The Green Hornet is the latest addition to Hollywood’s collection of superhero movie remakes.
The movie, which gets its roots from a 1936 radio program, chronicles the adventures of two masked vigilantes who use martial arts, cool gadgets and technologically advanced cars to “protect the law by breaking it.”
The titular character—Britt Reid a.k.a. The Green Hornet—is portrayed by Canadian comedian Seth Rogen (who also co-wrote the screenplay) while his partner Kato is played by Taiwanese musician Jay Chou.
As a whole, The Green Hornet is terrible. One of the most damaging aspects to the film is the casting of Rogen, who acts nothing like the classic hero. His character is extremely unlikeable due to his lack of empathy, courtesy, class, drive and intelligence.
The Green Hornet that you see in the film is nowhere near as heroic as previous incarnations of the character. Rogen’s role in The Green Hornet is no different than the sex-driven idiots he plays in other movies. In fact, the only character whose personality traits remain nearly untouched is The Green Hornet’s partner, Kato.
The special effects and gadgetry are top-notch, yet slightly over-the-top, even for the superhero genre.
The character and plot developments are hollow and unsympathetic. The manner in which the two main characters decide to fight crime is similar to a conversation between two drunkards or marijuana-users who just go with the spur of the moment. Because of their childish relationship, the crime-fighting duo cannot be taken seriously.
The Green Hornet casts well-known actors like Cameron Diaz and Edward James Olmos into completely useless roles; the only moment of the movie that may truly entertain the viewers is a hilarious cameo appearance by James Franco as a mob boss.
Green Hornet fans and general moviegoers will be disappointed; especially after paying $14 to watch a movie whose 3D feature is pointless and boring.
