Green Lantern (2011)

[megladon8]

The Indiana Jones movies were based on pulp adventure serials, and both Lucas and Spielberg wanted to make a series of pulp adventure films with larger budgets.

[megladon8]

What happens if the ring has to choose someone on a planet of beings without fingers?

[Watashi]

What happens if the ring has to choose someone on a planet of beings without fingers?
It's happened before.

Don't you know about Mogo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogo)?

[number8]

Alan Moore is awesome at creating Green Lanterns.

Exhibit B: Rot Lop Fa (http://greenlantern.wikia.com/wiki/Rot_Lop_Fan)n.

[megladon8]

It's happened before.

Don't you know about Mogo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogo)?


No.

While I do really enjoy Green Lantern stories and the mythos it's not a character I ever really followed.

I enjoyed a lot of the Geoff Johns stuff since "Rebirth", but again, haven't actively followed it.

[megladon8]

I've watched that preview a few times now and I'm really starting to warm up to this. That first trailer just left such a bad taste in my mouth, but I'm really enjoying the space opera angle it seems to be taking, which is certainly what I prefer for this character and universe.

It also looks like they've improved the very artificial look the first trailer had for its indoor shots, which I'm happy about. It went from looking like a TV show to a movie.

[number8]

There are a bunch of fingerless Green Lanterns, and they tend to adapt the ring into something they can wear.

B'ox is my favorite.

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/1/13181/765882-box_thumb.jpg

He's a box.

[megladon8]

They should have made the Green Lantern 2029 story into a movie.

We don't have enough superhero whales.

[megladon8]

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2272/70729733.jpg

[D_Davis]

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2272/70729733.jpg

I would so see this movie.

[megladon8]

Anyone who wouldn't is a communist.

[MadMan]

:lol: :pritch: :cool:

[megladon8]

Really like this poster...

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/1073/tomarre.jpg

[Dukefrukem]

This movie cost $150 million to make? Wow. I'd be surprised if it made that domestically.

[megladon8]

This movie cost $150 million to make? Wow. I'd be surprised if it made that domestically.


I wouldn't. I think it might end up doing quite well.

[Dukefrukem]

I wouldn't. I think it might end up doing quite well.

Based on the Green Lantern following, the poor trailers/bad CGI and Ryan Reynolds past movie draw, I don't think this movie will be financially successful ($300+ mil). Even if we give him credit for The Proposal (which people went to saw for Sandra Bullock not him, it's still not enough to be convinced.

Lets look at his filmography. (Bolded are films where he is the lead)

(Movie )(DOM GROSS) (Opening Weekend)

Buried $1,044,143 $100,268
Paper Man $13,514 $8,613
The Proposal $163,958,031 $33,627,598
X-Men Origins: Wolverine $179,883,157 $85,058,003
Adventureland $16,044,025 $5,722,039
Chaos Theory $240,476 n/a
Definitely, Maybe $32,241,649 $9,764,270
The Nines $63,165 $23,617
Smokin' Aces $35,787,686 $14,638,755
Just Friends $32,619,671 $9,191,331
Waiting... $16,124,543 $6,021,106
The Amityville Horror (2005) $65,233,369 $23,507,007
Blade: Trinity $52,411,906 $16,061,271
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle $18,250,550 $5,480,378
Foolproof $460,978 $230,312
The In-Laws $20,453,431 $7,319,848
National Lampoon's Van Wilder $21,305,259 $7,302,913
Coming Soon $5,453 $3,742
Dick $6,262,878 $2,210,267
The Alarmist $59,864 $7,787

[Sycophant]

I don't think a movie has to make 300 million domestically to be "successful." That would mean every man, woman, and child in America gives the movie a dollar.

[megladon8]

I think people will go see it because it looks like a pretty neat sci-fi action film, and the studio is trying to pimp it out as being this generation's Star Wars-esque sci-fi saga.

I think it'll do well. I don't think it's going to do Dark Knight numbers, but it'll do well enough that they'll make a sequel for sure.

[Dukefrukem]

Financially successful was poor wording. Every new trailer, tv spot, poster just makes me less and less interested to see this... and I'm a comic book fan.

[megladon8]

Financially successful was poor wording. Every new trailer, tv spot, poster just makes me less and less interested to see this... and I'm a comic book fan.


Really? I feel the exact opposite.

The first stuff I saw of it was like "wow...they fucked this up the arse and back".

But the latest 4 minute WonderCon footage and new images have me thinking it could actually be pretty neat.

[number8]

They don't need to focus on box office, with this kind of movie. The merchandising and tie-ins alone are worth the production, given the hype factor.

[Raiders]

Based on the Green Lantern following, the poor trailers/bad CGI and Ryan Reynolds past movie draw, I don't think this movie will be financially successful ($300+ mil). Even if we give him credit for The Proposal (which people went to saw for Sandra Bullock not him, it's still not enough to be convinced.

Shall we look at Robert Downey Jr's box office record prior to Iron Man?

[Henry Gale]

I feel like this is set to do G.I. Joe business, meaning that the timing of its release and general awareness of it will allow it do the business it needs to before most people forget about it once a bigger movie comes along right after it. But at its best, it can only hope to do what something like Iron Man did by making a superhero that was fairly unknown to mainstream, and have it suddenly turn into a household name and surefire franchise.

Most likely though, it falls somewhere in between. I'm expecting something like $130-140 million domestic, with who knows what else worldwide. 3D ticket prices may skew that a bit, but you look at big June action releases from years past (Wanted, M:I-3, The Incredible Hulk, Live Free Or Die Hard, The Last Airbender), and they seem to always end up in that exact range.

[Dukefrukem]

Shall we look at Robert Downey Jr's box office record prior to Iron Man?

Iron Man vs Green Lantern? Really?

[Raiders]

Iron Man vs Green Lantern? Really?

Um, yes? Why not?

[megladon8]

I don't get the problem with that comparison either.

In fact I'd argue that more people know about Green Lantern prior to the movie, than people who knew about Iron Man prior to that one.

[Sycophant]

Duke, I think you may be mixing your opinion with your understanding of public perception again.

