you had left is now destroyed.
June 17, 2011, 12:41 p.m. CST
"Glad you liked it and had the guts to tell everyone why." Old boy, you do realize he was sent a RING by the studio?
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
June 17, 2011, 12:44 p.m. CST
To everyone busting on Harry for liking this and...
by Bubba Gillman
...not liking Inception, that in no way invalidates his opinion. I understand to a degree how Harry feels about Inception. From every techinical standpoint, it's an excellently made film. But it just didn't do it for him. I felt the same way. I can appreciate it without loving it. Whereas while GL doesn't seem to be a great movie (haven't seen it yet), he had more fun with it. Perfectly reasonable.
June 17, 2011, 12:45 p.m. CST
Harry's 1st Review of Jar Jar...
by danny
Meesa Loved Him!!!!!!!!!!
June 17, 2011, 12:46 p.m. CST
GL diss = future pwezzie endangerment
by justmyluck
Isn't a gift of jewelry payola?
June 17, 2011, 12:47 p.m. CST
From day one I thought this was going to suck.
by Yelsaeb
The trailers were just so......horrible. Sometimes you can tell if a movie's bad by the trailers, and this is one of them. I also knew Harry was going to like it. He's like Spielberg. He likes most movies based solely on the entertainment value. Why else do you think he still produces Transformers movies? They're fun! Crap, but fun. I'm seeing Green Lantern later today, so I'll post my full opinion later, but untill then all I can say is that I'm crapping in that same spot and I call it a toilet.
June 17, 2011, 12:52 p.m. CST
Nope, payola is the music biz
by justmyluck
The jewelry thing must be classified as something else. :-)
June 17, 2011, 12:55 p.m. CST
i just realized everything harry likes has some tie to his childhood.
by zom-bot.com
i can almost say the same thing myself at times. nostalgia is dangerous territory. what was the last totally original film that harry has liked- or at least liked some part of that he felt referenced something else or reminded him of his youth? of COURSE he was going to like GL. whereas, INCEPTION was new and original and he could make no connection with it whatsoever. it required thought and not the comforting embrace of candied memories from the past. or maybe nolan should have sent harry a toy totem?
June 17, 2011, 12:55 p.m. CST
Like Harry, I've waited all my life for a Green Lantern movie.
by cookylamoo
So it's hard to just write it off because it has some boring parts.
June 17, 2011, 1:04 p.m. CST
Harry's recent writing output is a lot like Parallax.
by D Ropaela
An evil, amorphous cloud of destruction, despair, terror and confusion.
June 17, 2011, 1:05 p.m. CST
Go here and see if you were correct in predicting Harry's review! I sure was!
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
June 17, 2011, 1:08 p.m. CST
Doesn't it seem like Harry likes everything nowdays?
by braddavery
It's rare that he dislikes something, and when he does, it's normally a head-scratcher (Inception?).
June 17, 2011, 1:10 p.m. CST
Fatso Harry likes a shitty comic book film? What a surprise.
by Nabster
And no one cares about your personal life, so stop telling us how some idiotic trinket you wear on your finger like a child, somehow means GL was a good film. And the reason you never wear the promotional t shirts is because they would burst to shreds, revealing your grotesque fat body.
June 17, 2011, 1:10 p.m. CST
Most vocal internet film fans don't like movies at all
by Arteska
I've never once walked into a movie theatre EXPECTING to be let down, or ticking off reasons to be for a to be written screen before it was over. I don't even think it's a critic's job to be that way. Seriously people mistake Harry's optimism for payola but I bet at least people over 40 remember when going to a movie wasn't a formality that affirmed or refuted months of (default to mean spirited) gossip mongering. Harry represents a mentality that is slipping away among moviegoers. That doesn't mean people can't be critical or wish for better than they saw but that's not the same thing as what passes for internet fandom imo. It really is wretched. I know this movie is a massive cynical commercial enterprise but there is virtually no willingness to meet intentions on even ground anymore. I highly doubt the people working their asses off to make a Green Lantern movie wanted fans and critics to react what seems will be the prevailing way, but the reception implicitly accuses them of lazily allowing it to happen. If the geek internet could be transported back in time I doubt there would be anything that wouldn't retroactively have its appeal completely eradicated. I don't even care that much about GL as a character (loved comics for years but didn't read DC outside of Bats/Supes) but reactions calling it "shit" or tossing venom at the people involved for whatever reasons (routine for ALL movies now) belies a sense of entitlement that is literally impossible to appease. In the meantime everyone will work 24/7 to ensure no significant detail of the next Batman movie will survive to release date for anyone but complete media/culture troglodytes. It's like standing over a cook's shoulder the whole time and then barfing up the gourmet meal he made just for you, in his face, for your own entertainment. The discussion and dissection of this stuff online has completely overtaken the ability to even watch it as intended. This is a terrible time to be a movie fan. I may dislike this movie when I see it but I also know that disliking it is not going to make me a more discerning movie fan. I guess not enough people have seen enough movies. That's the only explanation I can think of for being so damn mad all the time.
June 17, 2011, 1:11 p.m. CST
screen = screed
by Arteska
June 17, 2011, 1:12 p.m. CST
You know what?
by mukhtabi
I may just see this film anyway. If I do it'll be a morning matinee so I only pay 6 bucks instead of the full 13 - ouch!
June 17, 2011, 1:16 p.m. CST
Green Lantern tracking well, should clear over $60M for the weekend.
by D Ropaela
$3.35 million midnight debut edges Thor's $3.2 million. http://www.deadline.com/2011/06/green-lantern-makes-3-35m-midnights/
June 17, 2011, 1:18 p.m. CST
Harry Dropped 100 Pounds This Year...
by TheFetus
into the toilet. -Thefetusnowdotcom
June 17, 2011, 1:21 p.m. CST
Probably won't have any legs, though. Cars 2 is coming (ugh).
by D Ropaela
Then Transformers ... Green Lantern is going to need a healthy life on Blu Ray to make back its huge marketing budget.
June 17, 2011, 1:25 p.m. CST
I can't wait till this comes out on HD-DVD!!!!
by Samuel Fulmer
June 17, 2011, 1:27 p.m. CST
I think I'm done with Box Office Mojo
by Mattman
Lately, the dude injects his opinion into every post. I go there for numbers, not another review.
June 17, 2011, 1:31 p.m. CST
Harry does seem to like most movies nowadays
by Titus05
guess his health issues and getting older have made him soft...now he loves every crap movie released and doesn't like popular movies that most others do
June 17, 2011, 1:35 p.m. CST
Maybe he's got Roger Ebert syndrome
by Samuel Fulmer
Same thing with him. It's a rare that he doesn't give at least 3 stars to a film now.
Harry likes, or loves almost any film he sees. Scot Pilgrim was his "film of the year." Seriously? Also it isnt a huge secret he has taken money in the past to write or say favorable things about movies. Everyone else writing on this site can be depended on for having what can pass as journalistic integrity, Harry is just a fanboy in his own never-never land.
June 17, 2011, 1:40 p.m. CST
HARRY: A request...
by ccchhhrrriiisssm
Is it possible to have a link to your name and all of your reviews? It would be great to see them all, as well as the reviews of other members of the AICN Squad. I was iffy about seeing this film. I really hate seeing superhero films that miss the point of the comic books. I was worried that this might be the first major disappointment of the year. I saw SUPER 8 last week and adored it. I saw FIRST CLASS and loved it. I saw TREE OF LIFE and agreed with Harry's take -- which was the first "good" review that I read for the film.
June 17, 2011, 1:53 p.m. CST
One time in Spain, I had sex with this gal at the film festival and she started...
by ScriptCunt
Vomiting? Losing air out of her plastic blow-up valve? Begging to be untied and returned to her family? ...
June 17, 2011, 1:53 p.m. CST
Does the movie have comic book super heros in it?
by Dr_PepperSpray
Then Harry is likely to enjoy it and give it a passing grade.
June 17, 2011, 2:02 p.m. CST
by the Green Gargantua
June 17, 2011, 2:06 p.m. CST
Superhero movies are either great or they are shit.
by Robert79797979
There is no in-between.
June 17, 2011, 2:08 p.m. CST
Harry removed the sex reference from the review
by Titus05
did the girl call you up demanding you retract that statement?
June 17, 2011, 2:20 p.m. CST
So it sounds like this will at least be as much fun for
by sweeneydave
me and my 10 year old as G.I. Joe or Van Helsing. And that's a good thing. Sucks that it's not the Star Wars epic I was hoping for. But if it's lots of fun for my son and my inner 10 year old, then I'm sold.
June 17, 2011, 2:20 p.m. CST
I Often Agree With Harry About Tent-Poles
by kevinwillis.net
Even if I disagree with his reasoning. He hated AI, I hated AI--though for entirely different reasons. So, I suspect I'll be with him on GL. However, there's a dozen movies I'd like to see that I haven't seen yet, so I'll get to GL after I see First Class, Super 8, Thor, Kung Fu Panda 2 and Bridesmaids. Assuming that I can see all those before Harry Potter and Cars 2 and Horrible Bosses and Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Captain America open . . . Hell, who am I kidding? I'm not seeing this until it's on DVD.
June 17, 2011, 2:20 p.m. CST
Harry does seem to like most movies nowadays
by Mattman
I can't say anything, I enjoyed Pirates 4. Maybe my standards go down in summer. Though I DO believe First Class was the best movie I've seen this year, followed closely by Super 8.
June 17, 2011, 2:23 p.m. CST
by Robert79797979
If you don't like it, stop coming to this website. Also, YOU are not everyone, so stop trying to speak for them.
June 17, 2011, 2:25 p.m. CST
Fatman Harry is incapable of dislking most shitty films
by Nabster
It's a well known fact, Harry Fats takes a duffle bag full of deep fried pizzas, deep fried chickens dipped in honey, and candy bars to the movies with him. He proceeds to make this disgusting mishmash of junk into sandwiches. You see Harry is just chowing down on junk food, which is his TRUE love. The movies are just a sideshow to him, and this is why he will always like any shitty film.
June 17, 2011, 2:25 p.m. CST
Just thinkin'...
by Ted Knight
So this Green Lantern patrol ships captain is forced to ditch his craft on the nearest reachable planet, which turns out to be Earth. It's always Earth. The only habitable planet within miles. What a coincidence! And not only that, it's always the United States! Couldn't the Israelites in 586 BC get the alien superhero just once? Or maybe the Aztecs in 1519? On an unrelated note; WTF is going on in that Palin talkback? That thing definitely seems like it's getting out of control. I would observe it myself but everytime I attempt to enter my computer crashes(cheap-ass Gateway). Anyway, it's probably for the better.
June 17, 2011, 2:26 p.m. CST
@batman713 Inception was.....
by CoCKMaSTERSmELLYMeL
Piss poor....... And very fucking boring.
June 17, 2011, 2:28 p.m. CST
Harry, I'm sorry, but I think you really lost the plot!
by MovieGeekBlog
How could you possibly like this film?!
June 17, 2011, 2:28 p.m. CST
Nabster, facts are only proven facts when there are facts to prove them.
by Robert79797979
When have you provided the proof? Never.
June 17, 2011, 2:36 p.m. CST
Still gonna watch this
by ParagonComplex
My ass isn't paying more than $5 for it, and it won't be in 3D, but I wouldn't miss this for the world. It's a GREEN LANTERN MOVIE. Come on, now.
June 17, 2011, 2:42 p.m. CST
I don't see what all the fuss is about
by lv_426
Green Lantern was fun, about on par with Thor, but not as good as X-Men: First Class. GL doesn't belong in the pantheon of great superhero films (Spiderman 2, Iron Man 1+2, BB, TDK), but it was a good superhero flick. I really dug the retro-ish space opera elements and the fact that willpower grants the various Lantern Corps. a smorgasbord of superpowers, all dependent on what they can imagine or believe in. This was a nice contrast to X-Men, where each character has one specific power/ability. I do agree that I would want more cosmic space opera stuff in a GL sequel though. My worry is that the studio will be afraid to go all out with that kind of stuff, and will feel they have to keep the focus on Earth again to appeal to the non-comic book reading crowd. The post credits scene was nice, but also maybe best revealed in a sequel. Although, it did get me excited about a sequel even more, so maybe that is the only reason they put that extra scene in there. I wonder if part of the reason the critical reaction is so negative towards GL is that too many superhero films are coming out this summer, all too close to each other by being jammed into May and June. If these were the only big movies coming out this summer then I could see them all coexisting if release dates were spread out a bit. The problem is they have other big films to go up against like Transformers 3, Cars 2, Cowboys and Aliens, and Harry Potter 7 part II. Thor and X-Men FC were overall greeted with warm critical reception, and by the time GL is out now, the critics might have raised expectations in regards to superhero films, or are just burnt out at this point and are taking it out on the next superhero film that happens to come along, which is GL. I think this could be both a good and a bad thing for Captain America. Good in that we'll be getting some other films in between the first onslaught of summer superhero films, but bad in that the afterthought of too much superhero is still left over in the minds of critics and audiences. I'm not saying the critics and audiences are wrong just because I liked Green Lantern. They are entitled to their opinions. Maybe it is just timing? Star Wars could have been a massive flop if it had come out a year earlier or later than it did. Same with any film that hits it big. Could the situation be reversed where Thor would be getting the shit kicked out of it had been released now, and Green Lantern were given better reviews had it released back at the beginning of May? I do have to ask if anyone saw the Parallax - Xenu connection? Xenu as in Scientology's evil alien god responsible for creating their evil body-possessing thetans. The origins of both Xenu and Parallax (in the film) and the whole idea of fear as a weapon or power kinda reminds me of some of Scientology's bullshit space opera derived mythology. Being a pulp sci-fi writer himself, maybe L. Ron Hubbard read and ripped off some Green Lantern comics back in the day?
June 17, 2011, 2:48 p.m. CST
Imagine if all the energy ..
by Madcapper
..used to complain about Harry's review could be accumulated and condensed into a battery cell. I wonder how long it could power a Fonzie G-spot and clitoris vibrator? Estimates?
June 17, 2011, 2:52 p.m. CST
by lv_426
Imagine if all the energy used to complain about Harry's review could be accumulated and condensed into a battery cell. I wonder how long it could power a Fonzie G-spot and clitoris vibrator? Estimates?
June 17, 2011, 2:54 p.m. CST
madcapper (let's try this again)
by lv_426
Imagine if all the energy used to complain about Harry's review could be accumulated and condensed into a battery cell. I wonder how long it could power a Fonzie G-spot and clitoris vibrator? Estimates?
June 17, 2011, 2:55 p.m. CST
by lv_426
The Talkback Form is fooked. It is fooked beyond repair I say.
June 17, 2011, 2:55 p.m. CST
madcapper (the answer to your question)
by lv_426
Probably until the sun dies approx. 5 billion years from now.
June 17, 2011, 2:57 p.m. CST
Never underestimate the power of a Marvel fanboy!
by bat725
People have been dissing this movie since the trailers. Not only that, but they diss the character and the mythology! GL comics outsell Thor's on a regular basis, and you're not gonna tell me GL isn't 10x cooler than fucking Thor. Thor is easily one of Marvel's lamest characters, and that movie really blowed. Everything on Earth was pure garbage and the Warriors Three were laughable, at best. Even Roger Ebert said this movie was better than Thor. Come on, now.
June 17, 2011, 2:58 p.m. CST
I enjoyed the movie
by HebrewLantern
i'm sure i'm very biased, but I enjoyed the heck out of GL. Really, my biggest hate on it was Parallax. (if any aicn viewers were at the lake creek alamo midnight screening, I was one of the ppl dressed up as a GL with a home made battery and won the crew shirt)
June 17, 2011, 2:59 p.m. CST
Been a Green Lantern fan since the Silver Age
by Snookeroo
Yep, I'm THAT old. GL is one of those characters I always thought would make a good movie, and wondered why it wasn't picked up for a cinematic treatment before now (especially when Star Wars first came out and took the world by storm - Green Lantern seemed like the perfect Space Opera super hero). So - bad reviews or not, I'm going to go see Green Lantern on the big screen tonight. And, you can probably bet that I'll buy the blu-ray when it comes out (yes, in 3D, no less). Because I'm jazzed that the comic book characters I've been reading for decades are now becoming big-budget movie properties. How cool is it that RIGHT NOW you can go to any major cinema, and there are THREE comic book properties available - Thor, X-Men and Green Lantern?? Who'da thunk? Are there nit-picks? Sure - I wish Thor wore his helmet, I wish Captain America had wings on his mask, and I wish Spider-Man isn't going to be wearing little silver slippers. But I also know that Hollywood just can't resist the urge to fuck things up just a little. That being said, we live in an age where OUR COMIC BOOKS ARE MOVIES, that you can see in the theater, own at home and watch as many times as you want, go to Wal-Mart where there are hundreds of licensed products for the character of your choice, at fairly affordable prices (ok, I'm a little old for action figures now, but you get the drift - in my day there was only Captain Action). So as a lifelong geek, these are good times. I'm sure Green Lantern is not perfect, but a lot of people put a lot of work into it, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a good time watching it. Is it going to be exactly what I imagined when I was breezing through Gil Kane's panels decades ago? Probably not - but I bet it's worth my $8 and a couple of hours relaxation anyway. I'm good with that.
June 17, 2011, 3:05 p.m. CST
Harry not only throws objectivity out the window, he
by openthepodbaydoorshal
watches with glee as it hits the ground with a resounding SPLAT.
June 17, 2011, 3:18 p.m. CST
by Madcapper
I think that is a sensible estimate. What just happened to the TB form was funky. Is that how we know they changed something? When the code gets all wierd?
June 17, 2011, 3:22 p.m. CST
Give Harry a collectable = Good Review
by Nick
June 17, 2011, 3:23 p.m. CST
Has anyone seen...
by Johnny T Williams
this alleged Dark Knight Riser trailer that apparently plays in front of Green Lantern? It has to be a fake...? http://tinyurl.com/6a9hzgz
June 17, 2011, 3:30 p.m. CST
Here's another positive review...
by CoolNewsPFD
June 17, 2011, 3:30 p.m. CST
by Madcapper
Fake. I think it's too early for us to be seeing teasers in the cinema, and it was something about the whole "The Storm is Coming" thing that just doesn't fit...
June 17, 2011, 3:32 p.m. CST
The Suit looked crappy in the previews but it looks great in the film
by Carl
Especially when the green energy is flowing. Plus, I saw a lot of kids' jaws drops when they first see how GL's powers works (the chopper scene).
June 17, 2011, 4:03 p.m. CST
Just got back from seeing it
by Beastlaz
On a double bill with Xmen first class, while Xmen was by far the better of the 2 movies, and had the funnier line's (best use of 'Fuck off' in a Movie, ever !) Green Lantern was fine, and in no way does it deserve the critical mauling it's getting. It's for sure aimed at a younger audience, and if you can take your kids, or rent a nephew, and try and see it through their eyes, you'll at least like it if not love it. That's the trouble with us jaded old fucks , we see too many movies, that's why most critics end up waxing rhapsodically over 12 hour black and white movies from Lichtenstein about the pointlessness of existance, whilst pouring scorn on 'blockbuster for the masses' they're like junkies needing ever more powerfull fix's of rarified junk. Is Green Lantern, the superhero 'War and Peace' , nope. But it aint dross like Catwoman or Elektra either. It's just a fun, enjoyable 'Capes 'n' tights' pic, enjoy
June 17, 2011, 4:07 p.m. CST
Harry clearly anticipates a sequel.
by Nerd Rage
That aint gonna happen. This shit has bomb written all over it.
June 17, 2011, 4:11 p.m. CST
Screw the critics, GL was pretty good.
by Thanos0145
As a big DC fan (with Batman being my favorite character), I didn't like the casting of Reynolds or Lively when it was announced. They both did pretty good in this film to my suprise. Unlike X-Men "First Class" (which I won't pay to see), Green Lantern is true to the source material. The problems I had with the film was the pacing and not fleshing out of the various characters in this movie. (The end credits scene will be a WTF moment for those who don't read Green Lantern.) I still think the cgi suit looks like shit and they should make a practical one for the sequel if this movie makes money. Please get ILM to do the effects!!!! Amanda "The Wall" Waller shouldn't have been in this movie. They should've left her for a Suicide Squad movie. Non comic book fans will like this movie but don't pay to see it in 3D.
June 17, 2011, 4:21 p.m. CST
DKR teaser rolls with it..
by Axl Z
The storm is coming.. ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/60298825.html
June 17, 2011, 4:24 p.m. CST
Never forget Harry loved Godzilla and Attack of the Clones
by Rupee88
That will always show where he is coming from.
June 17, 2011, 4:33 p.m. CST
Movie was actually pretty good
by Tybo
The movie is pretty good, despite reviews - it's a nice intro for the Green Lantern Corps on the big screen - There were a lot of laughs and it was pretty fun Go check it out!
June 17, 2011, 4:48 p.m. CST
axl z
by AssyMuffJizz
It's a fake. Go to slash film and see why.
June 17, 2011, 4:54 p.m. CST
$3.4 Million midnight gross. Pretty weenie.
by AzulTool
June 17, 2011, 5:02 p.m. CST
by ChickenStu
I just saw it and it's a fucking turd. It seriously should be called "The Green Turkey". FUCK THIS MOVIE.
June 17, 2011, 5:06 p.m. CST
Nice review, Harry.
by Batguy
I disagree about Emerald Knights being better, but I agree with much of what you said.
June 17, 2011, 5:07 p.m. CST
People do crazy stuff for a ring
by Jay_Lenos_Ugly_Wife
Just ask Lebron.
June 17, 2011, 5:11 p.m. CST
Green Lantern was as much fun as Ironman!!
by antonphd
I kept waiting for it to suck and it never did. In fact it never stopped being fun. I'm going to see it again this weekend. Kids are going to go crazy for this movie. It's going to make a mint, especially in foreign markets. The reviewers are full of shit about this movie.
June 17, 2011, 5:12 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
That's more than THOR made in its midnight screenings.
June 17, 2011, 5:17 p.m. CST
And never forget he hated Toy Story 3 and Inception, either...
by Turd_Has_Risen_From_The_Gravy
But Green Lantern reminds him of his physical therapy, so it gets a pass.
June 17, 2011, 5:19 p.m. CST
Abundant good reviews or bad..
by Alincia
If it's a movie I want to see, I'm going to see it regardless of whether it gets critical praise or not. But it was nice to see the perspective of someone who enjoyed it. I'm going to go see Green Lantern on Sunday.
June 17, 2011, 5:19 p.m. CST
Hangover Part 2 made more money than Thor, X-men, and Shit Lantern put together in it's midnight sneak.
by AzulTool
June 17, 2011, 5:30 p.m. CST
fatman Harry is the ultimate plant, nobody trusts him anymore
by Nabster
All you need to do is send this dying tub of lard a shitty plastic trinket and he will talk about his inane childhood and give you a good review. Fatman Harry has become a joke. All the tbers at other geek websites talk about him with disdain.
June 17, 2011, 5:30 p.m. CST
I've been on the fence but I may check this out
by SoylentMean
No matter what your opinion is of Harry it's pretty damn obvious that he at least tries to go into movies seeking fun, not the meaning of life. I can't ever imagine the guy sitting down in a theater with a pre-chiseled scowl on his face, waiting to extol the virtues of film snobbery via the written word.<P> So, if he says it's a fun yet flawed movie I may throw down the money for a matinee. It's summer. Stupid is on the menu.
June 17, 2011, 5:32 p.m. CST
Devin Faraci said Harry Fats is the single biggest reason web critics are looked down upon
by Nabster
He might be right.
June 17, 2011, 5:32 p.m. CST
by Finch
The film is bad...but damnit if I won't keep trying to convince myself that it is good. Sorry, couldn't help it. I wanted to love it but I guess I lack the willpower. That being said, I'm not a comic fan, just a movie fan.
June 17, 2011, 5:33 p.m. CST
GOOD but not great
by batmancw
I just got back from seeing GL & I'd give it a "good but not great". I thought what it got right was very right, BUT--IF I wasn't a reader of the comics, i'd have had NO emotional connection to the characters whatsoever, and for ME, that is often what separates the great from the good. To give them credit, they DO jump right into the story, BUT, IMO, it's at the expense of getting the audience to care about the characters. LOTR is probably an unfair comparison, but think of Batman Begins--I/WE? were TOTALLY invested in Bruce Wayne and his mission before he EVER put the batsuit on & THAT makes all the difference. Will I see GL again? YES. I just hope that the sequel--presuming there will be one, spends LESS time on Earth & more with the Lanterns & Guardians.
June 17, 2011, 5:41 p.m. CST
'That shit will be epic."
by Phategod2
So no your grading movie on there potential sequel? This the most wankinsh review of all time Harry is a sellout.
June 17, 2011, 5:45 p.m. CST
I went and saw it tonight.......
by david starling
Discussed it with a mate today, and decided fuck it, for every critic to turn tail on the movie, could it really be that bad? Just managed to catch the 8:30 showing (and it was packed - first time the cinema has been busy, since it opened 18 months ago. What gives?), and thus sat down to enjoy it: Harry's right on the pacing part - I haven't read the script, but I felt the first quarter was kind of rushed, and the third quarter really slowed-up, before the inevitable conclusion. That, and so much was going on, that at times some characters just seemed to arrive when it was convenient, and many moments were kind of stalled. That said, for every moment it went wrong, there were a couple where it hit the right spot!! The Oa parts were awesome (although, I thought as good as the training was, I loved the moment where Hal is stood with the rest of the Lanterns, and you have quick snapshots of the various races. Brilliant shot superbly done!!), and the build-up in the final quarter were well done. Oh, and for all the "clunky" dialogue that I've heard about, at least the whole shebang didn't fall to crass jokes and stupid goofy moments at inoppurtune moments!! I wouldn't say that its the best thing this Summer, or any Summer come to that, and its far from First Class. But its a more satisfying ride than Thor, Ryan Reynolds clearly put his heart and soul into the damned thing, and for a wet Friday night (literally!! England is awash in bloody downpours!!) it was a damned good ride. I might have to pick up that BR tomorrow, if its that good Harry!!
June 17, 2011, 5:46 p.m. CST
That may be, but Faraci is no small contributor
by Turd_Has_Risen_From_The_Gravy
to the detested image of web critics himself.
June 17, 2011, 5:54 p.m. CST
Harrys's review is basically the same weak sauce cop-out that he gave Thor...
by Turd_Has_Risen_From_The_Gravy
that this is not a movie that does full justice to the source material's potential, but that it sows the seeds for a sequel to do so. Sigh...that's completely lame. Review the movie for what it is. They should get it right and deliver the first time out. Worry about amping things up with a sequel after that fact, not before. A movie should stand on its own and, once upon a time, before all these de facto 'franchises', they did.
June 17, 2011, 6:04 p.m. CST
Superman iV Award
by cube3
Superman iV Award for Editing and Filmaking. Scenes with absolutely no cutting attributes strung together to force a narrative that could only engage a 10 year old comic reader of those "kid" comic imprints DC puts out. Storywriting at Fantastic Four 1 or 2 level. That or 1980s 90s. superhero TV. Edited like this review. Just because. Next. Voice heard. Google adwords cashed in.
