Green Lantern: First Flight (DVD Movie Review)

After Lauren Montgomery's excellent "Wonder Woman" animated movie, I was excited to learn that she would be directing "Green Lantern: First Flight", which was released on Tuesday. Green Lantern is, without question, my favorite superhero of all time. Always has been. So I entered into my viewing experience with some "fanboy baggage", making every effort possible to have an open mind. I tried not be either too easily pleased or too easily offended by the choices made in this movie's production. But I'm still a Green Lantern geek, so bear that in mind however you wish.

The basic story revolves around Hal Jordan, a test pilot chosen to join an intergalactic peace-keeping force known as the Green Lantern Corps. Each Green Lantern is given a ring that allows them to create solid constructs made of green energy, formed by their imagination and given strength and substance by their force of will. Jordan proves to be a natural and even uncovers a plot to destroy the Green Lantern Corps.

The character designs (including the changes to the GL uniforms) were excellent with just the right amount of detail. The animation was great, combining traditional cell animation and computer animation with great effect. The energy constructs created by the rings were both cool and sometimes humorous. And Hal's first transformation into Green Lantern almost made me wet my pants. Visually, this movie is extremely enjoyable to watch.

The score contained a grand flavor with a hint of electronic edge. I do, however, wish they had used the Green Lantern musical theme from the Superman and Justice League animated shows. It was perfect for the mythos and they missed an opportunity to use it here. I don't recall the sound effects being anything special, though the movie sounds great in 5.1 with a good subwoofer!

As a fan of the tv show "Alias" (at least the first two seasons) I was thrilled to learn that Victor Garber would be voicing Sinestro. He brings a cold sophisticated quality to the role that couldn't be more appropriate. Though one or two lines of dialogue didn't seem to support this interpetation of the character. Still, a wonderful take on Sinestro. Garber brought to life the voice I've had in my mind for years of comic book reading. Christopher Meloni does a nice job with Hal Jordan, though this character could be voiced by any number of actors and come out fine. Tricia Helfer also did well, though didn't stand out as Boodikka. Part of the reason for this is because this version of the character had little resemblance to her comic book counterpart. Michael Madsen delivered a Kilowog that brought the comic character to life almost perfectly, though I wish we could have seen the character in his role of GL trainer in this film.

The story held my interest throughout and though the runtime clocks in at 77 minutes, I felt like I'd had a full feature experience by the end. The scripting and plotting is so tight. Nothing feels rushed, but no time is wasted. Very efficient storytelling. The "origin story" is dealt with almost completely before the opening credits even start, so the bulk of the movie is out in space with Hal as a newly established member of the corps. Though fans are familiar with Sinestro and his character development, they will see a take on the story that is both faithful and fresh. I was very pleased at the story elements that surprised me!

The extras on the 2-disc DVD were pretty good, though not the best I've seen on DC animated movies. Geoff Johns, current writer of Green Lantern and fanboy favorite, is featured in a few documentaries. The first is about "Blackest Night", a big event story currently running in DC comics. A nice feature, but not very informative. It's there mainly to get people to buy comics. Another feature on Sinestro was kinda cool, but what the set was missing was a historical documentary on the origin and development of Green Lantern. And given that Green Lantern has had very different incarnations between the Golden Age and Silver Age in comics, his origins and evolution would have made a very interesting documentary in my opinion. Add to that the fact that similar documentaries have been on the last three DC animated movie releases and I'm left feeling just a little let down.

In terms of relevance, this movie doesn't break any new ground. Themes of fascism and justice are present along with the age old question of "ends justifying the means", but none of these themes are presented in a way that will likely lead to meaningful conversation.

At the end of the day, this is an action packed, visually arresting flick that excites the imagination and leaves you feeling good at the end. For those not familiar with the concept of Green Lantern, this is a fun introduction to the mythos. For longtime fans it will likely scratch an itch they've had for years.



Quality: 8.5/10

Relevance: 6.0/10



Note: Since publishing this review, time and perspective have led me to reduce the Quality score from 9.0 to 8.5. The written review as it appears above still stands, but I believe a half point was added out of my nerdy enthusiasm for the Green Lantern property. Still a GREAT movie worth checking out!