Anyway, unless the reviews are stellar, I'm probs gonna stay away from this one. You can actually thank Iron Man for that.

[Dukefrukem]

Um, yes? Why not?


I don't get the problem with that comparison either.

In fact I'd argue that more people know about Green Lantern prior to the movie, than people who knew about Iron Man prior to that one.

I just don't see Green Lantern being well known enough to carry a huge movie budget. Iron Man is waaaaaay more well known than GL. It would be like giving Ant Man $150 mil budget. Or Spawn. :lol:

[megladon8]

I just don't see Green Lantern being well known enough to carry a huge movie budget. Iron Man is waaaaaay more well known than GL. It would be like giving Ant Man $150 mil budget. Or Spawn. :lol:


Iron Man is well known now because of the movies.

Before 2008 (or '07, rather, when the trailer came out) Iron Man was a 2nd or even 3rd tier hero in the Marvel universe, and was pretty much unknown, and those who did know of him mostly know next to nothing about him.

[Kurosawa Fan]

No, I'm pretty sure Duke is right. I was only moderately into comics as a kid, but I knew all about Iron Man. I knew, and still know, nothing about Green Lantern. Not sure it'll have any effect on the succes of the film, but Iron Man was, by my experience, far better known well before Downey's films.

[Ezee E]

Yeah, nobody may know about Tony Stark, but everyone knows about Iron Man. Heck, I'd even say more people know of War Machine for the costume alone.

Green Lantern, perhaps we've heard of, but like me, I know nothing about him except that he exists.

[megladon8]

No, I'm pretty sure Duke is right. I was only moderately into comics as a kid, but I knew all about Iron Man. I knew, and still know, nothing about Green Lantern. Not sure it'll have any effect on the succes of the film, but Iron Man was, by my experience, far better known well before Downey's films.


Well guess what? In 1962 a boy was born. And do you know what that boy's dream was?

It was to own a monkey.

And he achieved that dream.

[Raiders]

I believe Duke is right about the popularity in the general public as well. I was just pointing out that using Reynolds as a gauge doesn't really work for this type of film, and public knowledge aside, there isn't much of a difference between the two films. They are large summer blockbusters based on comic book characters.

[DavidSeven]

Except Iron Man had a good trailer. This doesn't. I predict a dud.

[Boner M]

Raiders really likes Ryan Reynolds, huh.

[Dukefrukem]

I believe Duke is right about the popularity in the general public as well. I was just pointing out that using Reynolds as a gauge doesn't really work for this type of film, and public knowledge aside, there isn't much of a difference between the two films. They are large summer blockbusters based on comic book characters.

I suppose I was suggesting the combination of the two has the potential to be disastrous.

I am also predicting a dud. (if it wasn't obvious)

[Kurosawa Fan]

Well guess what? In 1962 a boy was born. And do you know what that boy's dream was?

It was to own a monkey.

And he achieved that dream.

I will not tolerate jokes about that video until someone gives a reasonable explanation as to why it exists.

[Raiders]

Raiders really likes Ryan Reynolds, huh.

You think he'll notice?

[megladon8]

I will not tolerate jokes about that video until someone gives a reasonable explanation as to why it exists.


:cry:

[Dukefrukem]

Since I am unaware... what video?

[Kurosawa Fan]

Since I am unaware... what video?

YouTube thread.

[Morris Schæffer]

I don' t think this Will be better than Condorman. Agreed?

[Ezee E]

Green Lantern should do decent business. It's basically all alone on opening weekend, and there really isn't another action movie for another two weeks when Transformers comes out. It'll have all that time to enjoy a stay in the 3D theaters.

I'll say it'll just break even, maybe slightly less, in the US.

[Watashi]

Out of all the superhero movies this summer, Green Lantern looks to attract the most kids. It has that pulpy Star Wars feel to it that a lot 10 year old boys will see over and over.

[Dukefrukem]

Green Lantern adds $9 million to budget for last-minute FX tweaks

hahaha

[megladon8]

Green Lantern adds $9 million to budget for last-minute FX tweaks

hahaha



What's funny about that?

[Dukefrukem]

What's funny about that?

I'm just convinced the extra $9 million will not help them recoup their investment.

[Dukefrukem]

Best trailer yet. (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/49513)

[megladon8]

Yeah, I'm wanting to see this a lot more now.

[megladon8]

So remember way back when, it was rumored that when the ring first comes to earth to start scanning humans, there's a quick glimpse of it scanning Clark Kent?

How cool would it be if they had brought Henry Cavill in for that quick shot?

It'd be like DC pulling a Marvel and starting to tie the movies together, getting ready for a Justice League movie.

[Morris Schæffer]

Perhaps this is what a GL movie should be all about, perhaps it looks exactly as it should, but then I must conclude that perhaps it isn't for me. Sure, I can go to the movies after a hard day's work and just plonk down in the chair with a huge coke and sort of unwind. But I still don't think this looks particularly engaging. From the action to the cavalcade of strange critters, it just looks all over the place. And true enough, something that Meg has said a few times, not every superhero movies must be angst and darkness and brooding, but I can't see myself caring about/being scared by aliens with giant foreheads and non-descript tentacles swallowing cities.

[megladon8]

I think it's aiming for a kind of Star Wars feel/universe.

You like Star Wars, don't you?

[Dukefrukem]

Star Wars is a differnt monster entirely with the content that the three origional movies provided. Hell you could sit and analize the first movie for hours.

I'm still with Morris on this movie. Looks too kiddy.

[Raiders]

Perhaps this is what a GL movie should be all about, perhaps it looks exactly as it should, but then I must conclude that perhaps it isn't for me. Sure, I can go to the movies after a hard day's work and just plonk down in the chair with a huge coke and sort of unwind. But I still don't think this looks particularly engaging. From the action to the cavalcade of strange critters, it just looks all over the place. And true enough, something that Meg has said a few times, not every superhero movies must be angst and darkness and brooding, but I can't see myself caring about/being scared by aliens with giant foreheads and non-descript tentacles swallowing cities.