June 17, 2011, 6:14 p.m. CST
I really have to stop reading this site...
by Dan Halen
Now, if you've been following my Twitter feed this year, you know that I've often referred to wearing my Green Lantern ring that I was sent as part of that crazy 100 RINGS promotion that Warner Brothers did. You should know, I rarely wear corporate art. I don't do t-shirts. Though I do possess an awesome pair of TRON shoes. But I only tend to wear comic characters on boxers and pjs.
June 17, 2011, 6:21 p.m. CST
D. Vader's post...
by Dan Halen
yes, it was spot on. I've been reading this site since I was 18 in 1996. The writing and lack of editing, while perhaps once charming, is beyond grating now. Harry hasn't advanced at all. He has some sort of arrested development going on. I'm not going to play pop shrink but man... Harry, if anything, is earnest and honest. Give him that. Although there is a legion of readers here who doubt and dispute that.
June 17, 2011, 6:23 p.m. CST
Hey I gotta say I liked the movie too!
by Weapon M
Hey the movie was pretty good, I think I connect a lot more with Harry's take on the Green Lantern than a lot of other guys out there in critic land. I think they have gotten a little too harsh on what was the final product. What I think is interesting is that Harry went to the movie after hearing all these bad reviews. So, he went with a different perspective than many other critics who based on the trailers and previews expected the best comic book movie of the summer bar none. He was skeptical and his expectations were lowered. He was not as disappointed as a lot of others out there. I thought there were some plot holes in the movie thats for sure. I still dont know how the hell Hal Jordan found that scientist in the lab. If it was the ring that told him, they should have shown it. There was not a lot of character development and Hal's story arc from an arrogant pompous guy to a courageous humble person is too quick. All in all though it is a fun movie to watch. It was not perfect but it was not a terrible movie. It definitely didn't make me think of Fantastic Four, or Batman and Robin or anything like that. It was a good fun movie to watch. It maintained the core and the essence of the comic book.
June 17, 2011, 6:26 p.m. CST
Capone bitch slaps Harry in his review. "Is it perfect? No" says Harry.
by JuanSanchez
June 17, 2011, 6:31 p.m. CST
Just came from seeing the movie...
by Sci-FiJunky
and to be honest, I was planning to hate it. I am one of those people who think Harry is a bit sack of shit, so I expected not to agree with him at all, But... I will also preface this by saying I am a huge Marvel fan. I never really got into DC comics as a kid. It was too far removed from reality. I liked Marvel because its characters were based in New York, Los Angeles, etc... not in made up cities. It was based in some kind of reality I could identify with—and the characters truthfully just seemed more real. So going into Green Lantern with only a small amount of knowledge about the character, I have to say it was a really good popcorn flick! I had no problems at all with it (except for the shitty 3D, but that is the only version of the film my PoS local movie theater had available or I would have gone with 2D). I was mightily entertained for 114 minutes. It was worth my $5.50 matinee price. I rank it as good as the extended trailer for the Avengers people like to call Thor, but it was definitely not as good as X-Men: First Class.
June 17, 2011, 6:47 p.m. CST
Harry has always been corporate
by chien_sale
June 17, 2011, 7:15 p.m. CST
hal jordan sux ass
by john
the only arc that did well in portraying him (before he went insane and tried to kill everybody in the dcu) was ga/gl and why...because that arc pointed out time and again, how much hal sucked ass...and why he needed someone like ga to explain the world to him if you are gonna do gl...make it a period piece test pilots in the 21st century arent cool...but they are in the late 50s...where every flight had them putting their lives on the line this couldve been the right stuff of comic book movies it couldve been the star wars of comic book movies, if they had forgotten about earth and used the corps fully instead...its the movie that will go down in history as making two people happy...harry and ebert fucking dc still doesnt get it
June 17, 2011, 7:18 p.m. CST
Transformation to 'Courageous humble person'.
by tailhook
Exactly why GL sucked. Humble is the last thing GL should be. He's just been given charge of a very large sector of space and been made 1 of 3600 intergalactic policemen along with being given a ring that endows ultimate power... what are you going to do now? CRY ABOUT IT. OVVVERCOME MAH FEEEEEAR. Really? Fuck that.. kick ass and take names. Its in doing that and really pissing off the other Lanterns (like he does on Earth) that he leads Sinestro to take the yellow out of fear about losing his position has leader of the Corps. But instead we get Emo Lantern.
June 17, 2011, 7:25 p.m. CST
I am one of those people who think Harry is a big sack of shit
by Roger Moon
sci-fijunky. Brilliant, except he can't spell big.
June 17, 2011, 7:32 p.m. CST
Wanna see Reynolds team up w/Bale's Batman!!
by darthwaz1
Justice League?? Also, I wonder if Blake Lively will become Star Sapphire? Can her amateur-ness handle that role?
June 17, 2011, 7:32 p.m. CST
He has some sort of arrested development going on.
by Roger Moon
June 17, 2011, 7:49 p.m. CST
Harry's not a sell out, just a pure geek. He loves Hal Jordon, not his portrail. I get it. I love Batman, so I'll enjoy the fan made films floating on Youtube. But this disqualifies him as being a movie critic. I can appreciate that. I just wish he was se
by Citizin_insane
June 17, 2011, 7:50 p.m. CST
My family agrees with Harry on this one
by Dark Knight Lite
I'll see this one again, and buy the Blu-ray. I cannot for the life of me understand all of the negative reviews.
June 17, 2011, 7:56 p.m. CST
This site beat off to the awful trailers...might as well praise the awful movie
by Mel
June 17, 2011, 7:56 p.m. CST
by Sin86a
Do you seriously take joy in shitting on things other people like??? I have to ask what the fuck your doing here then. Most of the movies this site covers are the ones your shitting on. Oh and your examples are fuck as well. Percy Jackson just got a sequel despite it not being any good. Did boxofficemojo not tell you before you started running off at the mouth? Seriously go find a cave to crawl into and kill yourself. Spare everyone else.
June 17, 2011, 8:04 p.m. CST
X MEN FIRST CLASS (AKA x men last movie)
by Shermdawg
Still spewing that bullshit, I see. Still overlooking that every gross in the series is affected by the quality of the previous installment. Still overlooking that it was a castwide reboot and will find it's audience through home video and television airings. Still overlooking that it's made 242 million on a 150 million budget.....so far. Still overlooking the fact that they still have Wolverine and the possibility of a sequel to X4 still in the pipeline. Still overlooking the fact that the franchise will be rebooted and properly reintroduced when it lands in the hands of Disney.
June 17, 2011, 8:07 p.m. CST
Just for the record.. there will be no sequel.
by tailhook
The best you can hope for is a reboot. They screwed up that bad. Their *only* hope is that foreign audiences come to it and like Thor it performs well at the foreign BO. They'll watch anything as long as it has pretty pictures.
June 17, 2011, 8:08 p.m. CST
Yeah, I didn't like it so much.
by Yelsaeb
It felt like the movie was trying to hard to be one of 'those movies', like Iron Man or Thor. It never achieved the right balance between comic relief and action like those two did. The only thing the movie really did was make me want to see a Deadpool movie even more. Good god, Reynolds is absolutely perfect for Deadpool. While I was watching Green Lantern I kept wishing I was watching a Deadpool movie.
June 17, 2011, 8:08 p.m. CST
Sequel to X3, not X4.
by Shermdawg
June 17, 2011, 8:16 p.m. CST
I'll let you know when I see it tonight
by JackSlater4
June 17, 2011, 8:20 p.m. CST
Since REALLY getting into Comics...
by boardbrtn
This is the first film to come out that I feel a genuine connection to. Harry, I'm glad you liked it. You and I seem to be on exactly the same page. This was a decent (not great) set up for a fantastic sequel - I can smell it. I'm not sure if Alfonso Cuaron is my first choice, though he isn't last.
June 17, 2011, 8:25 p.m. CST
Harry Knowles
by jackofhearts29
isn't a critic. He eats cheesiness and shits joy. He breathes formula and farts Spielbergian lens flares. He is the perfect fan, not a real movie critic. Still, love ya site, Harry! I'll skip the Green Bastard though. Maybe catch it on the torrents...
June 17, 2011, 8:26 p.m. CST
Don't worry, it fucking rocks.
by Jaster
There are a couple of very minor flaws, but they are being way overblown. I think it's just because the press is sick of all these great superhero movies coming out and they just want the chance to bag on one. Since GL is arguably the biggest of the summer, they chose it.
June 17, 2011, 8:28 p.m. CST
So Hary's palms have been greased with studio money again!
by Roger Moon
This one has trouble spelling Harry.
June 17, 2011, 8:30 p.m. CST
Give Harry a collectable = Good Review
by Roger Moon
Does one turn down a glowing plastic power ring? In this economy? I don't think so.
June 17, 2011, 8:38 p.m. CST
$24 million friday estimate
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
$60+ mil weekend. Not bad. Not bad at all. Word of mouth and competition is going to sink it though.
June 17, 2011, 8:41 p.m. CST
These GL liberal fag tears (why liberal? Because cunts like tophat up there throwing conservatives under the bus. Fuck you, dude).
by Roger Moon
I left Oral Roberts university last May because of this. Right under the bus.
June 17, 2011, 8:44 p.m. CST
GL Was Epic
by You Will Experience Fear
I'm not sure what movie many of these douche bag "movie critics" on AICN saw but I saw an EXCELLENT movie in GL. Harry is spot on with his review... Already looking forward to a sequel!
June 17, 2011, 8:47 p.m. CST
by Epsilon
Ah, I love the fact that Harry is the only "critic" who isn't bashing this thing to bits. I'll see it. At least my expectations will be at zero.
June 17, 2011, 8:57 p.m. CST
Harry not only throws objectivity out the window, he
by Roger Moon
June 17, 2011, 9:05 p.m. CST
Leaked "The Dark Knight Rises" Trailer at nukethefridge.com
by green
June 17, 2011, 9:22 p.m. CST
Word is it's fake.
by Shermdawg
June 17, 2011, 10:08 p.m. CST
Just thinkin' some more...
by Ted Knight
I don't follow the comics, but from the perspective of the movie: why would the cop/soldier of an alien galactic government intrust the responsibility of taking his place in defending the galaxy to a species deemed inferior by act of not introducing themselves to humanity and including us in galactic affairs? Isn't this sort of like a soldier getting mortally wounded in Afghanistan and handing his gun, armor, and ammo over to a local child and saying, "You're an American soldier now kid. Do me proud"? Why don't these Green Lantern cops have partners, or at least more than one partolling a sector? Anyway, I think my time would be better spent watching The Last Starfighter this evening.
June 17, 2011, 10:18 p.m. CST
by kidrobot71
Harry you are the most pathetic sell out bitch ever. You slob the cock of every big hollywood movie to keep your free shit flow going. You should be ashamed of yourself. God, you self serving little cunt. GL sucked and down in your bought and paid for heart you know it
June 17, 2011, 10:19 p.m. CST
stargrove, the ENTIRE POINT of the movie is the THE RING chooses Hal
by Jaster
Abin Sur didn't pick Hal, THE RING DID. He crashed on Earth because it was the closest inhabited planet to where his ship was attacked. This is all covered at length in the movie so your comparison is completely absurd.
June 17, 2011, 10:36 p.m. CST
How does this movie stack up against Batman Begins?
by darthwaz1
In terms of them both being a comic book origin story?
June 17, 2011, 10:40 p.m. CST
Can't really compare it to Batman Begins
by Jaster
The tone is totally different. I would say GL is more action based than BB and far more fantasy. The first half of BB is so totally perfect. The second half gets pretty goofy even to the point of the scarecrow showing his whole evil plan to Rachel.
June 17, 2011, 10:44 p.m. CST
Fett: Isn't Scarecrow just implementing Ra's evil plan?
by darthwaz1
June 17, 2011, 11 p.m. CST
His plan, Ra's plan, tomato, tomahto
by Jaster
BB has problems in the second half. For example, the film spends the whole first half saying people repel from things they are afraid of. Then they all of a sudden do the opposite by showing people attacking Batman when they are afraid of him. Plus as has oft been pointed out, it doesn't make sense that a water vaporizor has no affect on people when they are comprised mostly of water. It's also stupid that nobody has felt the toxins affect because it hasn't been vaporized when people vaporize water all the time. SHOWERS for instance!
June 17, 2011, 11:01 p.m. CST
It was nice to see a hero have fun with his powers...
by Charlie_Sheens_Coke_Numbed_Penis
***SPOILERS*** Once he smacked those mugger/ass-rapists in the alley with a green fist full of nails, he was in-it-to-win-it!!!
June 17, 2011, 11:04 p.m. CST
HArry's not a stooge, just an 11 yr old [in a bad way]
by onezeroone
Was watching To Story 3 y'day and it reminded me of Harry's review and way he whined about Andy giving away Woody. It just goes to show how Harry hasn't matured at all. He is like that fat pampered kid, whose parents feel so sorry for him they indulge every fantasy of his and make sure he stays that kid to shield him from harsh cruel world, a world which will tell him the truth and them the truth that they failed as parents.
June 17, 2011, 11:10 p.m. CST
saw it tonight can't stop thinking about Hard to take it all in with the 3d
by skiff
I might go see it again I thought the effects were cool the space stuff in 3d was stunning. The parts that were cool were very cool.
June 17, 2011, 11:14 p.m. CST
Is $24 mill opening day considered a flop?
by Carl XVI Gustaf
Sounds pretty good to me. It might actually make a lot of money. Haven't seen it yet, but it looks/sounds like a family event type film. Bring our kids and nanna, get some shuteye.
June 17, 2011, 11:16 p.m. CST
Mark Millar's twitter about GL, ouch!
by Carl XVI Gustaf
"I hereby declare Green Lantern the worst superhero movie ever made. And yes I count The Phantom and The Shadow as superhero movies. Green Lantern was the cheapest-looking 300 million dollar movie I've ever seen. Why didn't they give that money (to) Africa? It had a couple of good moments, all coming from Mark Strong. But oh man. It was just such an ODD movie. Like it travelled here from a parallel universe where they made a Green Lantern movie in 1995. But it was only eight quid and thus worth it. And I know I'll go and see it again "
June 17, 2011, 11:40 p.m. CST
onezeroone - yeah any mature adult would see
by knowthyself
That Andy giving away Woody is the mature grown up and right thing to do. Anyone who insists on keeping their toys, especially when it's selfish, has the brain of a child.
June 17, 2011, 11:45 p.m. CST
I agree with you Harry!
by SithScorp
I really enjoyed this movie. I took my son (8) and we thought it was great. As good as Nolan's Batman? NO. Not the same kind of character, not the same type of movie. In fact, I am glad of this. It seems that since that is what hit it big, that is how studios want their "comic" movies to be: edgy, gritty, quasi-neo-noire. I LIKE RYAN REYNOLDS MORE AS HAL JORDAN, THAN AS DEADPOOL.
June 17, 2011, 11:47 p.m. CST
by gregg benac
They had me and they lost me. Yes it started out great, from the Top-Gun style action to the outer space stuff. When Hal sees Abin Sur (a fellow pilot) in trouble, he jumps to help. On Oa when he first flies(woo-hoo!) we needed more of that. Really liked the training stuff. I had an easier time believing Blake Lively as Carol Ferris than i did Reynolds as Jordan. He was mis-cast(Nathan Fillion or my pick David Boreanaz). Should have had a real costume to wear. And could we please stop with the SECRET IDENTITY reveal?! Yes we know it wouldnt work in real life, but it is a mainstay of the source material! The thing that really ruined it for me was the moment before he shows Tomas the suit, he cant, because his ring is out of juice and he TAPS it against the battery. Well this charges it right up! I almost stood up in the theatre and shouted WRONG! (i didnt because i wont ruin anyones movie around me)Why does this anger me? Count the words in the oath, you'll see. The ending was too standard issue.
June 17, 2011, 11:50 p.m. CST
Mark Millar's tweet...
by SithScorp
If that is true, he can go bite a big one. Dude is jealous he didn't get to do this one. Martin Campbell did not score a 10, but he made a good and enjoyable film. One that I can take my kids to and enjoy. They won't be able to watch kick-ass for almost 10 years, fyi my youngest is 2. This is one the family can enjoy.
June 18, 2011, 12:18 a.m. CST
No one noticed?
by darth_ghidorah85
Harry's review was influenced by this ring. What only other ring has such an effect on people? all of your nerd cards shall be mine, now and forever... poozers...
June 18, 2011, 12:23 a.m. CST
by darth_ghidorah85
it's really irritating when people say the microwave emitter is illogical in batman begins. lucius fox flat out says it PINPOINTS....PINPOINTS....PINPOINTS!!! it's called technology, folks. but i do agree if ra's was going to go through all of that trouble, he should of just targeted the citizens and blew them up lol. definitely would have been more dark and violent for sure haha. maybe he's too classy for that. You stay classy, Ra's al Ghul!!!
June 18, 2011, 12:26 a.m. CST
by darth_ghidorah85
now i gotta watch bb, tdk, and inception in a triple feature. thanks a lot, guys for bringing up batman in a green lantern tb. ps...i will be seeing GL on sunday, and it's my most anticipated superhero movie this year. i'm praying it isn't as bad as the reviews. besides, i love ryan reynolds, but definitely not as much as bsb does. (not that there's anything wrong with that!)
June 18, 2011, 12:31 a.m. CST
by RONINDICE
You like all the horrible shit, that everyone else knows is crap! You just have to be different. Hence the occasional wheelchair and the crazy red hair I am sure. None of the other reviewers probably have an asian girlfriend either. At least not one cleverly referred to as Yoko. AMIRIGHT!
June 18, 2011, 12:39 a.m. CST
This summer Green Lantern will turn your shorts brown
by successor
June 18, 2011, 12:41 a.m. CST
Green Lantern Was Good
by 900LBGorilla
No need to pile on the wagon. The Movie was not great, and yes could have been better-but it was solid Superhero movie. I agree it was about as good as X-Men 1. Better if you like Green Lantern more. Overall, it's not as good as Thor, but the final battle is much better than the Loki/Thor letdown.
June 18, 2011, 1:05 a.m. CST
Harry fats obviously doesn't have any will power
by Nabster
Otherwise he wouldn't have reached the point where he has become a disgusting cripple due to his fatness. And stop telling us your retarded personal stories of childhood or of your transexual wife.
June 18, 2011, 1:07 a.m. CST
Don't be yellow, go see Green Lantern!
by Roger Moon
I'm going to hang myself shortly. Right after I finish these wings.
June 18, 2011, 1:09 a.m. CST
the estimate is 60+ million dollars this weekend..
by KilliK
negative reviews my ass.it probably looks that we are going to get a sequel.
June 18, 2011, 1:22 a.m. CST
America is inconsequential when it comes to box office
by Nabster
It's all about the international numbers. Why do you think they make camel shit like the Pirates films?
June 18, 2011, 1:22 a.m. CST
the reviews are very negative but the average joe doesnt even read reviews much less give a fuck
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
June 18, 2011, 1:51 a.m. CST
sorry but
by VonThunderballs
green lantern sucked ass. damn shame too. it looked like it had alot of promise.
June 18, 2011, 3:09 a.m. CST
not one X-Men movie was...
by chargester
...even close to faithful. in fact X3 was the closest, being based on not one but two comic storylines. (William Stryker starring in or being mentioned in 2-3 of the 5 X-Men movies when he appeared in one issue -- what a waste.) This movie looks (and based on reviews, sounds..) like another Fantastic Four 1. The one with Silver Surfer I really enjoyed cause they did a great job with him and a better job with Doom, so.. Guess I'll expect a failure like FF1. A popcorn movie like FF2 at best.
June 18, 2011, 3:11 a.m. CST
I usually think Harry is off his game..
by wierdo27
But I agree with him all the way here. I just do not believe you can call yourself a GL fan and not like this movie. I do believe people are just being sheep and circling the wagons here. I will LOVE owning this on Blu-Ray.
June 18, 2011, 3:15 a.m. CST
by chargester
Batman Begins vaporizer wouldn't work, we take showers all the time.
June 18, 2011, 3:17 a.m. CST
by chargester
Never hotboxed have you? No? Ever been to a concert? Some people smoke something called "marijewwanna". Never tried it eh, watch a lot of movies alone though huh.
June 18, 2011, 3:35 a.m. CST
by lv_426
I will LOVE owning this on Blu-Ray.
June 18, 2011, 3:44 a.m. CST
Harry Had Sex. So Did Jorge Garcia
by ToughGuyRizzo
June 18, 2011, 3:48 a.m. CST
carl xvi gustaf
by lv_426
"I hereby declare Green Lantern the worst superhero movie ever made. And yes I count The Phantom and The Shadow as superhero movies." When the fuck are we going to get a bad aaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssss reboot-make of The Shadow? That could be amazing with today's fancy pants cinema-tech and 3D in all its eyeball fucking Joe Pesci mafia looking cheapo freebie glasses IMAX glory. Also, I think it would be a perfect time as we seem to be getting all these retro-style genre films. X-Men: First Class with its 60's spy-fi retro coolness. Green Lantern's golden age of sci-fi inspired space opera goodness. Then of course Captain America is coming soon to give us some WWII era arse kicking. Next year we'll get John Carter of Mars (I refuse to fucking reduce the title down to the retarded sounding "John Carter") to take us to the awesome but antiquated version of Mars known as Barsoom. Hell, count Conan the Barbarian too, as he was created way back in the fucking 1930's. Too bad Del Toro and Cameron couldn't get At The Mountains Of Madness off the ground, as that would have been another retro inspired tale to see on the big screen. Now is the time. We need THE SHADOW.
June 18, 2011, 3:54 a.m. CST
madcapper: Ain't It The Matrix?
by lv_426
What just happened to the TB form was funky. Is that how we know they changed something? When the code gets all wierd?
June 18, 2011, 3:56 a.m. CST
It is doing it again. Your name is cursed madcapper
by lv_426
When ever I try to reply to you I start seeing black cats in a fucking endless loop.
June 18, 2011, 3:58 a.m. CST
by lv_426
Don't you mean Green-Ray?
June 18, 2011, 4:15 a.m. CST
carl xvi gustaf
by BlueLando
I don't often say this, but you are wrong. An idiot with no respect for how bad we used to have it. I assume you've never seen the 1990s Fantastic Four, the 1970s Captain America, the 1970s Doctor Strange, Japanese Spider-Man, Kick-Ass, Green Hornet or the 1980s Punisher. Because if you have, and you still made that statement, I'm convinced you're an absolute fool who makes slap-dash statements so that people online can virtually happy-sack you.
June 18, 2011, 4:19 a.m. CST
Now, onto Green Lantern
by BlueLando
It's really good. Critics say otherwise, but everyone I've spoken to (not on this website, obviously) has dug it. I think I'll side with people not looking to burst the comic-book film bubble. Oh, and if you're bored... check page 2 of Lime Lampshades - a very Green Lantern style prequel for my Death Boy webcomic - http://tinyurl.com/5tuevyg
June 18, 2011, 4:32 a.m. CST
Oh, Mark Millar said that?
by BlueLando
Well, he's a consistently terrible comic-book writer.
June 18, 2011, 4:33 a.m. CST
Let me fight for my world!
by tradeskilz
Love it. The terrible word of mouth had me going in with zero expectations. I had a really good time.
June 18, 2011, 5:18 a.m. CST
Every person I actually know in RL that saw this today (around 15 ppl) really liked it.
by Daredrummer
All of the reviews online are nasty, yet every person that I actually know that I spoke with today that saw it, around 15 or so, loved it. These are ppl that loosely knew GL, but needed a an actual slow build to break down the hard-core complex mythos. No one bitched about the earthbound portions or the "guy earning his destiny" bits...not one complaint. I was going to avoid it, but now I'm going to buy a ticket. So there.
June 18, 2011, 5:35 a.m. CST
And thanks for the review, Harry.
by Daredrummer
Although the quote is "an apple doesn't fall far from the tree", I think the same can said of those that are the children of the 80s, the nerds, comic fans, game geeks, musicians...there's just some kind of intangible connection between these souls, and Harry is one of them. We share the Goonies, Ghostbusters, GI Joe, Transformers and Back to the Future. Harry has the cherished ability to let the minutia slide for the overall experience....and I will buy a GL ticket, whereas earlier today I almost fell prey to the yellow fear of the internet. *fist bump Harry
June 18, 2011, 7:22 a.m. CST
Green Lantern
by ComicGuru
I have to say I watched the film last night. I'm a Marvel Zombie so I'm declaring my allegiance up front but this film was thoroughly enjoyable. The only downside was some of the CGI was badly realised. It looked a lot of the time that Ryan Reynolds head was floating in thin air. This didn't spoil my enjoyment of the film too much but it did prove distracting.
June 18, 2011, 7:22 a.m. CST
This movie got it so right but so wrong. (Spoilers)
by beane2099
In short, 30 minutes of this movie was really good. 1 hour and 30 minutes of it was really bad. I was awed how everything looked like it stepped right off the comic book page. The characters ACTED like they came right off the comic book page. But dammit, it was so friggen boring! They spent all this time making it look and feel right, but no one bothered giving the story more than a cursory glance. And that's what killed this movie. Looks aren't everything. The other problem is that many of the monementous events had little or no weight to them. Abin Sur gives Hal the ring. No big. He just goes to a bar and dances with a chick 10 seconds later. The introduction fo the villain started out cool, but again it had no weight. Three random aliens happen to stumble into the prison of the worst monstrosity in the universe which apparently has zero security protocols??? And the cloud thing. It should be a law that never again can a cloud of anything be the heavy in a movie.
June 18, 2011, 7:23 a.m. CST
There ya go
by kesoze4
Keep rewarding Hollywood for making crap, thereby encouraging them to make more crap. Great idea.
June 18, 2011, 8:02 a.m. CST
Let see if they build on the first movie in the sequel
by jazzybruin
I liked the movie, but the GL costumes sucked. More time on OA and with the Corps!
June 18, 2011, 8:16 a.m. CST
GREEN LANTERN is the result of a plot by The Color Red
by Subtitles_Off
to discredit The Color Green, thereby ruining Christmas. Once The Liberals gained The Power of The Red Ring and elected an imaginary President, there was no stopping them from disguising themselves as pussified-macho Air Force fighter pilots with perfect abs, oozing metrosexuality bullshit for the ladies, and ending Manhood as Stupid, Simpleton Conservatives define it. In a last-gasp defense, The Convos crapped out a tsunami of poo and splotted all over the wondrous cosmos, which, turns out, isn't nearly as wondrous as you thought it was, because it looks like a really over-rendered, fugly video game. BATMAN & ROBIN is no longer the worst comic-book movie ever. And THOR is no longer the most stupid. Sorry 'boutcha.
So Warner Brothers sent you a power ring? What for publicity? Positive reviews? or just out of the kindness of their corporate heart. Did you tell us about the ring just so we would know you were doing your duty for Warner Brothers, and this wasn't your real opinion? I just hope the success or lack of, Green Lantern isn't what turns Marvel's bigwigs against doing a possible Nova and the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. That's a movie I want to see more than anything they have announced so far.
June 18, 2011, 8:30 a.m. CST
Just like that, Harry has convinced me
by Subtitles_Off
to NEVER USE CAPITAL LETTERS FOR EMPHASIS AGAIN. GREEN LANTERN is garbage --- over-rendered, ugly, stupid garbage --- and you might not be a buffoon if you say otherwise, but you ought to get a second opinion and seriously consider the possibility.
June 18, 2011, 8:46 a.m. CST
Stupid geek question because I know a lot of stupid geeks hang out here...
by Subtitles_Off
Brave Abin, greatest of all green champions, you know machines can crash, and you might get injured. Bubbles bounce. Use your imagination.
June 18, 2011, 9:06 a.m. CST
Mark Millar's "tweet"
by m_prevette
has no weight or validity since it comes from Mark Millar. If he ever writes anything that isn't total crap...let me know. Fuck Millar, his idea of good writing is SHOCK SHOCK SHOCK - "grim & gritty" with zero substance. I'd spit on the hack.
June 18, 2011, 9:08 a.m. CST
Mark Millar tweeted?
by Subtitles_Off
I thought it smelled funny in here.
June 18, 2011, 9:46 a.m. CST
So sad and so typical of Harry, don't tell me any of you were suprised.
by Jeffrey
Now he'll be one of the few positive quotes they use in marketing, he loves that shit. "I'm fawmous!"
June 18, 2011, 10:37 a.m. CST
Like Harry I have little to no idea
by lprothro
...what these critics are all unilaterally bitching about. I too decided against my better judgment to see this, and sat there waiting to be disappointed, but instead ended up loving the hell out of this thing. I think maybe the out and out strangeness of GL's powers coupled with a few sprinkls of hammy acting here and there were what threw a lot of people off, but if you're a fan of this character--and the kind of person who can actually ENJOY a film without constantly looking for someting to nitpick I say go for it. Oh yeah and the 3D was fantastic!
June 18, 2011, 10:37 a.m. CST
"Fear is an interesting power"? - typical Fatso Haryy
by Nabster
Is he saying that all the people that disliked it were afraid of GL? Once again Harry Fats makes an utterly retarded argument. Nobody was afraid of GL.
June 18, 2011, 10:41 a.m. CST
If that tweet is true Millar says it's worth the price of admission and re-watching so that's a bit of a parallax
by JackSlater4
June 18, 2011, 10:42 a.m. CST
The movie was good by the way, about the level of The Incredible Hulk
by JackSlater4
Sequel should be awesome.
June 18, 2011, 10:44 a.m. CST
subtitles_off the crash didn't get him, his wound did
by JackSlater4
June 18, 2011, 10:50 a.m. CST
Batman Begins water vaporizer...
by darthwaz1
Ra's goons are sitting on the thing, they don't get killed. I think there's a focused microwave emitter that will vaporize whatever the thing is aimed at...that's why surrounding folks don't get all vaporized as well.
June 18, 2011, 10:53 a.m. CST
Mark Millar needs to stop tweeting and write more Kick Ass 2..
by darthwaz1
June 18, 2011, 10:55 a.m. CST
Interesting review.. but I'm dying to know what this
by MoffatBabies
amazing 3d film is, Harry. You're killin' me with that one.
June 18, 2011, 11:02 a.m. CST
Mark Millar Can Suck Balls
by Autodidact
He's such a gimmicky whore.
June 18, 2011, 11:06 a.m. CST
Subs, don't forget THE FANTASTIC FOUR (1994)
by YackBacker
and The Cannon Group's CAPTAIN AMERICA (1990). The Red Skull is Italian? Che vergogna!
June 18, 2011, 11:07 a.m. CST
Mark Millar is the Michael Bay of the comics
by KilliK
who gives a shit about his opinion?
June 18, 2011, 11:09 a.m. CST
and monsieur Millar both the Shadow and the Phantom
by KilliK
are good super-hero comic book movies despite their flaws.and they both respect and contain something that most of the modern comic book movies try to ignore on purpose : their pulp roots
June 18, 2011, 11:10 a.m. CST
A misfire
by The_Motorcycle_Boy
I'm not overly familar with the character, but like the director and cast, so had an open mind, but this was a misfire. The script, pacing and editing are woeful. It didn't obey the most basic of logic. It feels like it was gutted in the editing bay. So many pointless characters and scenes. You see Hal rushing to his test wrapping a present as he drives - this is surely for Carol Ferris, right? This is why he is rushing to wrap it before he meets her, but no... it's for his nephew whose party he attends HOURS later. Why was he wrapping it before the test? Why didn't he wrap it AFTER? Who knows? Then, at said nephew's party, he says "Hey, let's go see your party" and it randomly cuts to Hal leaving walking to his car when a giant green orb engulfs him. There was no point to his family; they didn't even appear again. It felt as though they didn't have the budget to shoot all of the establishing and transition shots that they needed, and thought "Fuck it, nobody will notice". Hal's friend is another pointless character. He shows up to pick him up after he gets the ring, and then it cuts to Hal alone at home. Where did his friend go? Would he have not gone back to watch Hal use AN ALIEN PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY - HE WAS A TECH GEEK FOR PETE'S SAKE! He reappears later to watch Hal use the ring and for the think tank scene with Carol and disappears again. Pointless. Nothing felt natural. One scene you have Carol standing on the balcony looking out in the distance only to reveal that Hal is standing behind her. It's not that he's just walked in or landed there - he's obviously been there for some time. It felt like staging from the Prequels when you'd come in on an Anakin and Padme scene before it had begun and they were awkwardly waiting for the director to say "Action". Awkward and disjointed. Then there are the hilarious flashback scenes... I can see how hardcore fans might get some enjoyment of seeing Green Lantern up on the big screen, but it really isn't a good film.
June 18, 2011, 11:11 a.m. CST
in fact,i think that Cap America like Rocketeer
by KilliK
will be a welcomed return to those pulp origins.and i bet all those high on their horses comic book artists like Millar,will trash it because of that reason alone.
June 18, 2011, 11:16 a.m. CST
I can't see there being a sequel
by The_Motorcycle_Boy
If the $300 million budget is true, this thing needs to make HUGE money to even break even. Superman Returns only cost $200 ($260 including the failed McG/Burton attempts) million, made $400 and didn't get a sequel - and that was a much better (but still poor) film. I won't be recommending it to anybody or seeing it again. It probably won't have legs, especially with the new Transformers out soon.
June 18, 2011, 11:18 a.m. CST
The 3D movie Harry is teasing is obviously Transformers 3
by JackSlater4
June 18, 2011, 11:44 a.m. CST
Mark Millar is a fraud
by Nabster
He is easily one of the worst comic writers around. If I ever see him, I will throw a cup of piss in his face and tell him I hope a tiger bites his penis off. The fact his shitty comics sell proves that most comic readers are dumb asses.
June 18, 2011, 11:53 a.m. CST
Great Genre Movie, if you don't get "Genre" - don't bother then.
by Zurge
Green Lantern Movie Review "Middle Finger, Ring, Yeah" - Hal Jordan. Remember that intro to the Matrix, where Trinity beats 3 cops while Agents were downstairs? Why didn't the Agents took over the body of the Cops and killed Trinity therefore forgoing all 3 movies? Saving Private Ryan seems like a dumb idea, sending several people to save one, but again, films ask us to just go with it. Bible movies win Oscars, but no one asks if it's Historically accurate. Films, ask us suspension of disbelief, because if they take time to tie all loopholes and questions, it would take more than 2 hours to explain. Which is why for the average viewer, a movie like Green Lantern is a good introduction to the Mythology of the character for the general public, and those seeking to nit-pick and dissect every piece of logic can go read the books if they're still unsatisfied. However, if those nay-Sayers are quick to dismiss this movie, it's only logical they dismiss entire genres and forms of entertainment out of their narrow view perspective. A genre movie is 'the method based on similarities in the narrative elements from which films are constructed'. Gremlins, The Goonies, Godzilla films, 60's Zombie Films, Ghostbusters, Army of Darkness, are only a few of these types of genre movies. All these movies were pre-internet, before Trolls would take them apart and begin saying things like "Those puppets in Gremlins were cheesy, the ugly fella in superman shirt from the Goonies is retarded, Godzilla's buildings are laughable, that zombie looked at the camera, Bill Murray's acting is worst than Slimer, Ash's hand is fitted in that chainsaw and you can tell that crappy stop motion animation is horrible". Luckily for us, those people kept comments to their pathetic self and we were able to enjoy these crappy genre movies without any ridicule. The super hero motif is a genre that Hollywood has capitalized in the recent years, but it has taken a while for the general public to be familiarized with the different elements that make up this particular genre simply because most associate Comics as a genre all in itself and not as what it is - a medium. Therefore a super hero comic book and super hero movie are both genres, the problem is, marketing geniuses fail to comprehend this basic notion and the public gets confused. Green Lantern is a good example of a good super hero movie and a good genre movie. The premise is simple, space cops. That's it. They're ripping of Star War's JEDI Kinghts? No, Green Lantern was created before Star Wars. There is nothing more complicated about this, other than the weapon of choice of the Green Lantern Corps is a ring that uses 'thoughts' to construct manifestations. Can you create a girlfriend? Yes. A train? Yes. A gun? Yes. A Nintendo Wii? Yes. It basically has the power of Star Trek's Holo-deck made into reality, and if you can accept that other concept then you can accept this power ring is legit. Is our hero relatable? No. What do you mean no? Didn't they do some kind of market research and figured out the middle-est man to target this demographic and pander to attain money? No. Our hero is a cocky pilot who is afraid he won't live to the high expectations life has bestowed upon him. They ripped off Top Gun? No, Green Lantern was created before Top Gun. Our hero is afraid to commit, to his work, being a role model for his family, and to his amazing ex girlfriend. You're telling me he's not an average nerd, with problems we can all relate and with great voice overs comes great identification? Nope. Hal Jordan is a hot head, he's probably one of those Jocks that beat up nerds in his younger years, but that's what makes him unique; he's not market research and he's actually a great unique character. The story is straight forward and easy to follow, as Hal doubts himself, mid life crisis, the intergalactic cops Green Lantern Corps also question the decision as to why a human such as this has been chosen by the ring itself to become a member. Hal is often referred to as immature, an asshole, naïve, and unable to control his reactions. Sounds familiar? No? Well, Hal might not reflect the prime-rib of Comic Book fandom, but it does represents the Human Race in general. An analogy that goes by the nay-Sayers faster than their A.D.D. His nemesis represents the worst in us, someone who tries to dissect an alien corpse before understanding it, much like the critics of this film. Why am I focusing on all the negative as much as the positive? Shouldn't I just speak highly and praise it? No. The Green Lanterns use the construct of the green power that represents "Will-Power" and the bad guys are represented by the construct of the yellow power which represents "Fear". I focus on the nay-Sayers because deep down they're afraid to commit to understanding this character before they start to nit-pick and dissect the corpse. Okay, I like the premise. The Hero seems to be okay. The concept is neat. What about that costume? It's actually pretty damn cool. And sometimes it does look like rubber, but depends on the light sources, and seems like I'm watching a performance rather than bobble-heads as the people who had not seen the movie seem to emphasize beforehand. What about the Special FX? Well, if you can go with the fact Green Lantern can create objects out of his ring, then the FX do a great job selling it as real. How is the 3D? It's not as distracting as other films, and it really helps create a sense of immersion into the Ring Constructs. So why are people bitching about it online? Well, there is this guy with a deformed head, like the Elephant Man, and I can imagine people giggling. Most kids went "ew" and adults in my theatre went "Ugh gross", so it sold it. The pot heads were giggling, but they again there is enough green in the movie to distract them. I imagine most critics couldn't relate to Hal Jordan, in their minds "I would have not done that, that's stupid, I would have created a dildo and fucked that faggot up", or whatever idiot speak their will-power can create. I'd imagine a good hearted movie like this could have sold more tickets if it had more violence, gore, cynical-generic bullshit dialogue, a down and gritty R-Rating, etc. Perhaps, the nay-Sayers want a different type of movie that represents their will-power and not Green Lantern. It's like bitching at Schindler's List for not having humor in it, The Sound of Music for being a musical, Harry Potter Films for not sticking with Science, and for wanting a genre movie to appeal to all genres at once…they want this to be everything and yet nothing all at the same time. I guess they could have pandered to the audience in some ways. It was filmed in New Orleans, and they could have used this as a real city as a shield to prevent critique of a flawed movie post some horrible event like another super hero movie did. Hal could have had more relatable problems and being more gritty, because most people aren't a stud role model pilot man's man like Hal Jordan and that would sell more movie tickets and merchandize. They could have made Green Lantern wear a business suit, because Comic Book Costumes are so lame according to trends on Twitter. They could have made it in the original time it was released, late 1950s-1960s and completely disregard Feminism, Racism, actual Geo-political situations, and go for a post modern take on that time with cynical post-modern take that wouldn't offend minorities or women at all. It could have been better if it tried to please everyone and not do justice to the source material and genre? According to the nay-Sayers…yes. Because those who can't create, destroy. I saw it at my local theatre at 1:30 pm, at the biggest screen we have around (Santa Rosa's Roxy Theatre Screen 12) was ¾ full and was actually upgraded to accommodate 3D. The Audience cheered, enjoyed the jokes, was scared when it was supposed to be scared, and actually clapped at the end of it. Some actually stayed for the post-end credit scene, which are a staple of the other Comics' company, except this one is so good, it should have been included pre-credits. Which is why I like this film, it's not for everybody, it's basically for people who want to go along with it and for those that don't, they can enjoy my discarded Yellow-Fear-Fluid.
June 18, 2011, noon CST
How is Mark Millar awful?
by darthwaz1
Have you read civil war or kick ass? both great.
June 18, 2011, 12:02 p.m. CST
I thought it sucked
by Mattman
Nothing held together from scene to scene... shit just randomly happened with lazy, sudden transitions (like Hal walking outside, getting trapped in a green bubble and whisked to the crashed alien ship). The testicle-head villain was such a non-threat and came out of nowhere. Reynolds had some entertaining moments, but his live action head stuck on a cartoon body, surrounded by cartoon aliens, was absurd looking. And he spends half the movie being wishy washy because his dad exploded in an unintentionally hilarious flashback. I liked Blake Lively in The Town, but thought she seemed sleepy in this. I'm sad DC can't get anything off the ground other than Batman.
June 18, 2011, 12:02 p.m. CST
wild_card comics
by mr teaspoon
"His nemesis represents the worst in us, someone who tries to dissect an alien corpse before understanding it, much like the critics of this film." Worst analogy ever. How the fuck else would you understand an alien unless you dissected it?
June 18, 2011, 12:07 p.m. CST
the kind of person who can actually ENJOY a film
by Subtitles_Off
This condescending, holier-than-thou attitude is getting to be the most tiresome thing on the internet since videos of kittens. Right. You thought GREEN LANTERN was a big bowl of pudding and a girl's naked boobies. You know more than everyone else. You're The One. Only you have got it all sussed out. You're fukking Yoda.
June 18, 2011, 12:07 p.m. CST
by wierdo27
well said. I predict many who hate it today will love it tomorrow. when they get over it.
June 18, 2011, 12:08 p.m. CST
lv_426 -Green-Ray. HAR!
by wierdo27
best not to speak of yellow-ray. double har!
June 18, 2011, 12:12 p.m. CST
Thanks, jackslater, but since most of my post was lost between quotations, the point didn't come across.
by Subtitles_Off
He must've known he could've will-powered a green bubble to protect himself. Or, maybe some piece of green surgical machinery to cauterize his boo-boo or something. Or, better yet, instead of a stupid green bubble, Hal Jordan could've flown to the outer cosmos in a green fighter jet of the will, or something less stupid than bubble, orb, whatever. I'm just beating the dead horse of the concept that, when your inspiration is supposed to be boundless imagination, green bubble just doesn't cut it. Quite.
June 18, 2011, 12:13 p.m. CST
it's not for everybody, it's basically for people who want to go along with it and for those that don't
by The_Motorcycle_Boy
Which is why I like this film, "it's not for everybody, it's basically for people who want to go along with it and for those that don't", they can enjoy my discarded Yellow-Fear-Fluid.
June 18, 2011, 12:14 p.m. CST
The Universe needs a human or all Good will die.
by Subtitles_Off
That's so effin' stupid! I will point my ring at you until you disperse, Giant Poo Evil, while my awesome abdominal striations glow!
June 18, 2011, 12:14 p.m. CST
And what a waste of the Amanda Waller character
by Mattman
Why use that character and not do anything even remotely cool with her?
June 18, 2011, 12:16 p.m. CST
There's a talking tiger in comic books.
by Subtitles_Off
It's a running gag that he's always bitching about how penises are piss-flavored. He was either created by Millar or Grant Morrison. Two British poofdas who share the same trousers.
June 18, 2011, 12:19 p.m. CST
by The_Motorcycle_Boy
The flashback was hilarious. It was like something from Hot Shots. That hazy focus and low saturation, awful child actor, and said kid being blown back by the resulting explosion. It's a pity, you could have made a fun film from this, but something went horribly wrong somewhere. You only have to look at the history of the Batman films to see the difference between getting the right creative team and the wrong one.
June 18, 2011, 12:20 p.m. CST
Those who can't create, destroy, or
by Subtitles_Off
they go off to Hollywood and learn computer software so they can make utterly idiotic, dull, joyless, unimaginative junk and call it "franchising."
June 18, 2011, 12:21 p.m. CST
I hope it fails
by theplant
X-Men FC rules. GL fuck right off. Pussy.
June 18, 2011, 12:22 p.m. CST
the_motorcycle_boy... Hot Shots
by Mattman
Thank you... that's exactly what it was like. It doesn't help that the flashback jarringly interrupts an action scene. I can't believe this was the same guy that directed Casino Royale.
June 18, 2011, 12:25 p.m. CST
Another bought-and-paid for sellout review...
by Mr. Pricklepants
What a fucking surprise! Well, at least the fat fuck isn't fat anymore, right?
June 18, 2011, 12:27 p.m. CST
Movies aren't for "those who want to go along" and those who don't.
by Subtitles_Off
Movies are for everyone. A good movie will bring nearly everyone along. A flawed movie will convince many, other than the most discerning. A bad movie will open in summer with all the hype that modern marketing can muster and have a couple of vocal dumb-ass defenders. Every one knows this. Just like every one knows the difference between good and bad, light and dark, red and green, fake and real.
June 18, 2011, 12:27 p.m. CST
by The_Motorcycle_Boy
Yeah, most of my hopes for this rested on Campbell, but he sadly couldn't pull it off. The flashback scenes during the Casino Royale opening were great, but he botched them here. The film in general also. Was it studio and producer interference perhaps?
June 18, 2011, 12:29 p.m. CST
those who want to go along
by Mattman
I always WANT to go along with a movie... but it's up the to movie to allow that. This one did not.
June 18, 2011, 12:30 p.m. CST
Never agreed with you MORE, Harry!
by Mike
You seem to have the exact same reaction to this movie as I did. I want the next movie to be off Earth too! I want more Green Lantern Corps. Like you, I didn't dislike the Earth stuff and found this to be a good first movie, but I can't wait for it to expand. I actually really liked this and like you said while it may not be perfect it actually had moments that made me feel more excited than anything in Thor and X-Men: First Class. I have for years dreamed of a Green Lantern movie and that this movie actually brought some of those dreams to life as I imagined them is an amazing feat! Consider this a success. Also, here is my review if you are curious: http://exm.nr/jvjOTQ
June 18, 2011, 12:36 p.m. CST
by Mattman
Well I think the script was weak from the start, so that's a big problem. Also, some have theorized that Campbell wasn't comfortable with all the green screen, and I certainly can't blame him for that. A lot of wasted talent in this movie. I also think this is a good example of how goofy a live action movie can be when it's TOO true to the comic book. You just can't squeeze that much comic book mythology into two hours and expect people to understand or care. You have to get the spirit of the character right and tell a specific story.
June 18, 2011, 12:39 p.m. CST
Too much CG; needed some in-camera w/ the aliens
by The Only Woj
Full-on CG for the characters was a poor choice. At the very least for Tomar Re and Kilowog they could have been done with a prosthetic/anamatronic FOR THEIR HEADS. It was too jarring when the only thing 'real' on screen was Reynold's head. If they could pull off it off in-camera on Hellboy (ie. Abe), they could have done it here. CG the body because, after all, it's a CG suit. and the blue guardians. hell, they're basically just heads anyway! I saw no reason why they couldn't have been prosthetics and makeup. Oh, and that opening scene in the beginning that is 100% CG, along with the characters ... pissed me off. they couldn't have had a REAL set, prosthetics for the heads and REAL suits for the body? Maybe this stuff works with an Avatar sized budget (and a better production house churning out the effects), but not at all here.
June 18, 2011, 12:40 p.m. CST
Harry why don't you talk about how 3D fucks up the color of a movie???
by Orionsangels
June 18, 2011, 12:42 p.m. CST
civil war ? you mean the arc where Cap surrenders?
by KilliK
talk about getting the character
June 18, 2011, 12:42 p.m. CST
Every good movie is a miracle
by James_Camera_On
Given the many ways these hugely collaborative efforts can go terribly wrong. And even a failure can be interesting. So yes, I am starting to come around to giving Green Lantern a chance. My Sucker Punch experience (a movie I loved, in agreement with some of the other talk-backers on this thread) is also a factor in my thinking. I'm still very unhappy about the hate it received. Rule #1 for film critics when they walk into a theater is to clear their head -- and watch the goddamn movie! And far too many critics these days are not doing that. I honestly think Harry's review is not a sell-out. Sincerity counts in criticism so maybe I will give this a shot. After all Ebert liked it ("better than Thor") as well so how bad can it be?
June 18, 2011, 12:42 p.m. CST
Green Lanters = Space Fascists
by KilliK
June 18, 2011, 12:50 p.m. CST
Jonah Hex is a masterpiece - you just didn't 'go with it'.
by The_Motorcycle_Boy
Damn you all!
June 18, 2011, 12:54 p.m. CST
Fair enough, james camera_on, but I gotta say...
by Subtitles_Off
you can't preface a convincing argument in a debate by admitting you have fond memories of SUCKER PUNCH. Film critics don't play by any rules other than we all play by. What if I said to you, "Geeks need to clear their head and evaluate the movie from a point-of-view that isn't totally biased by their fandom" ? You'd probably see the fault in that logic, yes?
June 18, 2011, 1 p.m. CST
Ebert "liked it better than THOR" is damning with the faintest praise.
by Subtitles_Off
Ebert hated THOR. It's the same as saying, "I'd like you to hit me in the face more than in the nuts." Right? Ebert has seen thousands of movies. He knows what he likes and what he doesn't. He's also in poor health, contemplating death a lot, with very little patience any more for crap (as he sees it). He denies this now, but he once called BATMAN FOREVER his favorite Batman movie.
June 18, 2011, 1:14 p.m. CST
A genuine question for Green Lantern fans. Someone please answer honestly!
by BiggusDickus
I'm an English bloke who had a very limited upbringing in terms of comic books. 2000AD was the be all and end all of my childhood up to the age of ten when my local newsagent chain started selling packs of out-of-date American comics each month. Through this medium, I was introduced to both DC and Marvel properly (I'd read some British reprints during the late Seventies / early Eighties, but continuity was shocking and they were mostly B&W). From the age of ten to fifteen, these multipacks introduced me to Batman (liked), The X-Men (really liked - John Byrne was the god of art to me), Superman (couldn't relate to an utterly invulnerable guy), Spider-Man (can take him or leave him), The Flash (liked), Thor (liked), Moon Knight (yawn) and Dr. Strange (liked) among others. As you can see, very Marvel-oriented (there were always way more Marvel than DC comics in the monthly bundle), so I had - and continue to have - absolutely no exposure to Green Lantern. I now know that he's a fairly major DC character, but I know sod-all about him or his mythos. So here's the question I'm hoping some kind soul will answer - is this particular film a good place to start? I'm aware of the kicking it's had so far, but I have absolutely no baggage to bring to it, so is it worth my - and my nine year old daughter's - time? Peace, Biggus.
June 18, 2011, 1:21 p.m. CST
Ebert hated Thor because he had to actually pay to see it
by thelordofhell
He missed the critic's screener and was upset that he had to pay and see it with the rabble. It completely gave him a bias towards the movie. He actually mentions this in his review of Thor.
June 18, 2011, 1:26 p.m. CST
Harry, I feel the same about the Fantasic Four movies
by thelordofhell
I'm a huge fanboy of the FF, and as a fanboy, I was really just happy to see my favorite comic book heroes on the big screen. I know the movies weren't great, but I was just excited to actually SEE them. So call me biased, I still like the FF movies, even though I know they are cheesy.
June 18, 2011, 1:30 p.m. CST
Ebert did not recommend Green Lantern, btw
by Mattman
He gave it two and a half stars, which is a thumbs down for him. So it's funny to see someone say, "well, if Ebert liked it..."
June 18, 2011, 1:38 p.m. CST
Good For You Harry!
by Real Deal
I haven't seen this film yet but I'm still going to. I sometimes wonder about film critics. They'll all pile on some film and say " It stinks! " and soon you're reading this everywhere. Then I go see the movie and think " Well it wasn't perfect but if you look at the whole film and not just try to pick at the bad pieces it wasn't bad either ". And that's just the thing. There are movies out there that are TRULY BAD! But if you read these reviews you'd be likely to put a movie like this in the same category where it doesn't belong at all. It's the same with TV shows. Ones that I think just take time to find themselves get picked to death early on and never get the chance that some shows did years ago. A good for instance is a little show called " Star Trek The Next Generation ". If that show was just starting out today it would never stand a chance. The first two years were all about finding itself. The acting was stiff and the show never seemed to have a good direction. But as the 3rd year started you could tell they knew what they were doing and were more comfortable in their roles. But you see if it would were on today it would never get that chance. People on the internet would say it was bad and it would have been canceled before the 3rd year. Well my point is it's easy to be negative and say something's crap ( maybe easier to write something cute and funny about it as well ). But few things are all crap or even mostly. And some things need a few times at bat to get it right. I'm glad if Harry liked some things about this film and he didn't just jump on the bandwagon with everyone else. Good for you Harry!
June 18, 2011, 1:56 p.m. CST
It was as good as Thor
by Lone Fox
Thought it was a lot of fun. Lightweight perhaps, but a good time nonetheless. Saarsgaard (sp?) was great, genuinely creepy- absolutely terrified my son!
June 18, 2011, 1:57 p.m. CST
Mark Millar
by david starling
This man writes a tweet, declaring that GL is the worst superhero movie, ahead of The Phantom - is he fucking serious? Has he seen the Phantom? And the worst superhero movie ever? He obviously hasn't seen Wolverine either!! His tweets show the shortcomings of a conceited twat. Perhaps "twatter" would be more appropriate a term for him!!
June 18, 2011, 2:05 p.m. CST
Millar clearly hasn't seen Catwoman either!
by Lone Fox
Yeah, his tweets on GL were ridiculous
June 18, 2011, 2:09 p.m. CST
No, good for you, real deal, for failing to realize why this got a positive review.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
If you think because Harry's a geek or fantasy lover or anything like that, you're wrong. Nope, he liked it because HE WAS BRIBED by the studio. Are you blind? Did you not see where he even mentioned the ring?? Get a clue, boy. I wonder if he actually got more stuff from the studio, but stopped once he mentioned the ring and saw the flames aimed his way. You want to fool yourself and attach some noble reason as to why Harry liked this, go ahead.