You seem to be trying really hard to envision this film as something I can't imagine it being. The Star Wars comparison seems apt. Green Lantern is more celestial than Batman, et al. by nature, and as this is all pre Justice League, it would naturally have to be about the various forms the Green Lantern Corps take up and how Hal is Earth's extension of that. It's as much a story of discovering another society as it is a typical good vs. evil plotline and as such is going to be filled with more of an array of characters and creatures as opposed to psychopathic humans. It isn't necessarily meant to convey any sense of terror.

I have no real conviction it will be particularly good, but I think the feel the trailers eminate are appropriate for what I expected.

[megladon8]

Star Wars is a differnt monster entirely with the content that the three origional movies provided. Hell you could sit and analize the first movie for hours.

I'm still with Morris on this movie. Looks too kiddy.


The Star Wars movies were kids' movies, too.

[Sycophant]

I'm sure you can sit and analyze The Green Lantern for hours, too, once you've seen it. DON'T MAKE ME SEE IT AND DISCUSS IT FOR HOURS JUST TO PROVE MY POINT.

[Watashi]

If Green Lantern was based on a book by Dan Brown and directed by Paul Haggis, Morris would love it!

[DavidSeven]

Peter Sarsgaard still looks ridiculous.

[bac0n]

Man, I am so stoked for this film now.

Who'd a thunk that all three big superhero flicks coming out this year have as mich potential as these three do.

[Dukefrukem]

Peter Sarsgaard still looks ridiculous.

Wow. I didn't even know that was him.............

[Morris Schæffer]

The Star Wars movies were kids' movies, too.

I'm sure kids like them, no doubt even love them, but I've never seen them referred to by critics or fans as kid's movies. And I'm sure neither have you. I'm also fairly certain you fully believe this movie will never come even close to the brilliance of the original SW trilogy so perhaps we should drop the blanket statements. :)

Try calling The Incredibles or Wall-E a kid's movie and see Watashi spontaneously explode from the grossly inappropriate misnomer.

[number8]

Incredibles and Wall-E are kids movies, as are all Pixar films.

[Morris Schæffer]

Incredibles and Wall-E are kids movies, as are all Pixar films.

Of course they are, but the connotation isn't entirely positive. I once referred to The Lion King as a cartoon on Rotten Tomatoes. Big mistake!

[number8]

Of course they are, but the connotation isn't entirely positive. I once referred to The Lion King as a cartoon on Rotten Tomatoes. Big mistake!

That is more a problem with adults who are not secure with their tastes.

That said, I'm not sure what people are trying to convince you of. You and duke can't buy into colorful creatures and giant alien monsters. That's fine, but seeing how that's pretty much what Green Lantern stories entirely are about, this movie looks like a good Green Lantern movie should. If it's not for you, so be it. Some adults don't like to watch saturday morning cartoons, either. Their loss, not mine.

[Dukefrukem]

Hmm I love Saturday morning cartoons too. I wonder where the disconnect is....

[Morris Schæffer]

That is more a problem with adults who are not secure with their tastes.

That said, I'm not sure what people are trying to convince you of. You and duke can't buy into colorful creatures and giant alien monsters. That's fine, but seeing how that's pretty much what Green Lantern stories entirely are about, this movie looks like a good Green Lantern movie should. If it's not for you, so be it. Some adults don't like to watch saturday morning cartoons, either. Their loss, not mine.

If it's done the right way, then I don't mind creatures. But crucially, there has to be a strong human foundation to go along with all the critters and monsters. Will Ryan Reynolds provide that? Perhaps. I like him enough as an actor and he looks rather likeable in this, but he does look somewhat overhelmed by all the green aliens and cosmic clouds. Ya know, Yoda was a creature, Sarlacc Pit monster was a creature, I love them both. Green Lantern's denizens don't appear to be as memorable in that regard so I'm skeptical.

But you may be right, and I've stated this before in an earlier post. This may very well exactly be what GL fans have been waiting for. Well, I hope they will also find it in the finished movie. And I hope I've been somewhat wrong and be able to enjoy it for what it is.

[megladon8]

I'm sure kids like them, no doubt even love them, but I've never seen them referred to by critics or fans as kid's movies. And I'm sure neither have you. I'm also fairly certain you fully believe this movie will never come even close to the brilliance of the original SW trilogy so perhaps we should drop the blanket statements. :)[/QUOTE]


Um...are you serious?

It's common knowledge that the Star Wars movies were kids' movies that blew up into a cultural phenomenon.

That doesn't make them any less brilliant or important, it's just a fact of the matter.

[Sven]

It's common knowledge that the Star Wars movies were kids' movies that blew up into a cultural phenomenon.

I dunno about this. Without getting too embroiled in an undoubtedly fruitless dialogue about genre classification, I think there's a solid line between "children's film" and "a film that is made with children in mind". I doubt, even without the phenomenon aspect, one would have ever found Empire Strikes Back in the Children's section of the video store. Ewok Adventures they are not.

[Morris Schæffer]

Um...are you serious?

It's common knowledge that the Star Wars movies were kids' movies that blew up into a cultural phenomenon.

That doesn't make them any less brilliant or important, it's just a fact of the matter.

I'm not sold on that Meg, sorry. :) No one that I know or have read about refers to these movies as kids movies. A top whatever of greatest sci-fi movies in whatever publication or whatever website is likely to have Star Wars and the Empire Strikes Back in the upper echelons of said lists.

So yes, I love Star Wars, but that doesn't mean I'm going to be persuaded by anything involving outer space and silly looking monsters. It's a grossly generalized comparison methinks that you made a few posts back.

[megladon8]

Wait...are you saying that a kids' movie could never appear in a "top sci-fi movies list"?

That's ridiculous.

Here's an article that even refers to Lucas' comments... (http://media.gunaxin.com/the-ten-most-unnecessarily-gruesome-deaths-in-star-wars/29426)

"For all intents and purposes, the Star Wars Saga was always a movie meant for the younger audience. Lucas himself has admitted, when bombarded with questions as to why his universe is populated by Muppets and infantile alien races, that the point was to get a reaction from the youth."