June 18, 2011, 2:14 p.m. CST
This site becomes increasingly irrelevant
by cool_britannia79
Green Lantern was horrible. The CGI was poor, the pacing was all over the place, his face mask makes Hal look like a tranny, using the last 3 notes from Superman's theme as Hal flies away drew unfortunate comparisons to a much better film. The fight scene's were comedy, that crappy helicopter scalextric thing was awful. Oa looked like a cartoon, and Parallax is the weakest comic book villain since Fantastic Four 2. Anyone giving this a pass loses all credibility as a reviewer. Also, with 3600 lanterns on Oa, why, when facing the most terrifying force in the universe, do you send just 10, and act surprised when they get shitcanned?
June 18, 2011, 2:16 p.m. CST
by Fico
You're an idiot. Ebert was not pissed because he had to pay to see Thor. He was actually glad he missed the screener, so he didn't have to watch it in 3D.
June 18, 2011, 2:17 p.m. CST
bibleman, Cap isn't a Christian Conservative
by Continentalop
He's a New Deal Democrat. Sorry you can't grasp the idea of a liberal Democrat believing in patriotism and fighting for his country, but that is how much America has changed since the 1940s. And Millar did not understand the character at all.
June 18, 2011, 2:21 p.m. CST
Also Cap was created by two Jews
by Continentalop
So I doubt they imagined him as a devout Christian.
June 18, 2011, 2:23 p.m. CST
I really liked it.
by richievanderlow
I was skeptical about going to see it, but glad I did. I thought that Paralax battle was waaay too short, and the setup waaay too long... but not anywhere near as bad as people have been saying.
June 18, 2011, 2:27 p.m. CST
by Immortal_Fish
Care to inform the rest of the class how you arrived at that conclusion regarding Cap? A pair of Jews created Superman. There have been plenty of comparisons to christ through the years. Did you see the first episode of Smallville? Jack Kirby, also a Jew, created Galactus and Silver Surfer. Another allegory for christ.
June 18, 2011, 2:28 p.m. CST
bibleman what life? Cap surrended ffs
by KilliK
which even contradicts his Ultimate vo1 Cap in the notorious " surrender? this A does not stand for France " scene. And then Cap kicks in the head a defenseless man who lies on the ground senseless. that guy cant even keep consistent in his own works ffs.Conservative Christian Cap my ass.
June 18, 2011, 2:30 p.m. CST
You know when a movie is a huge smelling pile of shit
by KilliK
when the word " FUN " keeps popping up a lot.
June 18, 2011, 2:36 p.m. CST
big dick gus, yes, it's definitely worth bringing your kid to
by antonphd
i grew up watching a saturday morning cartoon with all of the major DC super heroes called Super Friends and as far as my memory serves this movie did a great job with Hal Jordon aka the Green Lantern.
June 18, 2011, 2:47 p.m. CST
Accusing Harry that he got to paid to write a positive
by KilliK
reviews is fucking BOLLOCKS. why? because it has been proved again and again that his site has zero influence in the BO numbers of each movie.ZERO. fuck even people who bash Harry and his site,keeps bringing up this undisputed fact. So could you please explain to me why the hell WB should pay Harry to write a positive review when this review is never going to bring more people to the cinemas to see the movie?
June 18, 2011, 2:49 p.m. CST
Killik, actually GL doesn't even qualify as "FUN"
by Mattman
The two girls with us fell asleep, my buddy passed out a few times, my other friend got very fidgety, and I was struggling to stay awake (despite never falling asleep in movies). The movie is a chore to watch. The effects are ugly, the overly confusing story is tedious, and it jumps from one place to the next with no natural transition whatsoever.
June 18, 2011, 2:50 p.m. CST
(this same group was wide awake throughout First Class, btw)
by Mattman
June 18, 2011, 2:56 p.m. CST
by wierdo27
I would say that this movie is a perfect jumping off point if you want a quick primer on the GL mythos, as it corresponds very closely to what is going on with the comics today, what with the Blackest Night storyline. An even better starting point would be the animations New Frontier, which ios about the forming of the Justice League, and more specifically First Flight, which the movie is similar to in many ways, but if they had done First Flight as a movie, it would have been better- but probably far too expensive. And as far as your 9 year old daughter goes, I think it depends on the person, some young girls are as into the geekery as young boys are, but if your daughter isn't already sort of keen to superheroes or sci-fi, then I wouldn't bet on her loving it. I'd say- rent First Flight, and buy one of the early books of the Blackest Night storyline, which is fairly huge and involves many of the other characters in the DC universe, Batman, Flash Superman, Wonder Woman, etc. going back further, Emerald Dawn and Emerald Dawn 2 are where you want to start as far as Hal Jordan goes. There is a hell of a lot to the GL mythos, so it really depends on what you respond to as to where your jumping off point might be best suited. Seeing how you like the Flash, Dr Strange, and Batman, I think you may like the movie because it is truer to the ideas in the comic book than any other comic book movie to date. I would, as an aside, recommend Nova. Good Luck! let me know if this helps...
June 18, 2011, 3 p.m. CST
So far, only positive opinion from friends. Keep expectations low and SEE IT for yourself.
by JDanielP
The only critic that matters...is YOU.
June 18, 2011, 3:06 p.m. CST
If nothing else, it's a great exercise in spotting plot holes
by Ian Simmons
Check out my review, if you're curious...http://t.co/pKOdyOj
June 18, 2011, 3:06 p.m. CST
Maybe Mark Millar was referring to
by django_il_bastardo
that shitty SyFy Phantom that aired a few months back?
June 18, 2011, 3:21 p.m. CST
lol @ cool_britannia79
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
"This site becomes increasingly irrelevant" because of Harry's Green Lantern review. Lmao. You don't come here often, do you?
June 18, 2011, 3:25 p.m. CST
Anyone who reads ANY Mark Millar is a fucking shitwit
by Nabster
Civil War was complete horseshit. Any self respecting comic book fan will attack Millar if they ever see him.
June 18, 2011, 3:50 p.m. CST
So, the message I'm getting from this particular talkback is:
by Orbots Commander
if you really liked a film like Sucker Punch, then you'll love Green Lantern. That settles it: I guess I'll frickin' hate Green Lantern, because I thought SP was so damn awful, I wanted to throw tomatoes up at the screen.
June 18, 2011, 4:01 p.m. CST
bibleman -cap- christian
by misterfurly
your knowledge of comics and captain america is nominal methinks. cap is in no way a conservative christian, though he may appeal to them since he trumpets "patriotism" but then again that is not synonymous with conservatism as much as theyd like to think so. and yes two jews created him and to my knowledge very few super heroes are outright christians in any way shape or form - certainly not cap. religion and marvel comics dont really go together and politics either. the gov has been portayed as honest and completely corrupt. good and bad. take your bible and leave it at home when discussing comics dude- saying cap is christian is like me saying he's a good anarchist, noam chomsky reading fellow. in other words BS
June 18, 2011, 4:05 p.m. CST
Yes. If you liked SUCKER PUNCH, you'd have no business complaining about GREEN LANTERN.
by Subtitles_Off
Because, crap is crap, no matter if it's runny and brown or green. This movie fails on all cylinders. If, as some claim, it's a faithful representation of the comic, then, guess what, the comic sucks too. Stoopid is stoopid and ugly is ugly, no matter the medium. But, I don't think that's the case. I think this is just another giant, steaming example of an inability to tell a story well for thinknig you have an idea that will make a gazillion dollars. Someone, very early on in the development process for this got starwars-superhero, starwars-superhero, starwars-superhero, starwars-superhero stuck in their heads. They couldn't let go of it, and none of the other assholes surrounding them ever had the balls to say, out loud, "Um, dumb idea."
June 18, 2011, 4:06 p.m. CST
Re : sierratangofoxtrotuniform
by Real Deal
Got proof of that bucko? Otherwise it's just you moving your mouth and your stupid fantasy.
June 18, 2011, 4:08 p.m. CST
Re : sierratangofoxtrotuniform
by Real Deal
Further more everything I said about the way people perceive movie and show reviews through the internet is still valid.
June 18, 2011, 4:12 p.m. CST
Really Honestly!
by Real Deal
Does anyone have any proof at all that Harry gets paid by the studios to do reviews? Any at all outside of their stupid little fanboy fantasies? Once I was accused of working for a studio on this site by talkbackers called a plant because I liked something and that my friends is laughable. Now that's the real mentality behind the haters on this talkback.
June 18, 2011, 4:13 p.m. CST
I'll go even further. If you really liked 300, you've got no business complaining about this.
by Subtitles_Off
If you liked THOR. If you liked AVATAR. If you liked SUPERMAN RETURNS. If you liked the STAR WARS prequels. If you liked TRANSFORMERS. If you liked INDEPENDENCE DAY. If you liked either of the HELLBOYs or the HULKs. Now, please don't mistake me for saying these films are all comparatively alike. I'm simply saying, if you like that kind of stupid s#!t, here's some more. It's really not that much worse, even if it is a bit sloppier. This ain't no IRON MAN.
June 18, 2011, 4:14 p.m. CST
subtitles_off, we don't always see eye to eye
by Mattman
But you are 100% correct. When you translate a comic to live action, you need to eliminate the cartoony bullshit that may work in a comic. Who thought a giant racetrack with a hotwheel helicopter would be visually cool on film? Why didn't he just forge a net, instead of flinging the chopper dangerously around a racetrack? Stupidest thing I've seen this year.
June 18, 2011, 4:20 p.m. CST
Religious affiliations of superheroes...
by Immortal_Fish
Google is your friend. Cap is a protestant. Most superheroes are wasps. Even though most were created by jews. http://www.adherents.com/lit/comics/comic_book_religion.html Deal with it.
June 18, 2011, 4:25 p.m. CST
Daredevil is Catholic and the prequels are better than the O.T.
by JackSlater4
June 18, 2011, 4:27 p.m. CST
And I liked some parts of Sucker Punch quite a bit, something was definitely off though and I'm positive it's the PG-13 edits, the unrated blu-ray should be sweet.
by JackSlater4
June 18, 2011, 4:29 p.m. CST
Re : canned_dirty_ape
by Real Deal
Well I think you should provide proof of your claim as well. And what possible effect would one sort of positive review from Harry have on the public if there are so many bad ones? There's no logic to your idea at all.
June 18, 2011, 4:31 p.m. CST
All superheroes are Conservatives.
by Subtitles_Off
All of them are Americans or American-wanna-bes. (Even the Canadian mutants, the Wakandans, the fish-talkers, the Amazons, and the alien immigrants.) All of them are stoopid. (Batman's not a superhero. Except when written by Grant Morrison, and, then, he isn't Batman, either.) By the way, there's a new comic coming out with "the Batman of Africa," written by that asshole who used to be on MTV. What does that twat know about Africa? "The elephants in Africa are the ones with the bigger ears, right? Right? Anybody?"
June 18, 2011, 4:41 p.m. CST
by cool_britannia79
Not as often as i used to, but does anyone these days? My gripe isn't with Harry, his reviews have been worthless since 1999, in fact I find his enthusiastic reviews of shit films entertaining, like "I will re-watch this film 3 times for the superfluous 3 minute training scene" he said here. No, my gripe is with the surprisingly high number of talkbackers actually defending this cynical excuse for a movie. This was as hard a sell as Thor. Thor was a success, this was a mess.
June 18, 2011, 4:42 p.m. CST
by cool_britannia79
How is it a proven fact that this site does nothing for a film's BO.
June 18, 2011, 4:45 p.m. CST
by choonie
Every Harry review for the past year
June 18, 2011, 5:02 p.m. CST
As of today, there are 2 things nobody wants.
by Subtitles_Off
Snyder's Superman movie. And a Green Lantern sequel.
June 18, 2011, 5:07 p.m. CST
Re : canned_dirty_ape
by Real Deal
Sigh! Still waiting for proof not some wildass lame theory. You use yours. If they never come to this site and read Harry's reviews then when they see it on a package, trailer, or poster they'll say " Who the hell is that? Where's those thumbs up or down guys ". Your idea still doesn't hold water and you still have no proof.
June 18, 2011, 5:24 p.m. CST
Just saw it. The theater was nearly empty. Saturday's numbers are going to be even more anemic than Friday's. NO SEQUEL FOR YOU!!
by AzulTool
June 18, 2011, 5:36 p.m. CST
*Vomit Splatter*.........
by blackflowerX
Reading this shit almost made me die of cringing.<BR><BR> What this article needs is a film montage of Harry "fighting the battle to walk " Rockie style ,while being inspired by the green glow of his corporate freebie....
June 18, 2011, 5:36 p.m. CST
oh yeah, and...NO JUSTICE LEAGUE FOR YOU! (thank god)
by AzulTool
June 18, 2011, 5:50 p.m. CST
by BiggusDickus
Thank-you, my friend! My daughter is fairly neutral to the whole superhero thing (Disney Princesses are much more resonant right now), but we did sit through Flash Gordon (1980) and Burton's Batman and were very enthused! We will indeed check out 'First Flight'. Thanks for your reply!
June 18, 2011, 5:56 p.m. CST
Also, wierdo27...
by BiggusDickus
Nova as in Richard Rider? One of the occasional monthly US Marvel comics I read as a kid. Great, but we never got enough continuity to make him a favourite for me. Is there a definitive Nova story arc you can recommend?
June 18, 2011, 6:02 p.m. CST
Just saw it - it's a kids' movie for sure. And I'm fine with that.
by fustfick
I certainly would have liked more time spent on Oa with other Green Lantern monsters. And I really liked it when Peter Sarsgaard turned into Harry Knowles in the third act.
June 18, 2011, 6:02 p.m. CST
Superheroes are not conservatives! They're not political at al!
by darthwaz1
They're politically neutral! they aren't strong arms for the U.S. government. Shield, maybe so. Other than that, the X-men are not government affiliated, the Justice League sure aren't.
June 18, 2011, 6:04 p.m. CST
Oh, and it goes without saying we'll be checking out the movie in 3D later...
by BiggusDickus
Thanks again, my weird friend!
June 18, 2011, 6:05 p.m. CST
'Got proof of that bucko?" Yeah, it's called coming to this site with regularity.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
Something you obviously haven't done. Don't speak about things you have no idea about, sparky.
June 18, 2011, 6:12 p.m. CST
by Darth_Kaos
I saw this flick today, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but......the critics were right! The first 20 minutes and last 20 minutes were pretty solid. But the hour in the middle......awful....just awful. I have to say that Ryan was actually good, and by the end of the movie he was Hal. I won't go through my gripes.....but the Hammond character was totally unnecessary. It's a shame, they could have had an Ironman on their hands....what a wasted opportunity. But I don't blame the director....I blame the awful...awful script.....fuckin' christ I can't believe they greenlit that script. The writers and WB should eat shit and die for messing up my second favorite comic book character. You want to see why MARVEL is kicking DC's ass.......just watch GL. There will never be a JLA movie....ever!
June 18, 2011, 6:13 p.m. CST
darthwaz. They all use their muscles to enforce justice.
by Subtitles_Off
Sorry, but justice is a governmental concept. They are all in service of the status quo. Not one of them has ever used their abilities to do anything for anyone much beyond catching them from falling out of a skyscraper window. Superheroes reinforce male-dominant power fantasies. Even when the characters are female. Superheroes are ALL conservatives. None of them vote, maybe. But that's not a requirement.
June 18, 2011, 6:14 p.m. CST
You could do a lot worse for summer movie entertainment that "Green Lantern"
by Jim
Is it a flawed movie? Yes. Is it an entertaining movie? Definitely. The pacing was off throughout due to bad editing leading to truncated scenes. I expected a lot more from the composer. Some of the effects didn't sell. What did sell was Reynolds in the role. He was likeable and not-too-douchey and really made the most of what he was given to work with. Sarsgaard gave an eccentric, bizarre performance that was fairly unique and interesting to watch. The dead father backstory was weak. The scenes on Oa were wonderful. This movie needed much more Kilowog and Tomar-Re. The 'constructs' were fun, I thought Parallax was more than just "FF2 ripoff space cloud;" it was a pretty nasty and unpleasant customer and some of his 'money shots' were aces. The scene were GL reveals himself to Carol on the balcony was tops. Not perfect by any stretch, but far, far from the abomination in the eyes of God that was "Catwoman." That was the worst 'comic book' movie ever. With a different director and a more Oa-centric script, a sequel could be a good time. Hate if you have to, but I'm enjoying this summer's crop of popcorn flicks.
June 18, 2011, 6:15 p.m. CST
Re : sierratangofoxtrotuniform
by Real Deal
I've been coming to this site for quite a number of years now and I still don't buy the childish pablum I read posted by talkback haters. So I ask again bucko " Got any real proof ? " Because if you did you'd post it. Of course that would be big news but the truth is it's just you wanting to take a childish shot at Harry. I don't always agree with him but I respect him for saying what he felt about this film even though his other reviews didn't have the same opinion.
June 18, 2011, 6:18 p.m. CST
You Know The Thing IS..
by Real Deal
I haven't even seen this film yet. I might hate it also. But that's not the point.
June 18, 2011, 6:21 p.m. CST
darthwaz1, agreed
by Immortal_Fish
Superheroes should not be politically affiliated. Lifestyle, social circles, gender, race, creed, status -- all is open play. And it is fun to speculate given certain proclivities (e.g. Castle is a 2nd amendment aficionado, etc). But I'd honestly prefer those who shape the laws by which we must abide be wholly removed from the comic theater. Why tie a possibly enduring character to a fleeting ideology? Political parties change over time. They don't make Democrats like Harry Truman or Jack Kennedy anymore. Yes, even Ronald Reagan should not have pardoned the Hulk. It could have been handled that it was "A" president and that would have done it just nicely.
June 18, 2011, 6:34 p.m. CST
This is a good movie....IF you aren't a cynic
by cylon_conspiracy
If you are a cynic nothing is ever going to please you anyway, so don't bother going. Before I went to see it I was prepared to see the worst movie of all time, judging by TB'ers and general film reviews of it. I think maybe what people want is a darker, edgy, more gritty Green Lantern. This is not that. X-Men First Class was that, but GL, and Thor, are not edgy dark gritty movies made for film purists. They are comic book movies made so that both kids and adults can enjoy something fun and entertaining.
June 18, 2011, 6:44 p.m. CST
Re : cylon_conspiracy
by Real Deal
Excellent post!
June 18, 2011, 6:51 p.m. CST
re: re: cylon
by shiekybaby
if you go into almost any movie expecting to see the worst movie of all time, it will exceed your expectations. what if you go into it expecting to see an good summer super hero blockbuster with good effects and (most importantly) strong acting, dialog, and storyline?
June 18, 2011, 7:04 p.m. CST
by cylon_conspiracy
Then you will hopefully enjoy some good movies. I like your attitude.
June 18, 2011, 7:25 p.m. CST
by wierdo27
sorry, I can't recommend a Nova arc, although that is the one I mean. My brother is heavy into techy superheroes (weird, otherworldly tech), so that's the reason I suggested it...it's hard to keep up with the Marvel world- my favorites there are the Barry Windsor-Smith/Chris Claremont run of Uncanny X-Men. Seeing as how you are an AD 2000 fan, can you recommend any arcs for Dredd? Batman 89/Flash Gordon 1980...hmm...yeah, tonally, I'd say this falls near those movies, maybe a bit lighter in tone, going for more lighthearted than campy...I'd say, in tone...less Batman animated series, more Batman, the Brave and the Bold...maybe right in the middle. I think their intent was to go for the adolescent market, definitely not dark, but the setup leaves opportunity for some very interesting darker stuff to happen in the next - namely concerning Lively becoming Star Sapphire, which is alluded to by her pilot callsign and star on her helmet...Star Sapphire is a very interesting and adult concept, so, to put it in there is interesting. Can't speak for the 3D, even though I have friends who worked on it - saw it in 2D. Make sure you see it in a proper theater, I believe Cinemark Digital XD might be the standard for this, RealD projection is a little dark sometimes - personally I try to stay in IMAX for 3D, but I don't see many movies in 3D. but I may catch a matinee in 3D...curious to hear your review after the fact!
June 18, 2011, 7:55 p.m. CST
Real deal, he received a ring from the studios and then gave the film an overwhelmingly positive review.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
How do you explain that? None of the other reviewers here received anything. Hell, Quint took a shot at Harry in his review. The same thing happened with Godzilla, many Rodriguez films, and the countless screenings he hosts that happen to get good reviews here (Bad Teacher, Dylan Dog, etc.) He didn't have the same opinion as other critics because they didn't accept studio swag. If you really don't think Harry is on the take, you're either lying about coming here a lot or when you do, you fail to really read things. Hell, do a google search for the many articles detailing Harry's complete lack of integrity. Or you could just be a plant as that's been known to happen quite a few times here. Whatever, you do not know what you're talking about, "bucko".
June 18, 2011, 8:13 p.m. CST
Fatman Harry is the biggest plant, and shill there is, everyone knows this
by Nabster
Remember when he was doing product placement in his ads? He did it sooo fucking shamelessly, it was embarrassing. " So I was just playing Lego Star Wars on my Gameboy, when I started to gorge myself on a deepfried chicked for breakfast..." Would any other critic or journo, shame themselves, and destroy their crediblity, with putting over TWO DOZEN product ads in a review? Because that's what Harry did, this alone proves Harry has always been willing to be on the take. Harry Fats just a dying fatass, with a digsuting transexual GF, who will always sell out, because he is just pathetic fanboy at heart.
June 18, 2011, 8:26 p.m. CST
Why all the hate...
by Kaladrax
...I seriously don't get all the hate going around on this move. Is it perfect? No, but it is a solid first movie for Green Lantern and I found it to be very entertaining! Much better than most superhero fare.
June 18, 2011, 8:43 p.m. CST
I am just saying...make up your own minds...
by wierdo27
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_returns/ fanboys hated it because it strayed too far from the source material...just goes to show. can't please the fanboys.
June 18, 2011, 8:44 p.m. CST
Well, I haven't seen the movie
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
I bet it sucks.
June 18, 2011, 8:44 p.m. CST
Superman Returns: 76% certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
by wierdo27
so there ya go.
June 18, 2011, 8:48 p.m. CST
I haven't seen it and I already don't really like it
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
look at those effects. jeeeze. I don't like the style of the aliens. Or their planet. It looks crap imo. It looks so damn dull and artificial. And ugly. I actually don't mind the look of Green Lantern, cg suit and all. Well, the cg mask is a little weird. Couldn't they have used a rubber mask?
June 18, 2011, 8:58 p.m. CST
The effect and aliens were NOT the prob, in fact that part was awesome
by Nabster
It was delightfully cosmic and golden age. THis is what comic book movies should be like, big, epic, and weird. They should embrace their comic book roots. GL was decent in honesty. Maybe even good. It's worth a watch. It's better than THor. It has it's problems. But the Aliens are awesome, and so are the special effects.
June 18, 2011, 9:16 p.m. CST
I guess if the Corps look like that in the comics
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
then the movie creators had no choice. Yeah, they look weird. And goofy. And remind me of Jar Jar. Except Jar Jar was created by ILM and they clearly weren't.
June 18, 2011, 10:13 p.m. CST
Guess What?
by micturatingbenjamin
The critics are right: This isn't The Dark Knight. This isn't Superman. But, there's a reason GL isn't immediately the best known character in the DCU to people who don't know shit about comics. This is a necessary introduction to allow any flick that comes after to make any damn sense to non comics / cartoons people out there. I think this was a good intro movie, better than the first X-Men flick, with the 'Wolverine' part in the lead character. There was A LOT of 'show' and needed a little more 'tell' -- It did assume a lot of inference on the audience's part. I give the flick a -- you should see it if you like GL, or comics, it's not horrible. It's not the thing that DC's gonna use to beat the hell out of Marvel's summer flicks, but it's good. There are spaces you have to fill in with your own brain -- it looks like a shut of your brain flick -- which makes you pissed when you have to kind of try to understand motivations of people on the screen. People hating on this movie remind me of the folks on board that big ass space ship in Wall-E, wanting their superhero movies to put the sippy cup in their hands and spoon feed them every little thing going on inside the character's heads. The bad parts of this flick? It's a stock superhero movie. The good parts? Shit, anytime they're on Oa, and any time Ryan Reynolds is Green Lantern. Oh, and Skarsgaard is good as a Brundle-Fly type villain. He has a motivation -- but again, nothing is given enough screen time to develop. It's like someone took a prime rib of a movie and made it into fajitas. Tasty, but I know the full cut would have been better. See it or don't, but if we were buddies, I'd say see it at a matinee (not in 3d, it's not necessary).
June 18, 2011, 10:21 p.m. CST
My review, written before Harry's
by KnightShift
http://bit.ly/jy0RdQ And I thought it was pretty good as well. Mis-focused? Yeah. But still quite a lot of fun.
June 18, 2011, 10:29 p.m. CST
Green Lantern
by furnari5
I want my $23 back.
June 18, 2011, 10:41 p.m. CST
Just saw it
by Transhuman
There's nothing horrifyingly bad about it like critics would have you believe. I found it about as enjoyable and on par with Thor. Very average. So far this summer I've seen Thor, X-Men, Super 8, and Green Lantern. X-Men wins so far. More summer movies to go though!
June 18, 2011, 10:47 p.m. CST
Re : sierratangofoxtrotuniform
by Real Deal
OOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! He received a ring! Jesus grow up! Thnat's not proof of anything other than he got a ring. I'll bet he wasn't the only one. You need proof for an allegation.
June 18, 2011, 10:51 p.m. CST
If I Do A Google Search About Harry's Integrity...
by Real Deal
I'll bet it'll list comments made on this talkback forum.
June 18, 2011, 10:57 p.m. CST
Re : kaladrax
by Real Deal
" I seriously don't get all the hate going around on this move. " It's because they're jerks. Nothing really more to see about it.
June 18, 2011, 11 p.m. CST
Thia movie was pure nonsensical bad cheese with insaely bad editing!
by CeejayNightwing
Every Green Lantern can fly across galaxies and is protected in space by their ring yet the dying Green lantern in the opening needed a space ship? Hal flies millions of miles across space to ask the corps for help defeating an enemy they're already gearing up to fight and yet despite thousands of them shown in the beginning and the constructing of a secret weapon in the yellow ring, not one GL turns up to help? These are the guardians of the galaxy are they not? They put a mask on this guy to hide his identity yet he spends the entire film revealing that identity to almost everyone he knows even the villain. Worse still his girlfriend recognises him in 5 seconds flat despite his green make-up! This yellow menace is supposed to be ultra powerful yet it takes the entire movie to get across the galaxy to Earth which took the dying GL in a life pod 5 minutes! For an entity that lives and thrives on fear for its power, it doesn't even harvest that on any other worlds on its way through the movie! The thousands of other Green Lanterns on Oa were lazy in a worse fashion than the Jedi in Star Wars prequels, they did nothing despite the universe's supposed greatest threat moving at snails pace to destroy them. The entire collection of green constructs this guy made to fight throughout this film were ridiculously over the top to utterly stupid. A race car and track to stop a falling helicopter? Jet Planes with a body harness to help him defy the sun's gravity in SPACE!!??? You need to be 12 years old or a retard to give this film the thumbs up let alone claim it better than either Thor or X-men which had far superior narrative and presentation than this turd!
June 18, 2011, 11:02 p.m. CST
You just do that google search and see what you get.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
But then again, you've made it apparent that you're a kiss-ass apologist for Harry. Or maybe you had the chance to smell him up close and it was the single greatest moment in your life.
June 18, 2011, 11:09 p.m. CST
Oh wow! Harry likes a movie most other people don't like....
by Jaka
....crazy! Because that just NEVER happens! Ugh. Dude, you are so sadly predictable.