EDIT: So yes, perhaps saying they are "kids' movies" is not entirely correct, but like Sven said a few posts back, they were certainly made with children in mind.

Frankly I find it kind of startling how offended you seem to be by the idea that something you (and many, many, many including myself) love could be deemed "for kids".

[Watashi]

Try calling The Incredibles or Wall-E a kid's movie and see Watashi spontaneously explode from the grossly inappropriate misnomer.

Um, they are kid's movies.

[megladon8]

Some of the greatest, most imaginative and powerful movies of all time are "kids movies".

[Morris Schæffer]

It's actually funny that it was Duke who first used the word "kiddie" rather than me. I'm simply saying I don't think they are kids movies. Sure, I'm only talking about genre classification here. I'm not actually offended at all. E.T. is one of my all-time favorite movies and it deserves to make any kind of top sumpin' list.

It all just ballooned out of control after this post of yours:


I think it's aiming for a kind of Star Wars feel/universe.

You like Star Wars, don't you?

I simply don't think there's anything in the GL trailer to suggest it will come anywhere near the quality of the original SW trilogy. From the FX to the characters to the villains, it simply isn't gonna be there. And I think lots of folks feel the same way.

[megladon8]

I simply don't think there's anything in the GL trailer to suggest it will come anywhere near the quality of the original SW trilogy. From the FX to the characters to the villains, it simply isn't gonna be there. And I think lots of folks feel the same way.



I wasn't talking at all about quality, though, so that's why I was confused by your adamant stance against the comparison.

The tone of the movie is intended to be like that of Star Wars. It's a space opera, with lots of aliens and unbelievable things happening.

I didn't say "holy shit this looks better than Star Wars!"

Hell, even WB is trying to market it to be the next Star Wars saga. That is, to be a big, popular space opera told over the course of 3 movies.

[Morris Schæffer]

And I'm not against weird aliens, creatures and vaporous clouds per se, but GL does look like a bit too much for me. I guess Luke Skywalker never was able to suddenly sprout a minigun out of thin air, but perhaps, once I see the full context of that scene, it'll be badass. Who knows?

[Irish]

That said, I'm not sure what people are trying to convince you of. You and duke can't buy into colorful creatures and giant alien monsters. That's fine, but seeing how that's pretty much what Green Lantern stories entirely are about, this movie looks like a good Green Lantern movie should. If it's not for you, so be it. Some adults don't like to watch saturday morning cartoons, either. Their loss, not mine.

I think there's a difference between what you're describing and what may be in a typical GL story, or this movie.

The problem -- which Meg picked up on -- is that they went too heavy on the CGI. The thing looks like a cartoon, and when I say "cartoon" I mean that in the worst possible way: Broad humor, low production values, and not something anyone over the age of 5 would take seriously.

The animated Justice League was ostensibly aimed at kids, but it also carried a lot of dark tones and somewhat sophisticated adult themes (like the trickiness of love triangles, the concept of nationality and the nature of loyalty and friendship).

The final Green Lantern trailer reflects nothing except slapstick humor and a lot of big explosions and effects.

PS: Lucas only claimed Star Wars was aimed at kids onces the critics turned on him after Phantom Menace. He employed that line in an attempt to get the franchise held to a lower critical standard, and for no other reason.

[megladon8]

Oh man, I had no idea that Mark Strong was not Mark Strong's real name.

His real name couldn't be any more Italian if it was Guido Fettucinni.

Marco Giuseppe Salussolia


This guy was born 20 years too late. Should have been in the Godfather films.

[Dukefrukem]

Campbell not returning for the sequel (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/joshw24/news/?a=37371&t=Martin_Campbell_Not_Planning _On_Returning_To_Direct_iGreen _Lantern_2i). Seems kind of weird to announce this before the movie gets released no?

[number8]

Maybe he'll return for the reboot.

[megladon8]

Not surprising since Campbell has said in the past that he hates doing sequels.

[KK2.0]

this discussion reminded me of a guy walking out of The Fifth Element complaining "what a kiddie movie" as soon as the Mangalores appeared.

[Watashi]

2UBcHnP0o9Q

The more I see of this film, the more fucking epic it looks. I like how they are completely omitting Blake Lively and Jordan's dweeby friend from recent trailers.

I hope 80% of this movie takes place on Oa.

[Dead & Messed Up]

It's looking more and more bizarre, and I support that fully.

Also, I love that specific brand of sub-villain that works with and speaks for some sort of cyclopean, cosmic entity of destruction. There's something hilarious about someone allied to a force that's clearly - clearly - going to destroy them. See also: Zorg in Fifth Element.

[Morris Schæffer]

The best trailer so far. Not sure the actual movie will have the same, epic overtones, but I hope for the best. Which I always do.

[TGM]

Yeah, all of the space stuff has me pretty excited for this. It's all of the earth scenes that look really, really bad. Hopefully the good will outweigh the bad, though. Looking forward to this, which is something I couldn't say at all just a few months ago. :)

[Dukefrukem]

Meh.

Why does everyone on Oa speak english? Why do they have to wear costumes?

[number8]

Why does everyone on Oa speak english?

The ring can translate any language.


Why do they have to wear costumes?

It's a corps. Duh.

[Dukefrukem]

I hope that's explained in the movie.

[number8]

Pretty sure people don't need to be explained than troops wear uniforms.

[Dukefrukem]

Cuz armies wear masks?

[Irish]

Cuz armies wear masks?

http://i.imgur.com/svxCq.jpg

:P

[megladon8]

Love the giant circle of penis towers on Oa.

[EyesWideOpen]

Cuz armies wear masks?

They don't all wear masks. Hal does to hide his identity on earth, duh.

[number8]

Cuz armies wear masks?

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/krexuzeitor/implied-facepalm.jpg

[Dukefrukem]

Haha. Trying to be optimistic but for some reason I have a deep hatred for this movie.

[[ETM]]

My main concern right now is goofiness. Those imaginary weapons remind me of these:

http://www.fantastique-arts.com/photos/2411.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xN-nw8QXqvE/TZDv9iLZ_9I/AAAAAAAAGic/6zWm0y-EyQw/s1600/Mask%2Bweapons%2Bguns%2Bswords %2Bfrom%2Bmovies.jpg

[lovejuice]

Speaking as someone who has no idea on the source material, Green Lantern looks like an interesting and rather unique superhero. I too am now hyped.