June 18, 2011, 11:38 p.m. CST
At one point I wondered...
by CreamCheeseAlchemist
Don't normal people show more surprise at aliens being real? Did Sinestro like Abin Sur that way, and it's not gay if they're aliens, right? If Hector Hammond can't use the ring, does that mean the original Anarky was Corps material all along? Dang, that's the Amanda Waller I want as an action figure. Do all new GL recruits have to prove themselves this way?
June 19, 2011, midnight CST
The Shadow is a great film...
by and thats the origin of that
I loved it when it came out, and still do. It's a ton of fun. X-Men: First Class was quite fun too. It was nice to see an X-Men movie where the final battle takes place in daylight. Green Lantern, though, looks like a movie made by committee instead of vision.
June 19, 2011, 12:01 a.m. CST
Uh... Genderbender...
by MaxThrust
Dude... it's only Saturday, so where are you getting your weekend estimate? Those generally don't appear until Sunday afternoon. Man... I really just hate people talking out of their ass without any facts or evidence - but, that's the story on AICN, YouTube, and god knows where else. Everybody has an opinion and are entitled to it - but please don't try and push it on other people if it has no roots in reality. However, I know that's a lot of wishful thinking and hot air. To fit in here, please insert any snide comments written in retardese on the following line (probably about Harry's sexual preferences towards Big Studio wang or some other inane crap): _____________________________.
June 19, 2011, 12:07 a.m. CST
Genderbender may be jumping the gun but he probably aint far wrong about the end result..
by CeejayNightwing
This film will need a miracle to haul back the reported $300 million they wasted on it. Even if the budget was half that, it would struggle to make another buck in the 2nd week and beyond after all the bad word of mouth it'll have to carry into battle with Cars 2, Transformers and Harry potter!
June 19, 2011, 1:25 a.m. CST
by Everette Hartsoe
How could any recommend this turd
June 19, 2011, 1:43 a.m. CST
by midgarddragon
Anyone who has anything negative to say about Harry's liking of the film or this review in general is a straight-up asshole. There's nothing alright about attacking a man after he bares his soul like Harry did, especially hating on someone going through such an intense ordeal as Harry is. In short, don't be a jackass just because you don't like the movie and Harry does.
June 19, 2011, 1:50 a.m. CST
Green Lantern was better than X-Men First Class
by Ye Not Guilty
I don't see how critics can drool all over xmen and then take a crap on GL. Personally I preferred Thor over both of them, but GL is hardly a bad movie. Honestly, I thought the filmmakers did a great job considering the source material. I'm a Green Lantern fan but the source material is not terribly easy to adapt to film.
June 19, 2011, 3:06 a.m. CST
Green Lantern Review/Lime Lampshades
by BlueLando
I reviewed Green Lantern. Worth a read, but it's designed only to make you go in with an open mind - http://aintitbalenews.com/node/1271. And here's Page 3 of Lime Lampshades, a four page prequel to the Death Boy webcomic created in the style of Green Lantern - http://www.wevolt.com/Death_Boy/reader/episode/3/page/3/
June 19, 2011, 5:20 a.m. CST
immortal fish
by Continentalop
Are you implying I said Cap was Jewish? Where the hell did I say that? I said his CREATORS were Jewish. I seriously doubt a pair of inner city Jews would have created a CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN character, considering that diehard Christians do not think Jews go to heaven or that they would make a character whose views they would totally disagree with (both were New Deal Democrats and very liberal for that period). If anything Cap is normally depicted as irreligious, as almost any comic book characters are normally are because, you know, you don't want to accidentally upset any of your readers own personal beliefs. And yeah, a lot of Jewish comic writers and artist have used Christian imagery (Superman as Christ-figure came years after he first appeared however; he originally was part Moses, part Jewish Messiah, and part Golem, plus a lot of other shit), but they never had any of their character espouse Christianity or even endorse it. It's one thing to using Christian imagery it is another thing to say they are pushing a Christian message. As for Cap now being a Protestant, while I have no problem with it, that was something later writers added, way past the Kirby/Simon days or even Kirby/Lee days (same with them making Ben Grimm Jewish in honor of Kirby; if anything Kirby probably imagined Ben as a Catholic since he was based on Kirby's hero, James Cagney). Class dismissed, Immortal fish.
June 19, 2011, 5:26 a.m. CST
Subs, you really should read early Superman
by Continentalop
Superman in 1938, 1939 & 1940 is NOT a conservative. He is a rebel rousing liberal. Does he uphold the law sometimes? Yes, but he doesn't also doesn't obey it or respect authority, and actual believes in a greater morality. In very short span in his first couple of years he stops the execution of a wrongfully accused man by busting into the Governor's house, fights cops, beats up a wife beater, takes on military industry, tackles political corruption, and even gets a greedy businessman to see the error of his ways by having him get trapped in his own shoddy mine. Superman was without a doubt a New Deal Lib when he first appeared (I mean, he's also a reporter!).
June 19, 2011, 5:32 a.m. CST
A couple more Superman facts
by Continentalop
They also published a story about what if Superman existed in the real world, and they had Superman go and arrest Hitler and Stalin in 1940 (so he definitely tackled real world issues). And the radio problem carried over a lot of his liberalism by having him tackle the KKK ("Clan of the Fiery Cross"), anti-Semitism ("The Hate-Monger") and even political and police corruption. So maybe all super heroes nowadays are conservative, but that definitely wasn't always the case.
June 19, 2011, 6:02 a.m. CST
Superman is also a DICK.
by KilliK
June 19, 2011, 6:32 a.m. CST
Just got back from watching it, I'll give it a D+
by ganymede3010
Then reason I'm reluctant to give it a failing grade is because Ryan Reynolds did the best he could with the deplorable script he had to weather. This movie could of been phenomenal. In the hands of the right director this will be a top-tier franchise capable of doing 800 million +. The movie had it's moments but after the first 1/3rd it completely fell apart. Whoever did the editing should be castrated. You can tell they cut a-lot of scenes from this film in hopes of sanitizing it. With an A-list director this franchise will obliterate each and every superhero franchise on the market. The Green Lantern has boundless potential, I really hope they get the second one right.
June 19, 2011, 6:36 a.m. CST
Oh, and seeing the TF3 trailer in 3-D "XD" was incredible!
by ganymede3010
I'm going on the record now and predicting this movie will eclipse the 1 billion dollar barrier. And I'm predicting 70% or more on the Tomato-meter. To those who have had the privilege of seeing a movie in 3-D XD didn't it appear to be leaps and bounds better than IMAX? Hell, no wonder with IMAX have slapped them with a lawsuit. XD-3D > IMAX 3-D!
June 19, 2011, 6:50 a.m. CST
Genderblender, X-MEN was not a box office failure.
by ganymede3010
The movie is currently sitting at 245 million worldwide. This film has breached the most pivotal mark it was set out to achieve. And that's to regain credibility to a dilapidated franchise. I don't know why you're trying so hard to debase such a remarkable film. Despite your disillusionment this franchise has been "profitable". Lastly, this movie will perform extraordinarily well in the DVD-BLU-RAY market.
June 19, 2011, 6:53 a.m. CST
Actually, I liked it too. (Surprisingly)
by ToughGuyRizzo
And Some of fav films are ESB, Alien, Blade Runner, Manhattan, Heat and some of the Marx Brothers flicks. I see it getting a sequel. Not The Dark Knight, but not a shitfest the other AICN writers are saying it is. Honestly, TRON: Legacy was worse. Thank you Asian bootleg dvd guy who comes into my bar!
June 19, 2011, 6:59 a.m. CST
by Transhuman
Why is it exactly that you are rooting for superhero movies to fail? And I hadn't gotten any impression that X-Men was a box office failure. Also someone else said it but we got a day to go before the weekend is over, so we can't know Green Lantern's total yet.
June 19, 2011, 7:15 a.m. CST
wow a lot of apology for the movie in the last posts
by KilliK
that bad huh?
June 19, 2011, 7:18 a.m. CST
Seriously though, why the hell did this movie get a $300 million budget?
by Transhuman
That's a set up for failure. I wouldn't even give Superman or Batman that kind of money, and people actually know who they are. Maybe WB got carried away after Dark Knight's profit, but what a dumb move. How many movies actually make that kind of money back?
June 19, 2011, 7:22 a.m. CST
@canned_dirty_ape two word: SCOTT PILGRIM
by KilliK
the end
June 19, 2011, 7:23 a.m. CST
So this movie is recommendable even though the 3D is nothing special?
by VicenzoV
What's the movie with amazing 3d then... Transformers?
June 19, 2011, 7:23 a.m. CST
@transhuman well TRON:L did got its 300m back
by KilliK
that's why it's considered a major hit.NOT.
June 19, 2011, 7:31 a.m. CST
Did TRON Legacy break even?
by Transhuman
It's just that even the hits will hardly make you a profit with that kind of budget. They'll never want to make a Green Lantern movie after this, they're about to lose a ton of money. Then they'll be afraid to make a Flash or JL movie and so on. I saw a report that they're giving Snyder's Superman a $175 million budget. Even if it's not huge, they'll make that back and if it hits they'll make a ton. Why they couldn't take that approach with a much lesser known character like Green Lantern is beyond me.
June 19, 2011, 7:34 a.m. CST
is the 300m budget/marketing rumor even true?
by KilliK
there are no official facts which backup this statement,so it remains only a rumor.
June 19, 2011, 7:44 a.m. CST
Anyone hear the one about Zatara?
by CreamCheeseAlchemist
He brokered a peace settlement between two alien queens by getting them to marry each other during the Golden Age of Comics.
June 19, 2011, 7:46 a.m. CST
I saw it in Bootleg D
by ToughGuyRizzo
And it was a decent movie. I can see whey 3-D would add to it, but it wasnt necessary. If you're talking a 300 mil budget, alot must have went into 3-D and CGI. However, Sarsgard's makeup was a bit laughable. You don't need 3-D to make a good movie. It'll be good on it's own if it's done well. 3-D is only a plus in that case. But if they don't break even, oh well. It's not like they're doing what Marvel has been doing to set up the Avengers.
June 19, 2011, 8:49 a.m. CST
It's amazing the way the contemporary American brain works.
by Subtitles_Off
If you have high expectations, enjoy originality and artfulness, refuse to dumb yourself down, you are a cynic. If, however, you swallow stupid s#!t whole and continually make apologies for stuff you know is weak ("Oh, it's good enough for summer!"), then you've got a good attitude and you enjoy life. You dumb little fukks have got it ALL backwards. Expect MORE, not less. That's how culture grows. Enjoy what pleases you, not just any hyped thing because you refuse to develop any discernment. Have fun but never at the expense of your intelligence. That's not attractive. It's obnoxious, really. You embarrass your parents. And, you're always breaking other peoples' s#!t at Spring Break. Clean up your own vomit. Dig GREEN LANTERN, if you're going to, but keep it to yourself. Because people will make fun of you. People are cruel. Nobody can tell me I'm not a movie fan or, worse, the wrong kind of movie fan, because I have far different standards. And, I can't tell you that, either. I can, however, say with certainty, if you like GREEN LANTERN, you like really lousy, garish, nonsensical, poorly-made movies. Deal with that.
June 19, 2011, 8:55 a.m. CST
by ToughGuyRizzo
What the fuck are you so angry about? I'm a fan of movies like Heat, Manhattan, Blade Runner. Spaced. All kinds of shit. GL to me was decent. Not the Godfather II, but after I read all the flack GL as getting, I watched it and it wasn't all that bad. If people like a flick u DONT like, what the fuck are you gonna do about it? Not a fuckin' thing. Just type really-really upset shit? That's all ya got....? FUCKFACE. Now type something. Like I told you to.
June 19, 2011, 9:01 a.m. CST
Bibleman. How many times do you need to be told...
by Subtitles_Off
This Marvel vs. DC movies crap is juvenile and childish. It's the argument of fukktards. "Who'd win in a fight, dude? Captain America or Martian Manhunter?" Batman. Batman and-or Superman. Most of the Marvel movies have been only middling successes. Right up there with your teen slashers and your cinematic break-dancers. Lesser than your sparkly vampires. Only Spider-man and Iron Man have competed on the same level as Batman and Superman at the movies. In the first case, it's because he's the only truly mainstream hero in the Marvel mythology, and, in the second case, because the film-makers managed to make a soufflé out of curds. I'll say it again: GREEN LANTERN, as a film, is only sloppier than the HULK films, THOR, or any X-MEN. It's no worse. They're ALL bad movies. Stop bringing up superhero movies, in general, as if they're lighting the world on fire. Take away THOR's 60% 3D upcharge for opening weekend, and you've got serious penis shrinkage. Realize, regardless of the qualities you may find in X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, most people don't share your view, because most people will never see it. Fewer people will see it than saw WOLVERINE, for fukksake. That's the truth.
June 19, 2011, 9:03 a.m. CST
Utter shit and a wste of money
by Paul Paradis
$200 million dollar budget flushed straight down the toilet. Bad special effects that looked worse than a made for tv movie, a horrible script and story, and really bad acting made this almost unwatchable. This shitfest is worse than Joel Schumacher's Batman & Robin. Hopefully this kills any future plans for this dull, worthless character.
June 19, 2011, 9:04 a.m. CST
No DICKFACE, The INCREDIBLE HULK was great
by ToughGuyRizzo
Motherfuckin troll. Name some flicks that you think are quality/standard and we'll debate. Remember, you started the name calling. I picked this SN for a reason. Bring it.
June 19, 2011, 9:21 a.m. CST
I'm not angry about anything. I'm amused.
by Subtitles_Off
And, I don't need to name myself "toughguy" to suggest I'm a tough guy. What are you gonna do about it, frat-boy? You gonna type names at my AICN handle? You gonna get real angry and type FUCKFACE in all capital letters? Defensive, much? You like BLADE RUNNER and MANHATTAN? THAT makes you an expert? At what, exactly? Ooh, ooh. Me too. Me too. I've seen BLADE RUNNER, MANHATTAN, and HEAT. Ooh. Ooh. And, I know the difference between those and GREEN LANTERN. Ooh. Ooh. What do I win? You can't challenge me, idiot. One, because the outcome would be meaningless to both of us. (Mostly me, though.) And, two, because I've seen more than a thousand movies in my lifetime. You typed some stupid s#!t about cynicism and people who don't really like movies. And I called you on it. Not you, personally, but your weak, malformed idea, which I wouldn't even credit you with because you've just borrowed it from all your drooling frat buddies. Nobody likes being called stupid. But, if the shoe fits, you oughtta try smartening your ass up. You do that by challenging yourself, not by picking fights or going to bad movies.
June 19, 2011, 9:36 a.m. CST
by ToughGuyRizzo
I've seen more than a thousand movies.
June 19, 2011, 9:37 a.m. CST
by Subtitles_Off
June 19, 2011, 9:45 a.m. CST
You talked SHIT 1st
by ToughGuyRizzo
Ppl on here talkbacked and said they mostly disliked GL. You, motherfucker, STO had to talk shit. You got any reason for posting what you did? Like did any talkbacker lash out at out? Man up. Dont hide behind the laptop. And as for Frat Boy? I'm from the Bronx. I'm not in a "Frat." If you ever wanna challenge what I just said, I'll invite you to my bar. I'm calling you out.
June 19, 2011, 9:53 a.m. CST
Finding critics
by Dradis Contact
<p>The trick to using the opinions of critics is to find one who explains their opinion in terms that other people can understand. At least, that way, you know you're getting an honest opinion. Critics' opinions are no good if they rely on some emotional connection peculiar to them.</p> <p>Honest opinions are is useful whether you always agree or not. In some ways, it's more interesting to read a review I respect and don't agree with. Mick LaSalle, Stephen Greydanus, and Filthy are good critics. Although it looks like Filthy has stopped writing reviews.</p>
June 19, 2011, 9:54 a.m. CST
Went to the midnight w/ 8 people- we all had a good time
by Nathaniel Scott
We varied from GL newbs to comic book geeks, and all of us to varying degrees had an overall positive experience. There was a great movie buried under some excess. Soundtrack almost tanked it for me a few times, as it sounded like an 80's tv soundtrack. After the reviews of the day before, I had been prepared to dislike it but with my expectations lowered to the ground level it never got to the point that I gave up on it. And the stuff that worked really worked. I thought the costumes took full advantage of the medium, for instance. If the costumes are ring constructs, it made a great deal of sense to present them how they did as dynamic manifestations. And I understand there's a lot out there to see, but this one of those that is so greatly enhanced by the theatrical experience it would be a shame to miss on the big screen, whereas bridesmaids (fun as it was, is not going to be diminished by waiting for the dvd/bluray release).
June 19, 2011, 9:54 a.m. CST
by Dradis Contact
there can be only one
June 19, 2011, 10:59 a.m. CST
I cant wait for the This aint GL: XXX Parody
by KilliK
you all know what the green ring of power is going to be..
June 19, 2011, 11:35 a.m. CST
Good for you, Harry
by FeralAngel
Kudos for having the cajones to say what you think. That's what this site is for, isn't it? And it's great that others are allowed to say what they think here, as long as hate speech (however you define that) isn't involved. Haven't seen GL yet, but I might give it a go after reading your review. True, you were dead wrong about Astro Boy, (no, haven't forgotten that) but a friend of mine at work saw GL and said that while there wasn't enough character development in it, he still had a good time. That's all I ask out of a movie.
June 19, 2011, 12:04 p.m. CST
Re :canned_dirty_ape
by Real Deal
With all respect to Harry you're over stateing his importance. People look to other reviewers more than Harry Knowles. It's just the geeks like us. I'll talk to a lot of people at work who don't even know who he is. My proof that you're wrong so far is that you have no proof. It's stuff coming out of your head. That's not proof.
June 19, 2011, 12:17 p.m. CST
Re : sierratangofoxtrotuniform
by Real Deal
Ok did a google search and first up a opinion piece by one guy about the site that didn't seem to focus on what you're talking about. It talk about the sites integrity from another angle ( about it taking risks not about being paid off ) but I didn't seem to see anything about what you're talking about. And for all of you who think this site is so influencial the author called it " A small site ". This is one guys opinion with nothing about what you're talking about. The rest of the hits weren't about what you were talking about also. Perhaps since the burden of proof is on you maybe you'd like to do your own search, tell how you did so I can come up with the same results, and there has to be several to credible.
June 19, 2011, 12:21 p.m. CST
Oh! And My Apologies...
by Real Deal
That article the " Harry Knowles Integrity " search came up with was writen by a woman not a guy.
June 19, 2011, 12:24 p.m. CST
Re : bibleman
by Real Deal
I've never known conservatives not to speak up! Ever! But you're very right. This isn't the place to discuss this.
June 19, 2011, 12:35 p.m. CST
Re : canned_dirty_ape
by Real Deal
I'd love to see your " Proof " but your link didn't work and also you need more than one opinion. Just because one person may agree with you ( if you'll correct the address I'll look ) doesn't mean you have proof that Harry gets paid by studios to do positive reviews. And yes when a person makes an allegation they have to have something to back it up with. So my proof can be you have no proof from the get go. The burden of proof is on the one who makes the allegation. Jesus didn't you ever take a debate class in school?
June 19, 2011, 12:41 p.m. CST
Green Lantern was BORING AS HELL, and this from a guy that liked Daredevil
by Curious_Jorge
I'm sorry, but even the third act rally wasn't enough to save this movie. Peter Sarsgaard's motivation for being evil is that he had a crush on a girl that didn't pan out? so you're going to destroy the world because of it? So effing lame. Ryan Reynolds' Hal Jordan seems to make leaps in understanding. The character arc is there, but the script doesn't connect enough of the dots to make it plausible or interesting. How did GL know where the council was? He makes his appeal to them, and you're expecting them to say, "I'm sorry, but who are you?" The maverick vs. the stodgy council; it's so cliched. Another thing -- why does GL suddenly burst through the wall when Sarsgaard is attacking a few people inside a secure military facility? How did he know it was showtime, and where to find Sarsgaard? Actually, I didn't mind it because it meant we were in the third act and the movie was almost over, so really, I let that one pass. Tim Robbins is terrible in this movie. He has a big, shit-eating grin on his face most of the time, and he's just not old enough to play Sarsgaard's father, anyway. His character was completely unnecessary. Sarsgaard is horribly deformed, and nobody recoils in horror at the sight of him. WTF? I just don't even know where to start to attack the script, because the whole thing was just bad. Parallax easily kills a half dozen for the finest GL's (who have no strategy, but stupidly run right at him), but can't defeat the noob Hal Jordan. The script is riddled with stupidity. This movie was just LAME LAME LAME LAME LAME.
June 19, 2011, 12:41 p.m. CST
Real Deal, you're obviously not only new to AICN, but to the internet in general.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
Either that or you're suspiciously determined to defend Harry. Are you a relative, or a plant? It's rare to have to post links since google does most of the work, so it's a testament to either your complete internet noobness or your intentional refusal to accept the truth about your hero that I have to do so. http://www.filmthreat.com/features/159/ Probably the most informative story about Knowles and his "integrity".
June 19, 2011, 12:56 p.m. CST
Re : canned_dirty_ape
by Real Deal
Well I found the article on my own and most of the stuff there talks about what influence Harry doesn't have ( kind of like calling him an upstart not really supportive of your allegation ). Here's a sample in that article from David Polland : " I care about what he prints… whether it is really honest… and how his high-profile actions affect the way the studios perceive the internet. I also care about the corrosive effect of Ain't It Cool and other rumor sites on traditional media, which allows its standards for entertainment coverage to be lowered because most editors don't really think that entertainment reporting is real reporting. Ain't It Cool has forever taken the position that they are not trying to be journalists. They are a "fan based opinion site."" Ok so they don't respect AICN. Not for taking bribes but for other issues. Where's your proof? Perhaps you'd like to point it out to me? The long and the short of it is regular media sites really don't go for the geekyness of AICN. That's not unusual in itself as a geek you must know from life how people who tend to look down their nose at us. Even though being a geek is more in fashion now there's still an undeserved stigma.
June 19, 2011, 1:04 p.m. CST
nobody likes comic books any more
by Shermdawg
The reason nobody likes comics any more is because nobody can find them without trekking over to a designated geek haven. If the comic industry hadn't targeted the market towards collectors with crossovers and variants out the ass in the 90's, which pretty much forced them into becoming a niche medium, people would still be buying a stack for their kids (or themselves) at the local pharmacy/mini mart. Ditch paper quality, lower the prices, and bring back the racks, the interest would return.
June 19, 2011, 1:11 p.m. CST
Fangeeks live in a totally fabricated world where they imagine that the things they like and the things the general public like are the same thing.
by Shermdawg
If some of these properties....like say X-men for instance, had been properly adapted straight out the gate, it probably would've been even more popular. There's much more to the property than Wolverine and civil rights, but you wouldn't know it because there has yet to be a live action offering that allows for more than a handful of characters a chance to shine.
June 19, 2011, 1:12 p.m. CST
Why the hell aren't quotations showing up in the subject line?
by Shermdawg
June 19, 2011, 1:14 p.m. CST
Comic book require you to READ. That is why they're dying out.
by Shermdawg
Uh, that's not the reason. They've already died out. Years ago. And it was the publishers own doing.
June 19, 2011, 1:14 p.m. CST
Re : sierratangofoxtrotuniform
by Real Deal
Well according to you I'm new to AICN or the internet ( if they hired someone to defend Harry you's have thought they would pick someone better informed ). Well I'm not new to either. In that article it's more allegation without proof of course. Tell me was Harry the only critic to recieve free stuff from the studios? If he was you might have something. That and a positive review isn't really proof. In doing my own search for stuff the worst I seem to be coming up with is that tradition reviewers don't respect him. That's not proof of your allegation. The bottom line is Harry gives reviews you don't agree with so you make up stuff to discredit him. If he really wanted to influence the outcome of GL why did he allow all of the negative reviews on the same site? By the way I've been surfing the web since 1995. How long has it been for you?
June 19, 2011, 1:19 p.m. CST
$102 million opening weekend for X3 is a pretty good indication X-men is mainstream.
by Shermdawg
Just as mainstream as any other film that brings in that sort of dough. Do you really think fanboys pull that much of the gross!? Fuck no.
June 19, 2011, 1:27 p.m. CST
Also, you're overlooking the fact that we're the gaming generation.
by Shermdawg
Even on a casual level, people would have some form of knowledge of Marvel's merry mutants.
June 19, 2011, 1:53 p.m. CST
The name "X-Men" is known to the mainstream, that's all the matters
by Continentalop
Ask a woman of any age to name ten members of the Dallas Cowboys and it is very doubtful she could, but she most certainly heard of the team. Same thing with the X-Men. Most people can't name 3 mutants, let alone ten, but they do recognize the name, and name recognition is a big factor in helping mainstream audiences chose which movie they will see.
June 19, 2011, 1:55 p.m. CST
My review of Green Lantern: C+
by Orbots Commander
At first I had no plans of seeing this, then I relented to the cajoling of a few buddies. The plan was to grab some good Mexican food, down some Dos Equis and sangria, then with bellies full, waddle over to the local mega-plex to catch Green Lantern, and at worst, MST3K it, if it was as awful as reported. And at the end of the movie, we looked around and said, 'You know, it wasn't great, but it wasn't that bad'. In fact, a few things really worked about it. That said, over all, it's a totally disposable popcorn picture, and zero re-watchability. Also had an awful, awful film score. Somebody wake up John Williams, because this film needed him. Biggest reason Green Lantern works, because it really had no reason to: Ryan Reynolds. The guy really gives it his all. Yeoman effort on his part. My biggest gripe: can we please stop now with amorphous cloud villains? They're not interesting or compelling in the least. At all. So stop. Right now.
June 19, 2011, 1:57 p.m. CST
the 300 million budget is a myth
by Ye Not Guilty
The general consensus is that GL had a 200 million budget.
June 19, 2011, 1:58 p.m. CST
The US Illiteracy rate is at 99%
by Continentalop
So we are tied in the 20th spot with a bunch of other nations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_literacy_rate And if the illiteracy rate is climbing so much genderbender, it would actually help comic book sales: it was the reading material of choice for 6-8 year olds and semi-literate adults in the 40s.
June 19, 2011, 1:59 p.m. CST
Are you intentionally blind, real deal?
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
The bottom line is Harry gives reviews you don't agree with so you make up stuff to discredit him.
June 19, 2011, 2:01 p.m. CST
As far as box office goes....
by Orbots Commander
Not sure how it's going to go over, to be honest. Our theater wasn't deserted, but it wasn't packed either. Just sort of half full. Not a good sign for opening weekend for this movie, on a Saturday night. Also, we were all irritated that the theater essentially forces you into a 3D showing, by making the 2D screening as inconvenient as possible, by providing only one 2D show time a day, really late at night. Talk about a racket....
June 19, 2011, 2:03 p.m. CST
Good god, this damn site butchered my post.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
June 19, 2011, 2:04 p.m. CST
Harry Knowles' integrity. I can't believe this is even a debate.
by Subtitles_Off
It ranks right up there with "Is GREEN LANTERN as bad as they all say it is?" Or, "Who's stronger? Hulk or Superman?" There's no proof that Harry takes bribes or that Hollywood gives him promotional crap in order to bribe him. These things cannot be empirically measured. These things are unimportant. Besides... Harry doesn't have to prove his integrity to anybody. Especially any of us who hang out in his mud puddle. Harry isn't a reviewer, people. He's an enthusiastic fanboy. That's all he is. And, that's enough. He's never even attempted to write anything about anything that would make sense to anyone from any other point of view than that. He's a geek. An over-excited geek. And, from that enthusiasm, he created this website. Which has no more and no less bearing on the success or failure of film or pop culture than any other website. Despite their own self-view, geeks are not in charge of the Earth. Everyone, with any sense, knows this. If Harry wants to compare struggling through spinal surgery to comic book hoo-ha, then, alrighty --- so be it. Good googly-mooglies. I think it's silly. You might think it's silly. We could start our own websites, then. Enthusiasm. Emotionalism. That's what Harry gives you. Demand integrity from Obama and Boehner. That's their job.
June 19, 2011, 2:06 p.m. CST
I think you mean 'literacy rate', continentalflop.
by SierraTangoFoxtrotUniform
If the US were 99% illiterate...well, we'd have bigger problems than a crap GL movie and a studio-bought Harry review.
June 19, 2011, 2:09 p.m. CST
Obama's destruction of the economy.
by Subtitles_Off
Sorry, foolish man. The destruction of the economy still belongs to Reagan and Clinton, two guys who practically wallowed in good times while their cronies fucked the future. The destruction of the economy belongs to the economists. The bankers. The lawyers who showed the bankers all the loopholes. The gamblers. And that guy who founded Walmart. You just hate Obama because he's a Democrat, and you're jealous that he's smarter than the last Republican idjit who held the office. Besides, it's Sunday. You've got a Bible to read. Go read it.
June 19, 2011, 2:10 p.m. CST
shermdawg, you're right, but you forgot one thing...
by Subtitles_Off
comic books, generally, are pretty darned stupid.
June 19, 2011, 2:10 p.m. CST
by Continentalop
Obviously I'm not in that 1% of literate people. Fuck, I need more coffee...
June 19, 2011, 2:16 p.m. CST
Subs, what is wrong with DC vs Marvel arguments?
by Continentalop
Its like the comic book version of "Who would win, Muhammed Ali or Joe Lewis" or "Which team was better, the '85 bears or the '76 Steelers?" Hell, people are doing it now with Pac-Man and Mayweather because they can't get a fight arranged to settle it for real. Sure, they are imaginary characters, but it is a very natural question for people to debate.
June 19, 2011, 2:17 p.m. CST
Also, sherm, not to be argumentative, but
by Subtitles_Off
neither THOR nor X-MEN are likely to make $200 million domestically (BoxOfficeMojo.com), and that, like it or not, is the industry's mark of a big hit. Yes, I'll say it again. Middling. HELLBOY numbers. Is anyone demanding another HELLBOY movie? Um, no. Does that mean no one liked HELLBOY? Um, no. And, that's OK. It's only the people who want to believe THOR and X-MEN are the greatest, bestest, biggest, mostest awesomest things, like, ever, who are even arguing that those movies are successful by those standards. Hollywood thinks its Summer of Superheroes has been a bomb so far. And, that's all that matters to them.
June 19, 2011, 2:17 p.m. CST
Subs: comic books, generally, are pretty darned stupid.
by Continentalop
I wouldn't even say "generally."
June 19, 2011, 2:18 p.m. CST
GL = Nu Trek. FACT.
by KilliK
because from what i am reading from the various reviews,both movies seem to share the same flaws like excessive fanservice to appeal to the fans,cliche hero journey arc,a story filled with plotholes and logical inconsistencies because it rushes to make the egoistic and reluctant protagonist who is doing everything with his own way into the likable,responsible and now mature hero,very weak villains put only in the movie because the hero needs some villain to fight and jokes just thrown randomly in the movie for some quick laughs for the audience oh and ofc because the movie is made for fun,it is all about the fun. that is the impression that i am getting.
June 19, 2011, 2:25 p.m. CST
'Lop. It's a natural question for children to debate.
by Subtitles_Off
And, it's fun, but it is also pointless and silly. You said it yourself. There's a difference between imaginary characters and real boxers. The traditional debates about real athletes in real athletic competition used to have significance beyond the bragging rights of the athletes and their bank accounts. The debates extended into areas of politics, religion, ethnicity. The debates reflected attitudes about things other than strength and championship belts. That's why an entire nation was involved in the Ali-Joe Louis debate, and why only fighting fans care today about Pac-Man and Mayweather. Did I say the debate was wrong? I must've mis-spoke. I meant the debate, as pertaining to whose comic book character has bigger muscles, was dumb.
June 19, 2011, 2:27 p.m. CST
Going to see GL tonight.....
by thot
My guess is I will enjoy it. Cynical haters notwithstanding.
June 19, 2011, 2:27 p.m. CST
Eh, what's a hundred million dollars? More or less?
by Subtitles_Off
They spent $200 million dollars on a huge, green, steaming turd. And we want teachers to take a pay-cut.
June 19, 2011, 2:30 p.m. CST
Hey, I admit it is dumb
by Continentalop
But you know me Subs, I love a dumb, pointless debate...
June 19, 2011, 2:30 p.m. CST
'Lop, I'm trying to equivocate more and pronounce less.
by Subtitles_Off
My success comes and goes.
June 19, 2011, 2:32 p.m. CST
subtitles_off: Comparing Thor and X1C to Hellboy?!
by Carl XVI Gustaf
Hellboy had a domestic gross of $59,623,958 and $99,318,987 internationally. Hellboy 2: domestic $75,986,503. International $160,388,063. Thor: D $176,111,000. I $435,214,354 X1C: D $119,925,000. I $282,025,000 And those two are still bringing in money. Sequels are coming, don't worry.
June 19, 2011, 2:33 p.m. CST
killik, it is "a clichéd hero's arc." And it's the exact same arc
by Subtitles_Off
that a lot of GL-bashers will be proclaiming as brilliant when CAPTAIN AMERICA opens. Of course, sandwiched in between the "greatest 3D ever" movie and HARRY POTTER, CAPTAIN AMERICA just might be the biggest box office bust of the bunch.
June 19, 2011, 2:36 p.m. CST
gustaf, you really gotta adjust those numbers fort inflation and, in the case of THOR, the up-charge.
by Subtitles_Off
Asses in seats. Asses in seats. Box Office is meaningless until they count the asses in the seats.
June 19, 2011, 2:37 p.m. CST
It's what we do, 'Lop. It's what we do.
by Subtitles_Off
Dumb and pointless.
June 19, 2011, 2:38 p.m. CST
Sequels. How's that working out for ya, Marvel Zombies?
by Subtitles_Off
Wanna talk Spidey 3? How 'bout Iron Man 2? Sequels are coming! Run, citizens, run! Sequels will touch you with their tentacles of CGI diarrhea!
June 19, 2011, 2:41 p.m. CST
Living Up The Ass, with Bibleman.
by Subtitles_Off
What did you expect? He's Bibleman, for fuck's sake.
June 19, 2011, 2:45 p.m. CST
subtitles_off, you're right, it's not the money that counts.
by Carl XVI Gustaf
They make sequels depending on asses (Which certainly is true with TF3 and POTC:GTUYTENGDT or something). Still hope GL isn't as bad as most people say...
June 19, 2011, 2:48 p.m. CST
I hope you enjoy it more than you expect to, gustaf.
by Subtitles_Off
But, I gotta say, I think it's even worse than people say. The only hope left for my summer is THE RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES BEGINS: THE FIRST CHIMPAVENGER. That's gonna hurt me a whole lot more than GREEN LANTERN ever could.
June 19, 2011, 2:54 p.m. CST
Remember when $100 was Blockbuster status?
by iceman199
Now it's considered mildly successful, depending on the cost to make the movie.
June 19, 2011, 2:55 p.m. CST
Ummm...$100 million
by iceman199
June 19, 2011, 3:20 p.m. CST
100 million today isn't 100 million 20 years ago
by antonphd
it's not even 100 million 10 years ago in all fairness though, most people who watch movies in theaters are not earning as much money as they were 10 or 20 years ago, so, to spend the money to go to the movies means that the movie has to be worth it most of the audience for a movie making 100 million is kids. and kids today don't have the disposable income they used to have 20 years ago and they have to spend a lot of the money they might have on things nobody had to spend money on 20 years ago such as mobile phones. so, when a movie earns 100 million today, i think it's probably as successful as it would have been earning 100 million even 20 years ago.
June 19, 2011, 3:24 p.m. CST
subtitles_off - obama has destroyed america
by antonphd
look around. see all of the people dying on the streets. the dogs that have taken over cities. the zombies eating children.
June 19, 2011, 3:32 p.m. CST
It's true, anton.
by Subtitles_Off
We're on the brink. Every single day. Even Paul Revere, riding through the zombie infested streets in a Hummer, telling all the British they can't have our guns couldn't save us now. Turns out Democracy was a pussy. Socialism kicked its ass while we were all watching The Kardashians and listening to Taylor Swift.
June 19, 2011, 3:36 p.m. CST
anton, that "movies have to be worth something because they cost so much"
by Subtitles_Off
might mean something if everything didn't cost so much. Movies are nearly the only "affordable" family event left. Try taking your urchins to the ballpark or the zoo on less than a lawyer's salary. And, kids will always have disposable cash, whether they earn it or they are just given it. So, Hollywood will always aim most of its efforts at kids. That doesn't necessarily equate to value. In fact, it might expose the opposite. Kids aren't that discerning in their pop culture choices.
June 19, 2011, 3:43 p.m. CST
Plus, there's the whole immeasurable element of impact.
by Subtitles_Off
JAWS, THE EXORCIST, STAR WARS. The first films to make a hundred million dollars. They were in theaters for months, and they are part of our culture. You think THOR has that kind of impact? Even INCEPTION or AVATAR? Um, I really don't think so.
June 19, 2011, 3:45 p.m. CST
by Subtitles_Off
THE LORD OF THE RINGS? I can't be convinced. Of course, I can easily be convinced that I'm full of shit, too. Just, not about GREEN LANTERN. Gawd, it was wretched.
June 19, 2011, 4:29 p.m. CST
My kids LOVED it.
by Isaac R.
Me? meh. These superhero movies are kind of starting to run together. Guy gets power. Guy learns to use power. Guy saves his gf or city from bad guy. Blahdeblah...same basic formula as Superman and that came out in '78 ferchristsakes. Time to move the fuck on already. I'll still be first in line for Cap tho cuz cmon', it's CAP!
June 19, 2011, 4:35 p.m. CST
and another thing...
by Isaac R.
The suits need to figure out that they NEED a GREAT 1st movie instead of a halfassed setup for a hoped for sequel. Without a good first installment THERE WILL BE NO SEQUEL!
June 19, 2011, 4:44 p.m. CST
Amen, Isaac.
by Subtitles_Off
Quit spending time on "world-building for a franchise." Spend that effort on getting the first part right. We'll decide if we want more of it.
June 19, 2011, 4:51 p.m. CST
Green Lantern was full of plot holes
by spicy-mag.com
How did Hal know to break into the lab when Angela Bassett was getting bitch slapped? How did he know they forged a yellow ring of fear? Why did he beg for help from the Lanterns, before the evil cloud had even gone to earth? Bad writing, apparently Hal read the screenplay and knew all plot points. That's a super power. The CGI was bad, looked like something from 1997, not 2011. Overall weak movie. 5 out of 10. DC = FAIL.
June 19, 2011, 4:54 p.m. CST
5? That's generous.
by Subtitles_Off
5 out of 10 would be average. 5 out of 10. That's INCEPTION's score. GREEN LANTERN gets no higher than three. No way.
June 19, 2011, 4:56 p.m. CST
I've got bad news for you Sub and Isaac
by Continentalop
Expect the idea of developing franchises for awhile. Movie making is a huge risk and investment, so studio heads will feel a lot safer if they have at least a couple of franchises they can release once every couple of years or so that they can pencil in as money-makers. As Ebert wrote earlier in the year, the most powerful people in Hollywood is not the producers, the actors, the directors, or even the studio executive, but the heads of marketing, and they want films that are easy to market (hence established properties). Yay...
June 19, 2011, 5:11 p.m. CST
Yeah, but, the fail factor on franchises is ever-increasing.
by Subtitles_Off
Narnia. The Golden Compass. Superhero A, B, or C. Percy Whatshisface The Olympian Kid. I can't see this going on for much longer. Of course, I could be wrong. There are still --- what? --- 18 sequels to come out this year? When there are nothing but franchises, the debate is moot.
June 19, 2011, 5:16 p.m. CST
None of the successful existing franchises were established at the onset.
by Subtitles_Off
Pirates? Nobody expected a movie based on a theme park attraction to be successful. Harry Potter? It's only a franchise because there are so many books from the source. X-Men? It's not been re-established. It's petering out. Batman? Come on! Franchise is a canard. A meaningless phrase. They're risking MORE by creating films which require a devoted fan-base over multiple installments. Those things rarely exist.
June 19, 2011, 5:22 p.m. CST
Of course, you're right 'Lop.
by Subtitles_Off
I'm arguing logic, thinking Hollywood would ever be swayed by such a thing. I still insist that "franchises" are for hamburger joints. When I hear "franchise" used to describe a motion picture, I'm much less inclined to see it, and I don't think I'm in the minority, once you get off the internet and into the mainstream world of non-geeks.
June 19, 2011, 5:43 p.m. CST
Reviewers are tired of superhero movies
by NHRonin
Which is my theory for the putrid reviews this film as gotten. Was it great? Far from it, but it's certainly not a bottom of the barrel piece of crap like the vast majority of reviewers would have you think. Many reviews cited how tired they were of superhero films especially after Thor and X-Men: First Class. I guess it's okay to have a stream of Jennifer Anniston films where she's a great gal who just can't find a good man (snore...and most of which bomb) or Adam Sandler films about a boy in a man's body, but we're not allowed to have a bunch of superhero films now that technology makes it possible. Fuck reviewers. Most of them are pretentious assholes anyway.
June 19, 2011, 6 p.m. CST
This was a lazy movie....
by Jobacca
It was almost a paint-by-numbers comic book origin movie....one we've seen a dozen times in the last few years alone. Lazy script,Lazy casting,Lazy editing....this move just reeks of lazy. DC and The WB think they can just copy Marvel and make the same kind of $$$,but they are sorely mistaken....and the answer isnt to make every movie look and sound like the goddamn DARK KNIGHT. If DC ever wants to get out of the Superman/Batman reboot trap they've gotten themselves into,they're going to have to do better than this
June 19, 2011, 6:13 p.m. CST
$100 mil = hit
by Winston Smith
It ALL depends on the budget. If your film is Paranormal Activity where, even with a studio mix of the sound and some reshoots it's still well under a mil to make and not much more to advertise, then 100 mil is fucking incredible. If your movie cost 300 mil to make and advertise then 100 mil is a true flop. Then again, you always have to take into account worldwide grosses. X-Men: First Class for example could be the highest grossing X-Men movie on this front. People also say DVDs and Blu-ray, which does count, though more money goes to advertise and print and make those so it's not all complete profit.
June 19, 2011, 6:15 p.m. CST
None of the successful existing franchises were established at the onset
by Winston Smith
All the films you mentioned did very or insanely well their first go. Pirates... 300 mil, 600+ wordlwide. Harry Potter 1 broke records. Batman Begins made almost 400 mil worldwide. X-Men 1 had a huge opening gross for the time that stunned a lot of people.
June 19, 2011, 6:21 p.m. CST
Yeah, I knew that sentence would be mis-quoted.
by Subtitles_Off
I meant, and I mean, nobody, at the time they were making those films --- with the exception of HARRY POTTER --- had it in mind that they'd necessarily make another one. With GREEN LANTERN, they had two sequel script treatments written before they even started filming this crapfestival. (It's also funny how American geeks, all of a sudden, like to point to worldwide box office as the true measure of success, when, on nearly every other topic imaginable, the opinions and tastes of the world beyond our borders is utterly meaningless to us.)
June 19, 2011, 6:21 p.m. CST
Mis-interpreted, not mis-quoted.
by Subtitles_Off
June 19, 2011, 6:22 p.m. CST
No one. NO one ever has pre-knowledge of a film's success.
by Subtitles_Off
That's ridiculous.
June 19, 2011, 6:39 p.m. CST
by Shermdawg
As I mentioned numerous times to genderblender....who conveniently overlooked these stats on X-men... Each film's gross has been affected by the quality of the previous one. Given that and the castwide reboot, I'm sure Fox knew this might be a slowburner and find most of its audience on video. It may not be successful now (by somes standards).......but now, isn't always as important as later for franchises. Especially ones trying to recover their audience after they lost faith in it.
June 19, 2011, 6:44 p.m. CST
I read what you are typing, sherm.
by Subtitles_Off
I just don't believe a word of it. Not that it matters. If X-MEN: SECOND GRADE comes out and makes even less money than this one made less money than the last one, we can still have this argument because there's no scientific evidence that either one of us can use to back ourselves up with.
June 19, 2011, 6:47 p.m. CST
by Iahael
The time has come. You know it in your soul, for I am your soul... You cannot escape me. You are puny, you are small, you are nothing--a hollow shell, a rusty trap that cannot hold me. Smoldering, I burn you — burning you, I flare, hot and bright and fierce and beautiful. You cannot stop me, not with wine or vows or the weight of age — you cannot stop me, but still you try. Still you run. You try to drown me out... But your voice is weak.
June 19, 2011, 7 p.m. CST
No, we wouldn't have this argument if Second Class made less.
by Shermdawg
Because the track record would be broken. And the franchise would indeed be dead from the relaunch perspective. And there IS evidence, each gross has increased or dropped based on the critical reception of the previous film. Just check for yourself. Though Fox foolishly putting out The Wolverine next summer will probably fuck things up. We've got one guaranteed X-film in the works, one likely (First Class 2), then there's Deadpool, and a last resort sequel to X3. And even after that, there WILL be more X-films.....for better or worse. Do you really think Rothman would let the rights revert back to Marvel? Hell no. And you gotta wonder, if for some reason they do abandon the X-men, if giving films to fringe characters like Longshot or the Starjammers would keep it out of the hands of Marvel?
June 19, 2011, 7:33 p.m. CST
Maybe you gotta wonder that, sherm.
by Subtitles_Off
I don't even know who those characters are. Do I have this right? X-MEN was a modest-to-decent hit. X-MEN 2 was a hit and critically acclaimed. It made more than the first. X-MEN 3 was panned but made more than the second. WOLVERINE was panned and made less than the third. FIRST CLASS was critically praised but will make less than the first one did. Which means, the next WOLVERINE should make less than the last WOLVERINE or more than FIRST CLASS? FIRST CLASS: SECOND SEMESTER should make as much as X-MEN 2? They should pay US to watch X-MEN 4? Math was never my buddy.
June 19, 2011, 7:35 p.m. CST
Green Lantern
by Judge Anderson's kinky boots
I have to admit to knowing pretty much sweet FA about The Green Lantern and its comic book origins, but having seen the movie and appreciating that it's in no way a cinematic masterpiece, I did enjoy it. A lot more than Thor to be honest and I can't understand why it's received such a kicking from the critics. Except that with the over abundance of comic book adaptations the critic fraternity decided one of them deserved a drubbing. But make no mistake Green Lantern is no Ghost Rider and it's certainly no Batman And Robin.
June 19, 2011, 8:36 p.m. CST
I liked it
by Phategod2
Wow I cant believe I agree with Harry but I like it. It was a bit "paint by Numbers" but I thought most of it was strong. One thing I wish to God Hollywood could create a decent female actress. I can't think of one of these comic book movies where I can believe the love interest and her character makes actual sense.
June 19, 2011, 8:59 p.m. CST
Reminded me of the 76 superman movie
by leo54304
With the flight scenes, suit that wasn't horrible but..., a lead actor that just nailed the role, music, etc. Great--no, fun--yes. Saw it on a sunday at 6 pm CST and theatre almost 1/2 full which isn't bad for that time of showing. No snickering or mocking of the mask at any part of the movie. Everyone seemed to enjoy it from the comments I heard on way out.
June 19, 2011, 9:14 p.m. CST
by ThisBethesdaSea
June 19, 2011, 9:37 p.m. CST
by Shermdawg
The Wolverine (2012) is questionable, but the success of the first was hurt by X3....not to mention it being a solo flick. It could honestly go either way, the next will be far removed from the last AND the X-franchise, it may even actually be good, but after the bad taste that's been left in the mouth of many viewers, chances are it'll do poorly. First Class won't have much bearing on that one. However, by sandwiching it between First Class films, if it sucks, it could definitely hurt FC2....especially if they decide to stick Logan in with the group somehow....which they probably will (with a twist) since word has it that Days of Future Past is what the sequel will be dealing with. It's really not the best move in a situation where you're trying to rejuvenate a troubled franchise, but then again, it's Fox.
June 19, 2011, 9:45 p.m. CST
by Shermdawg
You're an idiot if you think "Fangeeks" are the only people that enjoy fantasy and sci-fi films. Watch Shitformers rake in three hundred million or more in a few weeks. Fangeeks certainly didn't make Avatar the highest grossing movie of alltime.
June 19, 2011, 9:57 p.m. CST
by Shermdawg
You're right, sci-fi and fantasy elements are distancing.
June 19, 2011, 10:23 p.m. CST
My thoughts
by Larry Jay
overall left a bitter taste in my mouth. Several flaws include; Why would a man who is supposed to have Indominable willpower ever quit? Why would a man who has made a career of being fearless ever doubt himself? Can you REALLY see Blake Lively as Star Sapphire? This is not Martin Campbell's forte. He's an action director true but Green Lantern REQUIRES someone with a background in special effects and CGI that were not part of his toolset coming into this project. Run time was too short. Too much time spent on earth doing the whole Thomas Covenant thing. No one chosen by the ring would be capable of doubting themselves otherwise they would not have been chosen. I smell too much studio suit input. People who were trying to make this into a kids flick instead of a Green Lantern movie in order to maximize profits. Bad business model dudes. A True green lantern movie would have been even money to challenge Harry Potter 7.5 for top gross of the year. You'll be lucky to crack $100m domestic with this. Finally, superhero movies should NOT be written by committee. Especially by a committee who just don't get what GL is supposed to be about. Much as I hate to say it I blame Geoff Johns for this faux paus. Geoff, as DC chief creative officer, co producer and the seminal GL author should have known better. I can only assume that the suits from Warner pushed him to the little kids table and told him to behave. Reynolds was ok in the role, but I still would have preferred Nathan Fillion. Recast Find a director who is more comfortable with CGI. I suggest Neal Blomenkamp. Let Geoff write the next one without studio notes flying up his ass. Bring on Sinestro, Mark Strong was the best thing about the whole flick.
June 19, 2011, 10:39 p.m. CST
GenderBlender, Queen of the Cherry Picked Argument.
by Shermdawg
Go right ahead with your trolling, apparent geek vendetta, and insane postings of some horribly perceived rape culture that doesn't exist (to the extent you think), no one's buying your bullshit. And one more thing, if you think anything close to the majority that watched the two sci-fi/fantasy films I mentioned, watched them for some underlying message or were sucked into the marketing blitz instead of being entertained, you really do have a warped sense of reality.
June 19, 2011, 10:46 p.m. CST
Just saw it tonight!
by jazzylg
It was pretty good. Much better use of 3d than in Thor. It seemed pretty short. Great action, and fx. Not nearly as terrible as the critics claimed. the sequel will rock. Great 1st effort. x-men 1st class still the best of the last 3 comics summer movies.
June 19, 2011, 11 p.m. CST
someday Hollywood will stop casting leading ladies in Superhero flicks
by Shermdawg
Uh, no they won't. They have to have something to attract some form of a female demographic, or at least something for them to criticize afterwards (and usually rightfully so).
June 19, 2011, 11:03 p.m. CST
green lantern was not that horrible
by thesmilingpsycho
people need to stop being so tough on it. yes there were a few rough spots but overall it was pretty triumphant and just plain fun to watch.
June 19, 2011, 11:22 p.m. CST
But doesn't that love interest become more than just a love interest later on?
by Shermdawg
I mean, if this thing had a sequel.
June 19, 2011, 11:26 p.m. CST
Just saw it,...and I enjoyed it!
by thot
Very much a comic book come to life! Fun, adventurous, funny and a bit romantic. Good elements to make for a fun time at the movies. Some cool sci-fi stuff and a bit of kick-ass action. Would like to see a sequel and see GL really get to sow his oats! I would rate Thor a notch higher but liked both. On an interesting note, my sister in law, (who avoids action/sci-fi) actually liked it! So did my wife and teenage daughter. It'll get decent word of mouth and will do well internationally with solid DVD sales.
June 19, 2011, 11:28 p.m. CST
what, ya think Michael Jackson didn't wanna be black?!?
by darth_ghidorah85
whties gotta act like MJ was there's in the end of days. Green Lantern would have been bettter with Jon Stewart protray by my nigga denzes! we all know the whoolywol whiet runs the gig, kill a first, like dawrin in X-man first day. He got offed pretty quick ina thank,ess roll!'' i @ cockerspniards inthe 80's, get on my hevel!!1
June 19, 2011, 11:34 p.m. CST
thot why'd ya sister-in-law see it in the firts place?
by darth_ghidorah85
for that nigga ryne reinhelds, that;s why.... sorry ass
June 19, 2011, 11:49 p.m. CST
midgarddragon, what are you, like 15
by Jaka
Some of us here have a long, LOOOOOONG history with Harry and his reviews. Its pretty much a guarantee that if 75% of all other reviews are bad, Harry will like. Vice versa, if everybody else likes it, he won't. Its lame.
June 20, 2011, 12:06 a.m. CST
Sounds a bit like Spiderman 3
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
I loved Spiderman 3. I don't need every action movie to be perfect. I'm gonna say.... I bet Harry's at least partly right.
June 20, 2011, 12:10 a.m. CST
I owned Subtitles. On or Off.
by ToughGuyRizzo
Did I mention im a war veteran? And from the Bronx.
June 20, 2011, 12:26 a.m. CST
genderblender is a troll. Ignore her.
by wierdo27
June 20, 2011, 12:35 a.m. CST
This movie is terrible.
by Itchypanda
I saw this last night. I'm praying that Martin Campbell lost an editing war with studio heads because I have a hard time believing that a good director like Campbell made this piece of crap. Lazy storytelling: "The ring will bring you to where it needs you the most" (WTF, really?) Why didn't it transport him to the evil yellow cloud instead of saving Tim Robbins? Green Lantern's first introduction to the world: Saving a handful of partygoer's?!? Dumbest scene ever: Hector Hammond sniffing the leading lady's hair at a huge, gala party. Biggest waste of time: Hal Jordan traveling to Oa and rallying the troops. How many does he get to help: None. Not even his fish-bird friend. This made Sinestro (the most bad-ass of the GL Corps look like an extreme pussy. I can't wait for the sequel when Hal Jordan fights the guy who saved him...after he beat the yellow cloud. The only interesting scenes were the training sequence off-planet. This movie is Daredevil, Howard the Duck and Ghost Rider awful.