[EyesWideOpen]

If you are afraid of this movie having goofiness then you might as well stay far away from this movie because the core concept of Green Lantern is all about goofiness.

[[ETM]]

If you are afraid of this movie having goofiness then you might as well stay far away from this movie because the core concept of Green Lantern is all about goofiness.

I know it's goofy but this seems like the kind of goofy that directly clashes with the potential epic-ness of the scope.

[EyesWideOpen]

The Green Lantern Corps has some of the goofiest characters in all of superhero comics (and I mean that in a good way).

[Dukefrukem]

170 million budget + goofy = disaster

[EyesWideOpen]

170 million budget + goofy = disaster

Some of the biggest movies ever (Spider-Man, Pirates movies, Transformers) are goofy as hell and they managed to do just fine.

[Dukefrukem]

Some of the biggest movies ever (Spider-Man, Pirates movies, Transformers) are goofy as hell and they managed to do just fine.

There were definitive reasons for those movies success

Spider-Man had Raimi
Pirates had Depp and one of the best original series characters made in the last 30 years
Transformers had explosions...

[EyesWideOpen]

There were definitive reasons for those movies success

Spider-Man had Raimi
Pirates had Depp and one of the best original series characters made in the last 30 years
Transformers had explosions...

The average person didn't know who Raimi was before Spider-Man came out and Captain Jack is I'm willing to bet more goofy then anything we'll see in Green Lantern.

I'm not saying this movie is going to be a big success. I couldn't care less about those things. I just don't see that this movie is inherently more goofy then plenty of films that came before it (Star Wars is one of the goofiest movies I've ever seen and it managed to do just fine). And I don't understand why everything has to be played straight and goofiness is some sort of bad thing.

[Dukefrukem]

The average person didn't know who Raimi was before Spider-Man came out and Captain Jack is I'm willing to bet more goofy then anything we'll see in Green Lantern.

I'm not saying this movie is going to be a big success. I couldn't care less about those things. I just don't see that this movie is inherently more goofy then plenty of films that came before it (Star Wars is one of the goofiest movies I've ever seen and it managed to do just fine). And I don't understand why everything has to be played straight and goofiness is some sort of bad thing.

It's a problem with their portral of aliens (the goofiness). I never really liked it in Star Wars, but I understood their purpose.

[number8]

Why are we still talking about this?

Green Lantern is a comic about a space cop. What is the purpose of the aliens in it? Same purpose they have Latinos on The Shield.

[megladon8]

I can't believe how this movie has gone from "wow, this is going to suck" to "holy crap I can't wait to see this" with just a few months and a few reworkings of the footage.

[Watashi]

I can't believe how this movie has gone from "wow, this is going to suck" to "holy crap I can't wait to see this" with just a few months and a few reworkings of the footage.

Well....


I like how they are completely omitting Blake Lively and Jordan's dweeby friend from recent trailers.

[Dukefrukem]

Why are we still talking about this?

Green Lantern is a comic about a space cop. What is the purpose of the aliens in it? Same purpose they have Latinos on The Shield.

Because I'm not going to pay money to see it until I'm convinced it will be worth seeing. Therefore waiting for someone to make an epic post convincing me. Therefore I will continue to say how these trailers do not impress me. Therefore I will continue to make fun of their funny costumes, purple aliens and terrible CGI.

[Ivan Drago]

Because I'm not going to pay money to see it until I'm convinced it will be worth seeing. Therefor waiting for someone to make an epic post convincing me. Therefor I will continue to say how these trailers do not impress me. Therefor I will continue to make fun of their funny costumes, purple aliens and terrible CGI.

Therefore, you will continue to misspell "therefore."

[Dukefrukem]

Why didn't Chrome pick up on that? Shhh don't tell Meg.

[[ETM]]

Why didn't Chrome pick up on that?

Because both forms are valid, although in different circumstances.

[megladon8]

Because I'm not going to pay money to see it until I'm convinced it will be worth seeing. Therefore waiting for someone to make an epic post convincing me. Therefore I will continue to say how these trailers do not impress me. Therefore I will continue to make fun of their funny costumes, purple aliens and terrible CGI.


So...you're trolling?

[Dukefrukem]

So...you're trolling?

Do i need to explain the definition of trolling to you too?

[megladon8]

Do i need to explain the definition of trolling to you too?

:|

[eternity]

Green Lantern looks as goofy as Thor did, and that ended up turning out just fine.

It does look notably goofy, though. Hopefully it all works, because there's a good chance that it might just feel all wrong.

[megladon8]

Some super hi-res photos of the make-up, CGI, and combinations of the two used to create several of the members of the Corps. (http://io9.com/5805052/mark-strong-wore-full-sinestro-makeup-and-prosthetics-on-the-green-lantern-set)

[megladon8]

And sorry for the poor screencap quality, but I really like this shot from the latest trailer...


http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/2212/55721101.jpg


Has an Alex Ross feel to it.

[Henry Gale]

Is it just me, or does it seem like at first they wanted to make his eyes completely white with the mask on (from the early pictures that were released), but then once we saw the trailer it was just shown as a normal iris, and now from the latest footage it just looks to be something in between, kind of a clouded eye with the pupil most prominent.

Either way, I hope all of the effects come together nicely for the final cut of the film, because although things have been noticably improving from trailer to trailer, for all the shots that look great, there's still just as many that don't.

[Dukefrukem]

I like how the Green Lantern doesn't have to worry about putting his eye makeup on... unlike Batman.

[number8]

I've always really liked how the Justice League show gave John Stewart green eyes.

http://www.comic-book-and-strip-service.com/image-files/the-black-green-lantern.jpg

[megladon8]

rT96_idWN0Q

[megladon8]

A couple of early screenings have gotten quite a good response.

I'll be there next weekend!

[Dukefrukem]

You're gonna see this over Super 8?

[megladon8]

You're gonna see this over Super 8?