June 20, 2011, 1:17 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
Making Sinestro look like a pussy was the entire point. He was scared shitless of Parallax. So he wanted a big gang to go and fight him, powered by the overwhelming fear he felt. In other news, $69 million opening weekend? Eat that, haters. And then go read Lime Lampshade, Page 4. http://tinyurl.com/6bxkbyd
June 20, 2011, 2:19 a.m. CST
you fucking dorks are going to sabotage comic movies
by antonphd
instead of being smart and supporting but asking for better you shit all over any movie that doesn't blow up your shirk and that only has the effect of discouraging attendance which in turn discourages studios from risking hundreds of millions on comic movies. some comic movies need to be beat up on. but they are shit movies like Catwoman where some douche who had no fucking clue about the character decided to pull everything out of his ass. but don't do it to movies like Green Lantern who's only crime is being good instead of great. give studios room to get better at this. they are trying. see the 3rd attempt at the Hulk and the second attempt at Superman coming. otherwise, you're just going to ruin this fucking insanely awesome era of giant budget comic movies that we've been having
June 20, 2011, 2:31 a.m. CST
Just got back from it--I liked it.
by BooBoosDaddy
It definitely feels like there was about 40 minutes that were cut out that should have been left in. I felt like there could have been more with the other Lanterns on Oa, more with the menace of Parallax (maybe stealing from the Dark Phoenix Saga? I dunno. just spitballing), more with the building of Hal's character pre-ring and post ring. I thought RR was very commendable. I am a Superman and Batman fan, not a GL fan totally. I love the character but not a DC zombie. I was skeptical of the goofiness of the constructs going in, but I was pulled in, mostly due to RR's selling of the material. I really would have liked a longer final battle... I would have liked a better score, and maybe a theme for GL. John Williams where are you, dammit?! All in all, though, I don't get the hate for it. I certainly liked it more than Super 8, that's for sure. I liked Thor more, as this felt a bit weighted down. But I think I would see it again and certainly buy it. I hope there's a Director's Cut. Maybe a 7.5 out of 10 from me.
June 20, 2011, 2:40 a.m. CST
Sell out
by cgih8r
It's shit period.
June 20, 2011, 3:12 a.m. CST
Billion year old Guardians haven't figured out --
by simpledao4
that willpower can overcome fear? What am I missing?
June 20, 2011, 3:12 a.m. CST
Reynolds made the best of this TOP GUN/HOWARD THE DUCK REMAKE
by kabookieslap
Next time make a Green Lantern Movie. What was supposed to be the start of a new franchise just took a dump on itself. And try settling on a consistent tone throughout all of your films. Superman the movie (despite Donner having to make the villains more comedic as he knew he could not do ruthless villains at the time due to parents dropping their kids to see it) but most of the film was treated seriously. Batman Begins and The Dark Knight works because they are serious. Iron Man works because it is serious, even with the RDJ humor, that is the character. The movie takes itself seriously. This movie was too damn goofball. And what the hell was the point of the villain with the damn big head. May have worked in the comics but fails in the movie. "Ohhhh...guy with a big head" What they should have done was make Hal not cocky, but heroic. The movie should have had him being chosen and going to OA for training, and the training lasting a long while with Hal eventually being beaten down by a continued onslaught of hard training due to none of the Corps wanting a weak human. But Hal refuses to give up. Then when the squid guy starts destroying the corps en masse (yeah it needed to be bigger), Hal is not invited for the fight. A fight in which if the Corpse loses, everything loses, including Earth. Hal shows up and just as Sinestro is about to get his ass kicked and kicks major ass and defeats squid head. In the end he wins the respect of the Corps, but this pisses off Sinestro, who is no longer the golden boy, and now having a serious weed up his ass that it is Hal who saved him. It is this that causes Sinestro to go after the yellow ring to get one up on Hal thinking he can control it. It needed to have the same serious tone as Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. It should have been about Hal having to prove his worth to being in the Corps, even if the ring had chosen him.
June 20, 2011, 4:12 a.m. CST
DC and Marvel are made of so much fail...
by uberfreak
I can't believe so many AICN members could like all these brainless PG13 movies. Violence and the consequence of violence just cannot be depicted right unless it is R rated and superheroes have lethal capabilities. Otherwise, there is no tension, no suspension of belief. The stories themselves are regurgitated lameness and the characters are cardboard cutouts. I think people are just channeling their inner child. I hope that is the case but I'm too cynical for that. I want more of KICKASS, WATCHMEN, and THE CROW. My girlfriend likes movies like Green Lantern because of the tight costumed men and the watered down violence... because she is feminine like the majority of you pussies.
June 20, 2011, 4:15 a.m. CST
And would the WB stop using Sony Pictureworks
by kabookieslap
Something is wrong with their shaders, amongst other things, and the stuff they make always looks fake. ILM and WETA seemed to have tackled what Sony for some reason hasn't. Look at Superman Returns. Even the non Superman stuff looked like a CGI effect. And for some reason the WB keeps giving them their tentpoles. They even had the Miller Justice League movie. There are even smaller EFX companies that are putting out better EFX than Sony. It was another thing that totally took me out of the movie.
June 20, 2011, 4:25 a.m. CST
I only went and saw it
by VegasRonReturns
cuz a buddy bought the ticket before asking me(I think he knew I had no real interest). <p> I thought it was extremely so-so. There were stretches of it that bored me. Everything occurring on earth, actually. So I enjoyed about 20 mins of the movie, I think.<p> C-
June 20, 2011, 5:12 a.m. CST
@Killik and your cap idiocity
by Nemo
dude, honestly you are saying Millar is inconsistent with Cap and you are comparing his Civil War Cap to the Ultimates? what kinda stupid dumb ass are you? different characters you moron. one is the original American Dream and the other one is portraied as non americans are thinking of an american patriot. I want to scream when i read some of your post. you guys have no fucking idea when ot comes to comic books. what is it you are doing? reading the summaries on wikipedia? I am a fucking german and know more on what cap stands for and what person he is. maybe you should all just shut up. and for FYI: US movies make 50 to 70 percent of their money in the US. Europe is not going to save GL and the rest of the world doesnt mean anything as well. seriously: you all should be better informed before posting shit. dammit, thats why we europeans think of you US citizens (mind you, not the Canadians, we like Canadians) as morons and rednecks :D
June 20, 2011, 6:21 a.m. CST
GL visual effects looked great!
by grievenom
The weaknesses in the movie are in the script, dialogue, direction and music score. The visuals were the film's strongest point.
June 20, 2011, 7:43 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
We're posting shit? I count dozens of SPAG errors in your post, as well as misunderstanding of how cinematic box office works.
June 20, 2011, 8 a.m. CST
YAY Harry! Someone has some taste here!
by Steve
I read the others reviews before going to see the Green Lantern movie and had my expectations way lowered. The movie proved to be the gem of my summer. Loved it! Ryan Reynolds is SO Hal Jordan. I only wish for more!
June 20, 2011, 8:54 a.m. CST
Fuck...it bombed. *sigh* oh well, maybe a reboot in 20 years will work
by Jaster
This is a film that reportedly cost $300M to make and it made a relatively pathetic $52M opening weekend. So yeah, no sequels. I don't know what the fuck happened. I saw it, I loved it. Maybe it seemed to sci-fi fantasy for people? Maybe they couldn't understand how the ring worked or something? Maybe they just thought it was a stupid concept. Hey, we got one really good Green Lantern movie, which is somethign I've been screaming for for 20 years. I'll choose to see the glass half full.
June 20, 2011, 9:04 a.m. CST
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
American Psycho was a metaphor comparing Wall Street capitalists to psychotic serial killers who only care about money and material wealth and have no value for human life. Remember the Reagan t-shirts in the 80s that said "Fuck the Poor!" Reagan sold this country out and headed our so-called democracy towards fascism, which is the corporate control of government, and the current Republicans in office and the Supreme Court are in the process of finalizing it.
June 20, 2011, 9:06 a.m. CST
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
Did you actually see Thor?
June 20, 2011, 9:08 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
That's not a bomb.
June 20, 2011, 9:09 a.m. CST
by Nemo
gosh, dude I dont even know what a "SPAG" is :D I am beaten by your superior arguementation. and I was mostly referring to killik who cant even distinguish between mainstream marvel universe and ultimate universe. but go on feel offended. and check it. US movies are normallz grossing more in the US than the rest of the world. dont know where you got your education but mine is worth something :D sorry guys but over here its so boring ... we are glad to have you
June 20, 2011, 9:29 a.m. CST
Bombing it will
by Nemo
If you think of a movie like kick-ass, which made 3 times it budget and was considered a flop then GL is doomed to bomb. but maybe the DVD sales are good enough for a sequel direct-to-DVD
June 20, 2011, 9:35 a.m. CST
GREEN LANTERN was...awful!!!
by ninpobugei
Oh. My. Fucking. God. GL was an abortion. I can not believe how rushed, cliche, cheesy, cartoony and just downright formulaic that friggin' movie was. My expectations had been lowered, but obviously not enough.</p> <p> The movie should have been 75% Oa and the other 25% Earth. Jordan should have spent the movie training with Sinestro and then teamed up with the Corps. for some danger that threatened Earth. He could then have set himself apart by having the strongest will power of the bunch.</p> <p> This movie, however, was just a waste from beginning to end. The only intelligent thing the film put forth was the use of the ring to create their suits. Otherwise, it was just awful.</p> <p> Hector Hammond...wasted and too much of an eewww factor.</p> <p> Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan...miscast. Once again, Reynolds is simply being Reynolds. Also, Jordan was not simply able to overcome fear, he was FEARLESS. This is the heart of the character. Anyone can overcome fear (firefighters, policemen and soldiers do it all the time). Hal Jordan is unique because he has no fear. Only script writing 101 requires the hero to overcome some character flaw to grow to become the hero. Jordan just needed the training, he already had the character and fortitude necessary, making him relatively unique among humans.</p> <p> Parallax...as much a waste in this film as Dark Phoenix was in X3.</p> <p> Oa, the Guardians and the Corps...all wasted. Except for a few bright moments when we first meet them all, they were side ornamentation. Sinestro was great, but there was no inkling that he was turning evil prior to donning the ring during the credit sequence easter egg.</p> <p> Also, having the Corps. members show up at the end to save Jordan from the sun was ridiculous. The ring would have saved him. And that brings me to the final waste...the ring itself. While beautifully realized, the ring is an A.I. GL's actually speak to their rings and learn from them. This had none of that, which was really unfortunate and a major missed opportunity.</p> <p> I am so glad we saw this for a 2D matinée. That alone was more than this movie was worth. I give it less than 1 star.
June 20, 2011, 9:44 a.m. CST
Green Lantern
by simongarth2001
just saw it. It's a fun film, if you go in without judgment. Bad editing and pacing, and some so-so CGI in a few places sucked the life out of it to me.....but what was cool was cool. Blake Lively was worth the 5 bucks alone to look at. They just dropped the ball with the story and pacing. Sinestro was awesome and the stuff on OA was great....but once they got back to earth, it all was Ho-Hum. They just didnt take the interstellar stuff far enough. Its a shame, cause it could have been epic. From the weekend returns, it looks like its dead in the water, which urks me cause thats the end of a sequel, as well as the JLA....Unless they just do it without the build-up like Marvel as done. (Not that I think Marvel is perfect, cause they certainly are not. Iron Turd 2 is proof of that.) I hear the directors cut could be 40 minutes longer.....I would suggest they use every frame of extra scenes, and put it out there, cause at this point, it can't hurt. Perhaps there's a better film hidden on the cutting room floor?
June 20, 2011, 10:13 a.m. CST
I loved it.
by TheDrow
I really did. It was a lot of fun. I would have liked to have seen more in space than on earth but I'll take what we got. Better than Thor but no where near as good as X-men: First Class.
June 20, 2011, 10:45 a.m. CST
Denis Leary in the sequel as Guy Gardner...
by Cletus Van Damme
...or as Green Arrow. Either way, it's gold.
June 20, 2011, 10:59 a.m. CST
GREEN LANTERN was not even a pimple on the ass of THOR.
by ninpobugei
You fanboys will support anything so long as you get a glimpse of your favorite superheroes. There was NOTHING worth saving about GL...vastly worst than even my worst-case-scenario thoughts (and I'm a HUGE GL fan and was waiting for this for the past year).</p> <p> It was as formulaic as these movies come. Just awful! Hector Hammond was a waste of space, Reynolds was...well, Reynolds, and the Corps. was virtually nonexistent.</p> <p> Call this one a misfire and wait 3 years for the reboot (look how much better THE INCREDIBLE HULK was after the angst-ridden Ang Lee HULK).
June 20, 2011, 11:08 a.m. CST
This movie will make it's money back, but...
by Itchypanda
so did Godzilla, Hancock, Wild Wild West, 10000 BC. A strong box-office does not equate to a good movie. I went in hoping for a good movie and left disappointed. My criticism earlier was only earmarked because I wanted this movie to succeed, both critically and fiscally. It was obvious to everyone that this was severely edited. A director's cut must exist somewhere. The studio hung too much on Ryan Reynold's charisma and should have ironed out the script. I've been reading some of the talkbalk replies and some of you are crazy (blindly support a bad movie just because it's based on a comic book?!?) or just accepted glaring examples of this movie ("yes, it had shallow storytelling, Hector Hammond was a bad villian and the CGI effects spotty"). I love and support comic movies when they are done right, but in no way will I support this movie just to see a sequel. Win me back and win back the other disappointed people.
June 20, 2011, 11:09 a.m. CST
Less than First Class AND that's with inflated 3D prices
by Mattman
It also cost a shitload more.
June 20, 2011, 11:10 a.m. CST
bluelando... it's a bomb
by Mattman
unless you see it magically making its $300 million back. Maybe worldwide... but so far that number isn't looking good.
June 20, 2011, 11:11 a.m. CST
Correction... $200 million
by Mattman
Not including marketing. Still, they spent way too much, and the movie didn't even look that great.
June 20, 2011, 11:17 a.m. CST
Bibleman, I'd still like to know how Obama destroyed the economy
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
The economy was decimated before he took office. True, all he's seemed to do thus far is continue Bush' disastrous policies such as bailing out Wall St. Oh, and you know I'm right about American Psycho. It is totally a harsh critique and biting satire about Reagan's America and Capitalist greed. Phil Collins and Huey Lewis' music in the film does not represent the excesses of the era, but the banality and mediocrity of the art at the time.
June 20, 2011, 11:22 a.m. CST
Oh, one more thing Bibleman
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
It's not Obama's fault that businesses are holding out on job creation to help the Republicans back the presidency. Personally, I consider this a form of treason: to intentionally manipulate the economy for your own political ends, but that is the result of living in a fascist state.
June 20, 2011, 11:45 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
Word of mouth will carry this to a good profit. How so? Well, put it this way. Most non-critics dug it. They'll tell friends. Friends will go watch.
June 20, 2011, 11:47 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
Go shag a horse.
June 20, 2011, 12:14 p.m. CST
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
I know that you see the excess of the 80s depicted in AP as a feather in the cap of your hero Reagan, but you seem to totally ignore the fact the film was saying that this excess was a bad thing and one of the examples they gave was that the end result of capitalist excess is crappy music. As far as the Democrats being solely responsible for the policy of giving loans to people who can't afford them you seem to conveniently forget that Bush was totally onboard with this policy and made it part of his platform that "every American be able to own a home." A lot of conservatives forget this. Also, I'm tired of you guys throwing out Fannie and Freddie as the sole bad apples in the mortgage crisis. Sure they had their part, but so did a lot of private banks and truth be told F&F are probably less than 10% of the finacial crisis. But, I know how you guys like to skew the facts to bolster your arguments. And Obama has not raised taxes and yet the economy is still in the tank. We've had the Bush tax cuts for 10 years. Where are the jobs? Also are you aware that 60% of the stimulus package was tax breaks? Another inconvenient fact.
June 20, 2011, 12:25 p.m. CST
by BlueLando
Not really. But feel free to use your 'Marvel rules, DC sucks' logic.
June 20, 2011, 12:30 p.m. CST
Ryan Dunn is dead.
by elsewhere
I know not a big celebrity, but he was in the Jackass movies. Apparently died in a car crash.
June 20, 2011, 12:30 p.m. CST
by BlueLando
Or, to put it another way, perhaps note that: Thor dropped 8.4% on the Saturday, 27.6% on the Sunday and 68% on the Monday. Green Lantern dropped 22% on Saturday, but only 9.5% on Sunday. Which, by my calculations, means it's holding audience better than Thor.
June 20, 2011, 1:04 p.m. CST
I can't believe it, but...
by NixEclips
I actually liked this movie, as well. It was just a lot of fun and looked beautiful. If people would just go in not wanting to tear it apart and just let the goddamn movie happen, it works. I hope it makes enough for them to do a sequel, now that all the origin bullshit is out of the way.
June 20, 2011, 1:20 p.m. CST
Since bibleman is such a sociopathic cunt...
by uberfreak
I'm gonna take my gf to see GL this week, even though I think it will suck but she will probably like it so I'll indulge her. bibleman is so pathetic that he brings up every talking point and obliteration of facts that the GOP brings up over and over and over. If Obama wins in 2012 I'm gonna LMAO when bibleman's head explodes.
June 20, 2011, 1:37 p.m. CST
by BlueLando
The second you used 'but' you lost the argument. Go home!
June 20, 2011, 2:08 p.m. CST
actually it was pretty good
by darthbauer
Liked it better than Super 8, who's plot was crazy but whose characters were great. 2 1/2 out of 4 for Super 8. Green Lantern had a very believable Ryan Reynolds, and an amazing Sinestro, and the bad dude on earth was great...the Joker meets a Klingon as my 10 yr old son said ...the acting was just fine, the story serviceable and the CGI was a bit weak and the Sinestro thing post credits was a little forced and I yelled "NO!!!!!" when he did that, because I believed in the good that Sinestro was. Anyhow, I enjoyed it on Father's Day....good, but not perfect flick, but nothing horrible here. 3 out of 4 stars.
June 20, 2011, 3:05 p.m. CST
by riggs_and_murtaghs_love_child
If you even see this.... If you are so against us sexist, racist stupid fanboy idiots, then answer this... Why the fuck do you come here? You have such a burning desire to come on here and call a bunch of strangers sexist stupid losers? Is your life so empty and devoid of meaning that this is what gives you a sense of worth? Please enlighten me, because from all I have read, you are a very bitter person who has not much going on in life, and needs to feel superior amongst a group of strangers. If I am wrong, well then tell me why it is you are here.
June 20, 2011, 3:08 p.m. CST
Oh and genderbender....
by riggs_and_murtaghs_love_child
I have a Green Lantern shirt, and nothing anyone would say to me would ever make me want to cover it up...in fact I would laugh at the person who tried, because that is just flat out pathetic. An angel gets wings when that happens? Grow the fuck up.
June 20, 2011, 3:16 p.m. CST
analogous to the 1984 Dune
by simpledao4
A lot of talent and a mishmash of workable and failed elements. The final confrontation was good.
June 20, 2011, 3:17 p.m. CST
bibleman, let me make it clear...
by uberfreak
you are a cunt... a blackhole that sucks the life out of everything worthy. Please tell me you are one of those end-of-days rejects who will kill themselves because the bible says there is gonna be an apocalypse soon.
June 20, 2011, 3:21 p.m. CST
Green LAMEtern...YEAH! WOOOH! MOTHERFUCKER!
by AzulTool
He should have formed a big, gigantic, green cock to mercilessly jackhammer Blake Lively in the ass with.
June 20, 2011, 4:05 p.m. CST
Harry Shills Again!
by Dave
So everyone else (with an ounce of dignity) gave this film bad reviews, but our beloved Harry gushes over it in his inevitable enthusiasm to not piss off the Hollywood machine that enables his life to have some semblance of validity. Way to go Harry, way to go.
June 20, 2011, 4:08 p.m. CST
Not Being The Worst?
by Dave
So merely not plumbing the depths of awfulness makes a movie good in your view? Sorry, but I have higher expectations than just hoping that a movie isn't "the worst" fucking thing ever committed to film.
June 20, 2011, 4:10 p.m. CST
So, bibleman, you deny that Buch said "Every America should own a home"?
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
I remember when he said that during his re-election campaign. That's fact! Not spin.
June 20, 2011, 4:41 p.m. CST
Regarding GL...again, just awful.
by ninpobugei
I'm shocked reading how many on here seem to think the movie was just hunky dory. Seriously, did we see the same film? 'Cause what I saw was grotesquely formulaic. And the whole film just felt really rushed, just jumping from one scene to the next with very little tying it all together. And having Parallax travel from the farthest reaches of the cosmos to the earth in a matter of a day or two was ludicrous...and showing up precisely where Hal and Carol were...so far beyond silly and cliche as to make one puke.</p> <p> The mindless fanboys should be up in arms over this cliche and, in hindsight, genuinely cheesy flick. It had a few moments of spark when the lantern first took over Hal to make him say the oath (not really sure what that proved exactly, but whatever) and then when he first meets the Corps. But beyond that...dreadful. I grant it a D+ (a C- if I'm feeling generous).</p> <p> IMO, the movie should have spent its time like the origin books, with Hal training with Sinestro and gaining some insight into his character's dictatorial actions (which would have cleverly set up for the easter egg and sequel). Then, the final act could have seen a newly trained Hal Jordan join the corps. to stop some threat menacing Earth. He could have proved himself in that effort and we would have been ready for a sequel. Instead, this was utter cheese...barely screenwriting 101.
June 20, 2011, 5:19 p.m. CST
when Clinton went into office
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
he had all the homeless people turned into hot dogs.
June 20, 2011, 5:43 p.m. CST
Democrats vs. Republicans...
by ninpobugei
Guys, there's not a dime's worth of difference between the two parties. While they may quibble about the minutia, the fact is that in actual practice they're pretty much the same anymore.</p> <p> Democrats do very little to hide the fact that they believe government should pretty much run your life and have full reign to charge as much in taxes as they think people can bear. And they're as much shills to industry as the G.O.P. (note the complete failure of Obamacare to really reform much of anything).</p> <p> Republicans give a lot of lip service to reducing the deficit, cutting spending and cutting the size of government...so it's too bad they don't actually do that. Bush ran up a deficit that was, before Obama, the highest ever in the history of the country (which Obama then more than tripled). The only person really living up to Republican ideals is Ron Paul.</p> <p> Finally, let's not forget that both parties are to blame for the mess our economy is in. Both parties have allowed garbage like NAFTA, CAFTA and GATT and have pretty much driven away both manufacturing and technology jobs without in any way penalizing businesses for leaving. Both parties also talk about cutting benefits to Americans while never cutting government jobs, military bases or a host of regulatory bodies that do little more than suck up our tax dollars. Look at an economic chart and you'll see a national debt that's skyrocketed under every single president and congress since WWII.</p> <p> And last but not least, both parties support the unconstitutional Patriot Act and all our illegal wars in the Middle East. Both have created a world empire of more than 750 military bases in over 130 different countries. The military costs this company in excess of $1 trillion per year (which is, quite literally, more than the rest of the world COMBINED spends on their military: http://www.michaelmorning.com/2010/12/u-s-military-spending-run-amok/).</p> <p> So how can any critically thinking person on this site honestly defend either party??? It's time for new blood, new ideas, and an end to this two party monopoly over American politics. THAT is REAL change we can believe in.
June 20, 2011, 5:45 p.m. CST
"company"...I meant "country" (sorry 'bout that)
by ninpobugei
June 20, 2011, 5:54 p.m. CST
by NixEclips
I know I've said some shitty things about you, over the years. But I agree that this movie was fun. I don't know why some are talking politics and I don't know why ninpoguei, or whatever doesn't know why Parralax came to earth, when it's spelled out, but... I made a rant and you might like it. I didn't put much time into it, I just had to get it out. Wouldn't mind if you chimed in, you soulless ginger, you. http://badmovievirus.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/this-is-what-constitutes-bad-green-lantern/
June 20, 2011, 6:02 p.m. CST
Some interesting thoughts from Jim Engel's Facebook page on GL and comic book movies in general
by strosmer
"I saw the GREEN LANTERN movie tonight. I was hoping to like it, but I didn't, on any level, and if nothing else, my reaction to it helped me crystalize why (for me, at least) contemporary super-hero movies don't work... for the moment, I'll put aside my aversion to the usual awful costume re-designs (which alone generally put me off seeing these things). In a nutshell, these movies have no heroism or heart. Hal Jordan is a--- i don't know what else to say---"jag". He's an annoying jerk from start to finish. Nothing heroic about him. Profane. Promiscuous. Obnoxiously egocentric. I didn't care about him one bit from start to finish. I haven't seen the IRON MAN movies because, from the clips I've seen, Tony Stark is essentially the same. I did see the recent STAR TREK movie, and I disliked the Kirk character so much, I hated the movie. Marvel essentially created the 'hero with problems", and its snow-balled into this... guys who aren't heroes at all, just characters in action movies. Nothing to admire, like i admired the super-heroes in the comics that MADE me love super-heroes. The other thing that ruins these movies for me are the endless effects. No STORY, just things, people, vehicles, being thrown around crashing and slamming into other things. After a few minutes of this, there is absolutely no sense of danger or drama to it, it's just loud video game mayhem. That, and villains that writhe, seethe, devour, and exclaim and threaten in their cheesy bass-effect voices, all in visuals that seem to have as their only purpose the intent to show us how EVIL they are (and whether it's this, LOTR, or any horror movie trailer I've seen, it seems like the Naked Mole Rat is the new measuring stick for scariness, 'cause that's what they all remind me of). Walt Disney used to say movies had to have "heart" for people to care about them, and i think he was right. His "ALICE IN WONDERLAND" (which he regarded as a failure) was PRETTY, but you didn't CARE about anyone in the film, and these movies are like that. Calling a character Hal Jordan, Bruce Wayne, Tony Stark or Peter Parker does not make me care about them if they do not have the morals, integrity, and personality that made me care about them in print, and these guys don't. Before there really WERE "Comic Book Movies", critics would compare movies with simple (or no) plots and little or no character development to comic books in a pejorative way. Now there ARE comic book movies, and they're not even as deep as their comic book sources."
June 20, 2011, 6:04 p.m. CST
nixeclips -- your standards are pretty amazingly low
by ninpobugei
Also...I know why Parallax came to earth; the point was that it was formulaic and cliche how timed his arrival was to coincide with GL being there w/ Carol. Just ridiculous. And everything happened in the space of just a couple days. Just ludicrous and lazy storytelling from beginning to end.
June 20, 2011, 6:33 p.m. CST
Angela Basset in Dark Knight Rises?
by simpledao4
Just curious if she'll be like N. Fury in the Marvel movies?
June 20, 2011, 6:38 p.m. CST
Saw it, liked it
by LouisCedar
While you relentless, insecure little "film enthusiasts" are busy deciding to hate a movie in an attempt to make yourself seem like some sort of super-awesome knowledgeable film experts, busy foregoing your ability to have real opinions based on reality for cheap, baseless condescension that you ignorantly think makes you seem intelligent, I was busy enjoying this movie, which was actually a pretty damn fun film. It wasn't great, and as Harry said, the director didn't manage to pull much emotional resonance out of the some of the scenes. But over-all, it was a whole lot of fun. And that's why I like to go to movies! They're fun! Unlock the basement door, take a step out into the real world and have some of it for yourselves! Or, just keep on being a condescending sheep who think that being negative about everything makes you sound smart (it doesn't). Whatever.
June 20, 2011, 6:46 p.m. CST
GL is a box office failure. All Warner Bros. has are Nolan's Batman movies...
by Thanos0145
and where would they be without him.