Yep!

[Ezee E]

Nice movie weekend.

Tree of Life and Super 8.

[Dukefrukem]

Nice movie weekend.

Tree of Life and Super 8.

Tree of Life is never coming to Boston. :( At least from the schedules I've seen.

[Rowland]

Tree of Life is never coming to Boston. :( At least from the schedules I've seen.Really? According to this (http://jabcatmovies.com/2011/05/tree-of-life-us-theatrical-release-schedule/) schedule, it's making appearances in multiple theaters.

[Dukefrukem]

Really? According to this (http://jabcatmovies.com/2011/05/tree-of-life-us-theatrical-release-schedule/) schedule, it's making appearances in multiple theaters.

Raiders already called me out on it (http://match-cut.org/showthread.php?p=350882#post35 0882). BUt I posted that because the theater I go to, has it listed, without showtimes. Apparently it's common for them to update the showtimes on Weds.

[number8]

The thing about oaths... It's really easy to create geek out moments. Hell with it, this worked on me.

gxMT_BQIUCo

[megladon8]

"By the power of Greyskull!"

:lol:

[bac0n]

The biggest question I have about this movie is just what sort of LOTR references there are gonna be, like Hal Jordan saying to Abin Sur when he gets the ring, something like, "this ain't no one ring to rule them all bullshit, is it?"

[Spun Lepton]

I'm gonna give this one a chance, if only because I loved Green Lantern so much as a kid.

[[ETM]]

Oh, wow. I had no idea Ngila Dickson (of LOTR fame) designed the costume (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10731919). That's a... bold choice.

[[ETM]]

Extremely bad early review (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captured/posts/review-awkward-uneven-green-lantern-packs-no-punch). Looks like worst case scenario.

[Irish]

;352861']Extremely bad early review (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captured/posts/review-awkward-uneven-green-lantern-packs-no-punch). Looks like worst case scenario.

Not a good sign. Drew used to write for Aint It Cool News. A guy like him doesn't like the movie, big trouble.

The only question in my mind now is whether this is going to be GI Joe level bad or Catwoman level bad.

[number8]

I think script-wise this movie was at a disadvantage, especially in that Sinestro spoiler bit, because this animated movie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Lantern:_First_Flight) already stole the most perfect way to do it as a movie: rip off Training Day.

[Morris Schæffer]

It always looked like the wrong side of goofy.:D

[Dukefrukem]

3rGIT_lGxfI

[Sxottlan]

;352861']Looks like worst case scenario.

Yeah no reviews until just a few days before release and now they're mostly negative.

[bac0n]

Wow, this movie is getting savaged in the reviews. Looks like it's gonna be a renter, for me at least.

*sigh*

I was having some high hopes for it for a little while there.

[Dukefrukem]

define a little while? I didn't see any hope from this (http://match-cut.org/showpost.php?p=301144&postcount=129) onward.

edit: sorry im being negative again

[bac0n]

define a little while? I didn't see any hope from this (http://match-cut.org/showpost.php?p=301144&postcount=129) onward.

edit: sorry im being negative again

The recent batch of trailers looked really well put together to me, and seemed to capture the whole feeling of the universe in which the Lantern mythos lives rather well. Also, Sinestro, easily my favorite villain in comics, looked awesome, which raised my excitement level to "cautiously optimistic". But now it's back down to "oh well, at least Captain America still looks promising".

[D_Davis]

"More science-fiction space opera than superhero epic..." (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-green-lantern-20110617,0,6727309.story)

Exactly why I want to see it.

Looks way more entertaining to me than the new X-Men film.

[TGM]

"More science-fiction space opera than superhero epic..." (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-green-lantern-20110617,0,6727309.story)

Exactly why I want to see it.

Looks way more entertaining to me than the new X-Men film.

Wait, was that a complaint in that review? That's the sole reason I have any interest in seeing this.

[megladon8]

Yeah, that's weird.

I mean, if it's poorly done and terribly written that's one thing, but if they're bashing it for the sole reason that it is space opera...then I'm not as worried.

[D_Davis]

The guy in that review actually kind of liked it.

I'm wondering if other people are expecting something different. Maybe they don't know GL's ultra-pulpy, space-opera roots.

[megladon8]

The guy in that review actually kind of liked it.

I'm wondering if other people are expecting something different. Maybe they don't know GL's ultra-pulpy, space-opera roots.


Well some reviews seem to be saying that the movie is just all-out bad. That Ryan Reynolds is terribly miscast, the effects are inconsistent, the action incoherent, and the story both convoluted and stupid.

I want to see it and I'm hoping for the best, but my expectations have been lowered once again.

[D_Davis]

Yeah - if it's bad, it's bad, regardless of expectations.

[Ezee E]

I want to see it and I'm hoping for the best, but my expectations have been lowered once again.

Can't believe you're putting this over Super 8.

[Sxottlan]

What a mess!

[megladon8]

Can't believe you're putting this over Super 8.


At this point I'm pretty much certain Super 8 will end up being the better of the two, but I still have very little interest in it.

I wanted Cloverfield 2, not J.J. Abrams fellating his mentor for 2 hours.

[[ETM]]

Don't be part of the problem, meg.

Btw, even the pirates are half-assing it when it comes to The Green Lantern - the guy who shot the first Cam that appeared online didn't even bother to sit front-and-center.:lol:

[megladon8]

Part of what problem?

[[ETM]]

Part of what problem?

I'm joking (a small disclaimer, given previous misunderstandings), I was referring to you wanting a sequel rather than a (mostly) original story.

[megladon8]

;353640']I'm joking (a small disclaimer, given previous misunderstandings), I was referring to you wanting a sequel rather than a (mostly) original story.


Ah, OK.

Green Lantern isn't a sequel, though.

[[ETM]]

Green Lantern isn't a sequel, though.

I was speaking of Cloverfield 2.

[megladon8]

;353644']I was speaking of Cloverfield 2.


I need coffee.

[TGM]

I think the people who hate this movie just went into the movie wanting to hate it, because honestly, it's really not all bad.

My only big issue with the movie was the constant cuts between Hector and Hal early on, which was mildly grating. But as the parallel between the two character became more apparent later on, this no longer was an issue for me. So I enjoyed it.

[Morris Schæffer]

I think that after the goofiness debate, Meg is determined to see this Green Lantern thing through to the bitter end. :D

[Watashi]

This was shit.

[eternity]

Most people are hating this, but those who like it really, really, really like it. Someone I typically trust called it "breathtaking", while others I trust well...the consensus is clear.

I guess I *have* to see it now though. Hmph.

[Dukefrukem]

What a mess!



This was shit.

Lol

[Ivan Drago]

How were the 3D effects, if anyone saw it in 3D?

[Dukefrukem]

$52.7 million- not bad.

[number8]

Wait, they put Amanda Waller in this?

Goddammit.

[Watashi]

Wait, they put Amanda Waller in this?

Goddammit.
She's just a random doctor. She's not even played by CCH Pounder.

[number8]

She's just a random doctor.

Eughh, so what's the fucking point? Leave The Wall alone. :sad:

dmcykee2UJ0

[Robby P]

This was pretty bad.

[Henry Gale]

This year's Prince of Persia?

I have my own definition of that (charismatic but ultimately miscast lead actor, fairly well-respected director that's probably made more bad movies than good, supernatural object that is used way less than expected, big budget potential franchise-starter that likely ends up as a standalone movie), but mostly, I thought there were interesting bits of the trailers for both, but then the Gyllenhaal vehicle ended up being one of my least favourite movies of last year, and all signs point to this being pretty bad too.

[Henry Gale]

Yup, awful.


This year's Prince of Persia?

Pretty much.

[Henry Gale]

This whole movie is just such a mess. In ways I can't really put my finger on, it just feels like the sort of clunky, big-budget flops that studios made so often in the '90s, except this one somehow found its way into 2011. Through the whole thing I was getting weird vibes of movies like Wild Wild West, Batman & Robin, Inspector Gadget, and hell, even The Power Rangers Movie and flashbacks to the days that those were considered big summer movies. At least I was just a kid then, now I just hate knowing better.

But at least it's fun, right?! Yeah, there's those two(!) main action scenes where Reynolds' character uses his powers to fight in ways that actually change the plot. Thankfully each of those were pretty brief, lasting only a few minutes each, otherwise I might have actually found time to become invested in some (or any) way.

For some reason going in I had a preconception that a lot of the movie was going to take place on Oa, and when the negative reviews started coming out, I assumed it was because there was a huge overreliance on the interplanetary stuff, using it to push a lot of exposition with pretty visuals to keep things nice and expensive-looking to the audience. Well, turns out instead that I had already seen most of the Oa scenes in the movie through trailers and other promotional clips beforehand. What a waste.

As bad as the script for it apparently was, I now feel like Robert Smigel's script with Jack Black as a lazy Hal Jordan was a missed oppurtunity. At least that version had a unique take on the idea of an apathetic schlub suddenly being given the power to create anything they can imagine, and it would have probably used those creation powers more often than it is in this version, whether it was for comedy or not. The way Campbell's film deals with its story, it feels like it could have been replaced with any superhero mythology. In its tone, quality, general cartoonishness, and bland plotting and thematic elements, I felt like I was watching a strange mix of Tim Story's two Fantastic Four movies more than anything.

I still think there's a really good Green Lantern movie to be made once day, but it felt like this movie was 100 minutes of trying to convince me otherwise.

[Dukefrukem]

200 million budget + goofy = disaster

So was I right, or was I right?

Domestic: $114,362,444 74.0%
+ Foreign: $40,100,000 26.0%
= Worldwide: $154,462,444


"We had a decent opening so we learned there is an audience. To go forward we need to make it a little edgier and darker with more emphasis on action. ... And we have to find a way to balance the time the movie spends in space versus on Earth."


So that's how you define a "decent" opening nowadays?

Green Lantern received a mere 26 percent approval rating on the aggregate review site Rotten Tomatoes.

[megladon8]

Reviews mean absolutely nothing.

Yeah, this definitely underperformed, but I wouldn't say that its poor reviews have anything to do with it being unsuccessful.

Example: If Avatar 2 gets 0% on the RT meter, it'll still clean up at the box office.

[Dukefrukem]

I know, it was the goofiness.

[megladon8]

I know, it was the goofiness.


From what I understand, the movie was just a complete mess, goofiness or not.

Needed another year of both pre and post production.

[Henry Gale]

They should just replace everyone and everything both behind and in front of the camera (except for maybe Reynolds and Strong), but start a new story from the point of Jordan already secure in his role as a Lantern, because... trying to think of... yeah, nothing worked here the first time.

[Morris Schæffer]

Captain America appears a bit goofy as well though it seems to come from an easygoing attitude, a few winks here and there and an altogether more amicable, funner emphasis.

But when Jordan can suddenly grow a minigun out of what I assume is thin air, earth is attacked by a generic-looking cloud with tentacles, and the villains and heroes resemble a parody already, then chances are the movie has crossed the line into something more ludicrous.

[Grouchy]

This was as bad as I was told it would be, and probably several times worse. For starters, it needed a lot more Oa - that was more interesting than the fucking Ryan Reynolds sitcom. The guy was a terrible, terrible choice to attach to a character like Hal Jordan. If there is going to be a sequel, I so wish they'd gotten rid of him.

Overall, just... bad. The movie has only one real character to speak of, and that's Hector Hammond. Everyone else is a cardboard figure spouting terrible lines. I'm not demanding any more good writing than serviceable and it even fails to do that. The film just rushes through scenes and that's a feeling I'm getting more and more when it comes to Hollywood blockbusters, specially superhero movies.

[megladon8]

This was much worse than I imagined it would be.

A mess of poor writing, acting, direction and effects. There is not a single success under this film's sleeve, other than bringing the characters and universe into the mainstream public eye. But with how awful this was, I don't blame people who still think Green Lantern is hoaky and stupid...like this movie.

The powers of all the Green Lantern Corps were very inconsistent, and I saw nothing in what Jordan did to defeat Parallax that made me think "wow, they sure needed a human defeat this guy! They were screwed without Hal Jordan!"