June 20, 2011, 7:18 p.m. CST
It's a cool fucking movie.
by noiretblanc
There're only a few things I like about X-Men: FC, one of the things least of which is the directing; the things I do like make the movie awesome. I think everything about Green Lantern is solid, and there are a few things that are very, very, cool, making the movie fucking rad. I'd say I like them about the same, except The Green Lantern is more my thing.
June 20, 2011, 7:25 p.m. CST
This carton will be forgotten about in a month's time.
by MajorFrontbum
June 20, 2011, 7:44 p.m. CST
by NixEclips
Really? You're going to say I have no standards, because I defend a movie that was FUN? I had a good time. Fuck you.
June 20, 2011, 7:48 p.m. CST
Oh, wait...
by NixEclips
I enjoy going out with my family and I enjoy seeing cool stuff with a half-way decent story. I'm a loser. You don't know who I am and you don't know what I think is good film making. Go back to your cereal and your cartoons, you ass-hat.
June 20, 2011, 7:52 p.m. CST
Didn't you know: if it's not a Mallick or Kurosawa movie, you can't like it?
by noiretblanc
Give or take a few namedroppings.
June 20, 2011, 8:10 p.m. CST
@ noiretblanc
by NixEclips
What about {that guy that did that thing}? Am I allowed to like something that he did?
June 20, 2011, 8:29 p.m. CST
by noiretblanc
Clearly you have no taste in {whatever sounds good}.
June 20, 2011, 8:45 p.m. CST
Well, Noiretblanc...
by NixEclips
I happen to like people getting torn apart. I like people having to deal with who they are. I like head-fucks. I like The Tick. I like people coming together. I like going out with my family and enjoying something together. I like "going to the movies". It's an event. It's something we do together. Maybe, someday....If you ever know a woman... You'll have this experience, as well. Until then, just have fun telling me I'm a horrible person for having fun at the movies.
June 20, 2011, 8:58 p.m. CST
If it's not couched in pompous jargon, I don't know what you're trying to communicate.
by noiretblanc
You should've at least thrown the word "cinematography" in there once! If by woman you mean "strong contender for the Actress in a Supporting Role Oscar," then I shall want to see this movie you're talking about at once. How dare you speak of fun.
June 20, 2011, 9:06 p.m. CST
Thank You Noire.
by NixEclips
That made me laugh.
June 20, 2011, 9:17 p.m. CST
bibleman AKA cunt
by uberfreak
thinks that being a cunt is a good thing. The South Park guys almost got it right when they defined the three types of people (dick, pussy, and asshole) but they forgot the category for the worst people in the world: the cunts like bibleman. bibleman, how are you ending your life before the rapture? probably will asphyxiate on his own feces knowing his love for eating shit. I shit on you and your imaginary sky friend.
June 20, 2011, 9:32 p.m. CST
nixeclips -- I know all I need to know about you
by ninpobugei
Since you've gone on and On and ON defending a really incredibly cliche, formulaic and cartoonish movie that trampled on decades of comic lore with a pathetic script, and because you've tried to suggest that anyone suggesting otherwise is merely an introverted child being negative purely for the sake of being negative, I think I know you well enough. You don't have a leg to stand on in defending a weak position, so you'd rather put down everyone else with a differing opinion. I've offered a great deal of lucid rationalization for why the movie was shit (as have a majority of critics and audience members alike (26% and 61% on RottenTomatoes, which are pathetic numbers). </p> <p> For the rest of you who can't drum up enough descriptive thought beyond "it was fun", stop with the hyperbole and name calling and defend your position. We're not being negative just because it's somehow "cool" to be negative. I went in as a legitimate GL fan with knowledge of all the backstory in the comics AND with hugely downgraded expectations (because I thought the trailers showed a terrible tone to the movie and a poor casting choice for Hal Jordan)...and I (and my wife, who loved THOR and X-MEN: FC) still walked away shaking our collective heads at how bad this movie was. We did NOT go in wanting or expecting to hate the movie. It caused that all by itself.</p> <p> The more I think about it, the worse it becomes. The sole decent idea to come out of the film was the notion that the ring creates the uniform. Someone was thinking when they thought of that (same as Spiderman's organic webshooters). But this movie died on the screen with piss-poor characters, zero character development and two major villains completely wasted. The final battle was hugely underwhelming and the last-minute appearance by the corps. was entirely unnecessary. Five minutes of training with the Corps. and Jordan is a full-fledged GL that can do what their "greatest warriors" couldn't do...and this despite the fact that he still felt fear (also a departure from the comics). Carol Ferris, the Senator, Carol's father, Angela-Fucking-Basset...all just cartoon characters taking up space in the background.</p> <p> Folks, regardless of whether you thought this flick was "fun", I think everyone has to admit that this was a MASSIVE missed opportunity. All we can hope is that someone wakes up and thinks to reboot this like they did HULK. Its box office is already telling the tale...it's tanking and word of mouth is killing it. I've already told several friends not to bother. And of those that will still see it, they'll see it as a 2D matinée just to be on the safe side.
June 20, 2011, 10:16 p.m. CST
It was good, not great..
by darthwaz1
We forget how much we love and accept the blunders of the first 2 Donner Superman films..those films were just plain silly, but had some great character moments for Supes. GL was less silly, and more in line w/the characters. And GL had some amazing moments right out of the comics, like constructing the car/ramp for the helicopter...that was literally right out of the pages and I loved it just the way I loved watching Christopher Reeve catch the helicopter..
June 20, 2011, 10:18 p.m. CST
@ ninpobugei
by NixEclips
I'm not defending the movie, so to speak, I'm defending my enjoyment of it. I had a great time.
June 20, 2011, 10:26 p.m. CST
just watched it
by animas
wow... i feel sorry for anyone who paid to see this. I kept an open mind and tried to not be overly critical, but the fact is this movie was NOT FUN. I wondered if someone had spiked my drink with sleeping pills...
June 20, 2011, 10:37 p.m. CST
Mr. Popper's Penguins has a better Tomato rating.
by noiretblanc
And that has a Vanilla Ice dancing sequence with CG penguins with dopey ass Jim Carrey. A shameful state of affairs.
June 20, 2011, 10:48 p.m. CST
bibleman AKA cunt
by uberfreak
I'll leave you alone as soon as you promise to stop finger banging your down syndrome sister you sick fuck. I looked up American Ritual... what a pathetic excuse for a band. I can write better music on that google Les Paul guitar app. Now grow a set of balls you goddamn eunach.
June 20, 2011, 11:14 p.m. CST
by Mattman
I have always preferred DC universe. I don't really read Marvel comics, but even I have to admit Marvel has been kicking DC's ass in the movie department (with the exception of Bats, of course). The latest Marvel movies have invested me in characters I honestly know little about (from Iron Man to Thor). DC movies can't even conjure my excitement over characters I already like!
June 21, 2011, 2:05 a.m. CST
by BlueLando
Go lick a Bible.
June 21, 2011, 3:06 a.m. CST
THE RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES BEGINS: THE FIRST CHIMPAVENGER. - That made me LOL for reals, yo.
by RobertoInfiniteTHEMoonLander
June 21, 2011, 8:05 a.m. CST
by BSB
And the writhing / flexing scene was too short. I ended up cumming to the fish guy.
June 21, 2011, 10:05 a.m. CST
Still no mention of Russell Crowe as Jor-El?
by Cletus Van Damme
Come on, that broke 12 hours ago.
June 21, 2011, 10:17 a.m. CST
by CreepyThinMan
June 21, 2011, 10:31 a.m. CST
bibleman, Bush was totally promoting mortgages for everyone
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
Get your facts straight and look it up! I also don't know why people like you continue to defend one of the worst presidents the U.S. has ever had. Even most conservatives agree that Bush did not stick to the conservative values he ran on. Under his watch was the largest expansion of government in US history. And he took the Federal Budget surplus, yes SURPLUS, that Clinton handed him and not only squandered it but ran up a historical federal deficit and initiated the worst financial collapse since the Great Depression largely due to his deregulation policies and yes HIS SUPPORT of risky mortgage loans. All of which he left for Obama to clean up. Not sure how people like you continue to blame Obama for Bush's mess. And for the final time: Trickle Down Reagonomics DOES NOT WORK! Never Has and Never Will! Sure it works in lining the pockets of the uber-rich 10%, but nothing ever trickles. down. And answer my question: We've had 10+ years of Bush's tax cuts. Where are the jobs?! Seriously, I want an answer and please don't tell me that it's Obama's fault, because he continued Bush's tax cuts. And that is one of the reasons I will most likely not be voting for him in 2012. See, I am not a blind defender of Obama like your side seems to be about Bush. And that is because I think independently and don't let jokes like Limbaugh and the Fux News 'tards do my thinking for me.
June 21, 2011, 10:43 a.m. CST
by BSB
June 21, 2011, 10:45 a.m. CST
for people complaining about the constructs..
by thesmilingpsycho
whats wrong with them? i mean i get that maybe they're not horribly inventive but it kinda made sense for the character since he was a novice lantern. of course in a pinch hes going to think of a giant spring and resort to using guns and shields. isn't that basically what happens in the comics too?
June 21, 2011, 10:46 a.m. CST
BSB, just rent Buried again to get you RR fix
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
Ryan Reynolds in a box! Talk about a Happy Meal!
June 21, 2011, 10:46 a.m. CST
and that smoke monster to me
by thesmilingpsycho
was scary. way more scary than the parallax in the comics. i also had no idea how he was going to defeat it.
June 21, 2011, 10:55 a.m. CST
by BSB
June 21, 2011, 11:07 a.m. CST
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
I had to rewind that scene five times before I even realized Sandra Bullock was naked in it too!
June 21, 2011, 11:55 a.m. CST
by CreepyThinMan
June 21, 2011, 12:15 p.m. CST
Harry lost all credibility when..........
by DingFriesAreDone
he wrote a similar love letter about another little superhero film known as "Superman Returns". Many may have forgotten his review on this abomination of a movie but I certainly haven't as it was the day I decided to forever divorce myself from any and all of his recommendations. Here's a little sample...... http://www.aintitcool.com/node/23635 "And finally today I saw a SUPERMAN film that is no fantasy – no careless product of wild imagination. No, my friends… this is the film I was hoping and dreaming for. A movie to reintroduce SUPERMAN to the world. Many would take this to mean that I was "predisposed" to love SUPERMAN RETURNS - actually - for me, that's not exactly true. I could have shown up today and found a basket of lies and false hopes. I could have not seen the film I saw. A film filled with love and beauty." Now, I won't go so far as to say that I think Harry is an idiot and that his opinion is worthless, I just believe that he has difficulty distinguishing the difference between "quality" and "nostalgia".
June 21, 2011, 12:47 p.m. CST
HAHAHA Bibleman...are you being ironic? You have to be right? with some sarcasm mixed in? If not...WOW. You are dense.
by RobertoInfiniteTHEMoonLander
June 21, 2011, 12:55 p.m. CST
Bibleman, it's useless to argue with someone so ill-informed and you reveal your true self with you last paragraph, but I'll try
by THAT_SAID_THE_CHOPPAH
Limbaugh is an intellectual.
June 21, 2011, 12:58 p.m. CST
by Omis
is the only way to describe Green Lantern. It's not good, it's not terrible. It's not worth it to see it in the theaters, but I wouldn't change the channel if it was on TV.
June 21, 2011, 1:45 p.m. CST
The DCU was only done right on film once
by Tommy Rye
And this was it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75k7UJZVVjo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
June 21, 2011, 1:47 p.m. CST
The DCU was only done right on film once
by Tommy Rye
And this was it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75k7UJZVVjo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
June 21, 2011, 2:33 p.m. CST
bibleman AKA cunt, stop fisting yourself with that crucifex
by uberfreak
no one is going to feel sorry for you.
June 21, 2011, 3:11 p.m. CST
by thesmilingpsycho
and a giant bowl of jello would be different how?
June 21, 2011, 4:11 p.m. CST
Hey, Comic Book Geeks
by Baked
As a fellow geek, I BEG you to stop enabling bad movies. Don't fund the cycle. We got Batman Begins and The Dark Knight because no one saw Batman and Robin! The faster it dies, the faster we can see DC try to make good movies.
June 21, 2011, 5:24 p.m. CST
I love the scene where Ryan Reynolds was constipated on the toilet, and he started crying cuz he couldn't shit. So, Blake Lively started rubbing his dick to try to get his bowells moving, but it still didn't work.
by AzulTool
Oh, wait that was Jill Clayberg in La Luna with her son. My bad!
June 21, 2011, 5:52 p.m. CST
azultool, nice.
by uberfreak
Why doesn't this site have thumbs up/down for posting? Quit spending all your ad revenue on cheeseburgers and update this shitty site, Harry.
June 21, 2011, 8:08 p.m. CST
Noone saw Batman and Robin?
by NixEclips
Really? And a fucking bowl of jello? Goddammit, you fucking morons.
June 21, 2011, 8:21 p.m. CST
i love Green Lantern, but this movie should've been better MUCH better, you'r review is trippin me out cuz it wasnt that good
by NorthTronic
that score sucked too. the ending was whack. the last part when sinestro put on the ring made no sense.
June 21, 2011, 8:57 p.m. CST
Green Lantern
by reapingworldwind
I was happy with the movie. I had a fun time and loved seeing the comic translated to the big screen. I really hope they are able to make a sequel.
June 21, 2011, 11:31 p.m. CST
by thesmilingpsycho
agreed. also i agree with the other guy. this site needs some major updates.
June 22, 2011, 3:22 a.m. CST
MMM Cheeseburger revenue....
by RobertoInfiniteTHEMoonLander
June 22, 2011, 5:39 a.m. CST
Hey Hal your movie SUCKS ASS!!
by KilliK
June 22, 2011, 5:47 a.m. CST
Hey Hal your movie is a FLOP!!
by KilliK
June 22, 2011, 8:29 a.m. CST
Do You Know What I Think Makes AICN Less Enjoyable?
by Real Deal
The immature nature of the talkbacks.
June 22, 2011, 8:44 a.m. CST
Doesn't Speak Well for the Movie When Your Favourite Image
by Autodidact
Comes from the parking lot. Way late on that one...
June 22, 2011, 8:57 a.m. CST
what are you talking about autodidact?
by KilliK
The movie looked weird. It was Ryan's head and then everything else CGI. Also, some of the monologues were pretty lame. People began groaning and laughing in the theater when Lively began giving her speech about how she's always believed in Ryan-PUKE!!! The concept of fear as a power was pretty good, however it didn't really lead to any worth wild action. After the credits are done rolling, Thaal Sinestro puts the ring of fear, and that was more exciting than the whole movie. It was good for a few laughs but not something I would watch again. I'm glad I saw a screening for it and didn't have to pay (Unfortuanlty I can't say that for Sex in the City 2! lol)
June 22, 2011, 12:30 p.m. CST
I Don't Get Why People Are SO Pissed About This Movie
by Grimmjow Jeagerjaques
When I read Harry's review, I figured good ol' heart on his sleeve fanboy extraordinaire Harry was just giving the film a pass. I thought he had gotten all soft and mushy over the film because of how willpower relates to what he's going through in rehab and general GL fan-boyishness. With all the negative reviews this film is getting, it couldn't actually be good right? Well actually it is pretty good. It's not a masterpiece, or a classic, but it is a decent flick. If you're not looking for Green Lantern to be a genre-defining moment you should be able to enjoy it, which unfortunately, most reviewers weren't able to do for some reason. Honestly the way people are tearing this thing apart seems to show that a lot of expectations were so high that virtually nothing short of a Peter Jackson, Chris Nolan, or James Cameron-esque spectacle would have satisfied them. I mean I could see if Roger Ebert hated the movie but all the AICN reviewers and places like IGN liked the film, that would make sense given Ebert's track record with this kind of material but it seems like critics in masse are embracing their inner Ebert (aka film snob) to try to kill this flick. It's almost like they've got some kind of agenda against it. Weird. I was ready to right this sucker off since it didn't make sense for a site like IGN to slam a flick like Green Lantern so hard if it didn't actually suck. But because of all the hubbub I gave it a try just to see if it was really that bad. It's not. Not in the least. Seriously, what is the deal critics have with this movie? Does it belong in the same category as absolutely spectacular comic book movies like Blade 1 and the first Ninja Turtles movie? No, but it's just not a poor film. I'm just gonna copy & paste my IGN post for the pros vs. cons aspect of my GL rant: "What are it's actual flaws? It could've had a more epic scope. Green Lantern First Flight may have had it's problems but it got Hal off of Earth for more than 25 minutes or so, The Corp got more action and it felt bigger than this movie. Amanda Waller was a poorly cast waste of time. I love Angela Basset but she should not have been given this role. This is like Hallie Barry as Storm all over again, well maybe not that bad but you get the point. I'm not an expert in DCU lore, isn't there someone else that could've filled Waller's spot in the movie better or should they have just used a generic scientist type for that role? I get what they were trying to do with the Hal Vs. Hector story, it's actually a decent starting point for a new GL franchise but the relationship between Hal and Hector should've been elaborated on and the conflict between them should have been tenser if the writers wanted to run with that so bad. One of the few good things about this IGN review is they gave us non-GL comic reading folk some insight into Hammond's deal and, yes, a lot more of that should've made it in. But it's not nearly as bad as IGN wants you to think. Not in the least. The good? Ryan Reynolds did a pretty good job as Hal. Prickish but never not entertaining or unlikable, which I'd assume is what Hal is supposed to be like. The audience I saw it with cracked up (as did I) over a lot of the crap he said. What little we saw of The Corp was frickin' awesome. There definitely should have been more Corp-wide space-battlin, and it would've been nice to see a cameo from Ch'p like we got in First Flight but The Corp was executed very well. Hopefully the sequel will be more space-bound with more Corp action. Parallax's issues could have been more focused, yes, but unless you're a cynical dipstick who cries like a baby when you see an actual monster/God/force of nature where an an actual monster/God/force of nature needs to be ( I'm looking at YOU "Galactus is too silly to be seen in full, cloud-Galactus rules people") you won't have any problems with Parallax in this film. And his origin kicks a decent amount of ass as well. I think that's it. I really liked the movie, I give it three stars, if the script had been tighter I'd give it at least a half star more but like I said it ain't perfect. Hopefully it will do well enough that we'll get a sequel, and if the writers and producers get all their ducks in a row with the execution I think we could have another X2 on our hands come Green Lantern 2 time." One thing I do agree with that I didn't mention earlier is that Hal at this point in his life shouldn't have been so torn up about his dad's death that it made him question himself so much. I get the whole "he has the capacity to overcome his fear" as opposed to being flat out fearless in this franchise's beginning but he was a little too emo for his own good. It was a nice little journey yes, but it did bog down the flick a bit. First Flight Hal was what we should have gotten, hopefully the sequel will give us that since the doubts in Hal's mind should be out of the way now. Seriously guys, if people can give the Bayformers films a pass because "they're fun and that's all you need", you can give a film that's written about 26,000 times better than both of them (and let's be honest GL will probably be better written than Bayformers 3: Dark Side Of The Butterface) a fair shot. This film may have been more grounded than it should have been but that doesn't mean it sucks.
June 22, 2011, 1:32 p.m. CST
Well said, Grimmjow
by NixEclips
I don't get why everyone WANTS to hate this movie. It was entertaining.
June 22, 2011, 2:05 p.m. CST
Fuck anyone who liked this evil horrific piece of shit
by Nabster
GL was garbage pure and simple.
June 22, 2011, 2:05 p.m. CST
Thanks nixeclips
by Grimmjow Jeagerjaques
June 22, 2011, 3:02 p.m. CST
The movie was fine, Thor was better
by templesweeper
The comparisons are natural. They're both "cosmic" super heroes, and difficult to translate from the drawn page to the silver screen. Both had flaws...but I just found myself really enjoying Thor way more than Green Lantern. Again, I didn't hate Green Lantern. It was fine. I just thought it could have been so much more. There was never anything that tugged at my emotions, made me laugh, cry, or drop my jaw. Thor at least made me laugh (in a good way) and there were some scenes I flat-out LOVED. I am a Green Lantern fan, so I was bummed not to like it more. So I give Thor a 8/10 and Green Lantern a 6/10.
June 22, 2011, 10:51 p.m. CST
Am I Number One?
by George_Lucas_Beard_Goiter
June 23, 2011, 1:54 a.m. CST
i liked it, but the earthbound stuff bored me...
by JimmyJoe RedSky
all of the earthbound character building stuff was ok (the hector hammond stuff and the dogfight were done very well i thought) but the rest felt like old territory - each new super hero movie has to break a little new ground in that department - not just in the effects/action/etc - i got bored quick and just wanted to get back to space, oa and see more alien lanterns - for all the haters, this is a movie for 12-15 year old boys - it played out as such - there should be a sequel and it should focus on the cosmic stuff - if this bombs there will be a reboot in 3-5 years - is still prefer ang lee's hulk to the newer one
June 23, 2011, 1:45 p.m. CST
I'm a bit late here,
by redteeb
but I honestly thought this was one of the worst films I've ever seen. I'm really struggling to come up with something worse. It was that terrible. The message of the movie seemed to be, that it don't matter how hard you work, you need to be chosen in order to get on in life. They make it pretty explicit in the film. I thought that was pretty low. Either the script makers are retards or fascists. It was bullshit. Disappointing, seeing as you have an object which manifests your WILL and IMAGINATION!!!! IT'S NOT HARD TO SEE THE FUCKING CONTRADICTION HERE!!! And the idiot guardians "oh yes well that mistake we already made at the beginning of the film and should have learned a lesson from we'll just do it again yesyesyesyes that seems like a good idea WOT." And you are immortal and guardians of the universe and supremely intelligent HOW? So dumb. The nephew with terrible dialogue who has NO REASON AT ALL TO BE IN THE FILM. The Reynolds strut. The ridiculous looking purple headed aliens. The dodgy CGI. The terrible romance(he treats you like shit but now he magics a necklace on you with his super-ring and now all is forgiven. Yes, I respect your character). The terrible climax, in which our hero solves the problem by....well, what exactly? First of all, BY BEING CHOSEN? Second of all, by flying close to the sun and then dragging himself out by creating fighter jets to drag himself out, because that's what he did at the beginning of the film! And that's symbolism, right? Oh yeah, NO. The reason he was chosen is cause he will fly fighter jets straight away from the main source of the gravitational pull. Nothing in this film made sense. I refuse to believe that the writers are indeed class based fascists who believe that you must be chosen to succeed in life. It's far more likely they're just supremely inept, since, that gripe(which is offensive purely because of a personal viewpoint, I guess, and not necessarily in itself indicative of the quality of the film) is only one tally mark on a massive list as to why this film is a steaming turd. It is shot ineptly, acted ineptly, and most importantly, written ineptly. There is not one redeeming factor in this film. Yeah, so, I thought it sucked.
June 23, 2011, 3:37 p.m. CST
Well... I must say...
by catlettuce4
I saw it cause a friend had won free tickets, and we both liked it. I was expecting it to be pretty bad but I think it was fine. I didn't love it, but it was entertaining and I have no problems with it. I never read the comics, but I have seen all the DC animated films featuring the character and I don't think the movie was all that different to be perfectly honest. Very similar, really, but I actually liked that they gave us some character development unlike the Bruce Tim method, where he assumes we know everything already and don't need to be given a reason to care why the character is doing what he does. (Those animated films would be perfect if they'd just give us a bit more than 70 minutes and add some depth to the main characters.) I'd compare the movie to a cross between what we got in the various cartoon versions, part New Frontier, part First Flight, with a bit of Emerald Knights tossed in. A decent start to a film series, upon which to build. It also reminded me of classic heroes and films like the original Superman movie, and I mean that in a good way. The movie was fine, hope it does well enough for a sequel.
June 24, 2011, 4:02 p.m. CST
Blake Lively should've asked GL if he could make a giant green c8ck
by Nabster
To screw her with. Cuz that shit was boring. And you know why this movie was so bad? Well, one of the reasons was effin Geof Johns. DO not ever allow a mainstream comic writer anywhere near a movie. Just don't do it.
June 25, 2011, 3:03 a.m. CST
Oh, fuck me.
by Keith
Harry likes everything.
June 25, 2011, 12:37 p.m. CST
The most rambling dull selfindulgent review yet - oh BTW gay lantern dropped 72% takings in 7 days....how'd you like him now?
by Arkhaminmate001
June 25, 2011, 6:52 p.m. CST
Fucking awful
by lead_sharp
over 150 million dollars and it looks, feels and sounds like Youtube production without the soul. I even preferred Jonah Hex to this.
June 26, 2011, 10:28 a.m. CST
Fat, orange and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
by Tera Sanders
June 26, 2011, 10:31 a.m. CST
Dis-service to kids
by redkamel
If kids have to grow up with shit like GL and the over-hyped disappointing Super 8 then I weep for the future. Sounds like real geeks will be reading original material and old films as "long lost lore", eschewing DVDs and movies. Meanwhile, kids who grew up with Bayformers' shitty designs, GL/Thor quality production, and "JJ Abrams=Spielberg..really!" will be making the next gen of crap movies. I am so glad I grew up with movies like Raiders, Alien, Blade Runner, BTTF, ET...those movies were fun and knew how to be. Its cliche because its true. It wasn't just 22 year old T&A, pretty faces, explosions, and a formula. Those films actually have heart, which was around back then, and is nearly impossible to find now. When I go to the movies I feel like I am watching Law and Order/CSI-predictable level shit. Its getting harder and harder to find the good flicks these days. Most of them aren't at my movie theater.
June 26, 2011, 12:21 p.m. CST
I liked it quite a bit, but...
by lynxpro
Why were the Guardians dressed like the Time Lords? They looked like they stole Lord President Rassilon's robe. That's not how I remember them appearing in the comics and the animated shows. What happened to the back story between Hector Hammond and Hal Jordan? Was it cut out in the editing process? That was way too abrupt to drop the fact that they apparently grew up together. And what about Abin Sur's space craft? That element was left over from a previous script from 2008 and the complaint then was about how it didn't explain why a Green Lantern would need a space craft. Harry is spot on about the late David Niven would've been spot on as Sinestro; it seemed as if Mark Strong was channeling him. Isn't Strong an American actor? How many times is he going to do a faux British accent and play a villain? Speaking of dead-on actors for comic roles, I swear Dabney Coleman would've made the perfect JJJ had the Spider-Man films been done in the 1980s or the early 90s...
June 26, 2011, 1:08 p.m. CST
and why did Hector Hammond look like Eric Stoltz in "Mask"?
by lynxpro
That's what I want to know...
June 26, 2011, 7:44 p.m. CST
Enjoyed the movie! Very entertaining!
by Tony
I've been a Lantern fan from way back and I didn't see anything wrong with this movie. I'm used to his original costume, but this new one didn't look too bad.
June 27, 2011, 12:10 p.m. CST
Saw it over the weekend-No major Gripes
by cookylamoo
Maybe we've just watched too many well-made heroes journey stories to get impressed by yet another. I do think they failed to set up an interesting sequel.
June 30, 2011, 11:57 a.m. CST
I enjoyed it!
by tigana99
I finally saw GL yesterday, and despite all the negative reviews I read, I found myself enjoying the movie. It's certainly better than several other comic book movies that I've seen in recent years. It's too bad that the public has not embraced the movie, as I would love to see a sequel.
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