Just awful, awful stuff here.

[[ETM]]

I tried watching it several times, but jut couldn't.

[Sven]

I also saw this recently and was pretty dismayed, mostly because I do see gestures of greatness strewn here and there. Abin Sur's escape and Parallax were all excellently executed. The sudden green cloud transportation freakout was inspired. The first scene of Sinestro imploring the Guardians was supremely directed. I was pretty positive on it... until Hal actually goes to Oa. After that, it was mostly was a string of retarded, ugly green screen midshots that looked amateurish at best. The thematic throughlines of failure and fear were redundant and plodding. What could have been harrowing with Hammond winded up limp. Reynolds needed to relax his brow. This film needed something recognizably human. It started good. Ended far from it.

[Dukefrukem]

;388989']I tried watching it several times, but jut couldn't.

I had to turn it off about an hour into it last night. I was so bored. It takes over an hour before he realizes the power he has. Takes sooooo long to get going and the back story is painful.

[Morris Schæffer]

More amusing than I had expected, but still pretty underwhelming. There's a surprising majesty to the Oa sequences. Very cool, regal, Mark Strong clearly believes very, uhm, strongly in his beliefs. :). In the end, it's another superhero film that clearly fails in the climax, fails in its depiction of the villains. When our hero can conjure up anything thru his will, the battle depicted is bound to dissapoint. And yet, it's in these goofy action scenes that I had some of the biggest and most spontaneous laughs in recent memory. The catapult that throws the truck! The racetrack that catches the crashing helicopter!! LOL LOL LOL!!! :lol:

But alas, in the end, the climactic battle is far too easy. I understand that Jordan was chosen, but merely to replace Abin Sur right? And he was one of a million right? So how pathetic does that make these intergalactic peacekeepers when one - ONE! - irresponsible human manages to save the day all by himself? Which makes their rallying cry at Sinestro's motivational speech earlier kinda moot.

[number8]

He's not chosen willy nilly. Whenever a Green Lantern dies, the ring is supposed to go find someone in its sector worthy enough to use it. Abin-Sur crashlanded on Earth because the ring was taking him to Hal.

[Morris Schæffer]

He's not chosen willy nilly. Whenever a Green Lantern dies, the ring is supposed to go find someone in its sector worthy enough to use it. Abin-Sur crashlanded on Earth because the ring was taking him to Hal.

I get that he was chosen because the ring deemed Jordan worthy, but he was merely replacing a peacekeeper who perished, Abin Sur. Granted, Sur may have been one of the greatest of peacekeepers - I think the movie sort of establishes this - but still one of millions. Was it understood that whomever the ring was going to choose would have to save the day all by himself or would fight side to side with all the other lanterns? I thought it was the latter, the big crowd speech where they're all pointing their rings upward, Jordan among them kinda clued me in to that. Instead of a concentrated effort we get Jordan doing the heavy work all by himself, which is I guess is easier for a director to pull off than having all these lanterns with all their powers fighting parallax which no doubt would have made the climax even more of a downer.

[max314]

A few brief glimpses of quality suggest a better film lurking deep beneath the surface of the one we have. Unlike some, I don't have a problem with Reynolds in the lead role — in fact, he brings a much needed spark and sense of fun to what is otherwise a very leaden, uninspired piece of filmmaking. Ultimately, however, this has the feeling of too many cooks crowding the proverbial broth and it suffers as one would expect it to suffer.

★★★★★

[Dukefrukem]

2 stars is generous. This movie was a catastrophe.

[max314]

As malfunctional as this movie is, the moment near the end where Hal recites the oath and pushes back Parallax made my spine tingle.

That means that something, somewhere, was working. Hence the two stars.

[Sven]

I think the first thirty minutes or so are a fantastic movie. Then everything else happens and I was like "Oh my".

[max314]

The core arc of confronting and overcoming fear through sheer willpower seems to have survived what looks like a tsunami wave of rewrites designed to dilute the integrity of the story and characters in what was undoubtedly an attempt to "broaden the film's appeal."

This core, along with Ryan Reynolds being...well...Ryan Reynolds, prevents the film from being utterly worthless. I've seen superhero films that are stronger overall, but never quite manage the power of that moment when Hal overcomes Parallax. A moment that left me wondering, "Why the hell didn't they make this movie?!"

The scenes on Oa are definitely much stronger. It's those scenes that form the backbone of Hal's character arc, and that's probably why that final moment worked.

The "dramatic" Earth scenes were flat as a pancake, though.

[Morris Schæffer]

Perhaps it's telling that, come the climax, Hal Jordan is on his own. I mean, the whole idea of superheroes, is that they stand out. That they're unique. But Oa is essentially a big city that holds what? Thousands or millions of lanterns. A galactic peacekeeping corps that, come the finale, is nowhere to be seen, despite having been a part of their own rousing motivational speech. And why should that be a surprise? Imagine a huge battle with all of these lanterns, conjuring up weapons and life-saving objects out of sheer willpower. The results would likely be incredibly chaotic, messy, less super, less special. Moreover, you couldn't possibly think up a villain worthy enough to go toe to toe with such superiority in numbers. Hell, Hal Jordan had little trouble with Parallax because he suddenly believed. And because he had a girlfriend who knew her way around military weaponry. The Avengers has already shown that 6 superheroes is more than enough to turn the tide of war. Thus, the Green Lantern universe isn't one that appeals to me as much as the ones that have just one or possibly a few superheroes (Justice League, The Avengers) and that is despite finding the Oa sequences not bad at all.

[bac0n]

A little clarification to inform the conversation somewhat - there are not millions or even tens of thousands of lanterns. In the GL universe, the known universe is divided into 3600 sectors, with 1-2 Lanterns patrolling each sector (there are exceptions for strategically important sectors such as 2814 that Hal is assigned to, where there can be up to four), so we're talking at most, around 7500 lanterns, spread out across thousands of galaxies. They all come together very rarely, for some super death dire immediate threat to the universe.

[Morris Schæffer]

That definitely puts things in perspective. :)