The Green Hornet review thread.

[El Payaso]

The idea that its somehow acceptable that kato is deliberately shown as "cooler" than GH just because Bruce Lee was cooler than Van Williams is ridiculous.

That's would be like 1980's Tim Burton saying "instead of improving the bad reputation of Batman, lets dress him up in ridiculous spandex again, have the cartoony efffects, and lets have Bruce and Dick be lovers, just because some people think that already."

More I could not be.

 

[OctaviusINC]

Green Hornet never had the fanbase Batman did. Batman has huge popularity worldwide. He's had serials, a bunch of movies, a few cartoon series, and an ungodly amount of merchandise. I could go out to the store and buy a batman action figure or shirt. He's still as popular as ever.

Green Hornet had a popular radio show. So in turn he got 2 serials. Then in the late 60's he got a TV show that lasted for 1 season. And that's it. The serials are hard to come by. Everyone remembers the TV show. Why? Because Bruce Lee became such a huge star.

Green Hornet is not iconic. And, frankly, not a lot of people really know who he is. So Gondry and Rogen did their own take on it. And, oh noes, they disappointed the hundreds of Green Hornet fans everywhere. So what? It's made a good amount of money. It's number one at the box office.

And people must've liked it because this section of the SHH boards actually has new posts everyday. And there are even some users with GH avatars now. Even though GH may be the movie of the month here on the hype like Kick-Ass.

I'm just saying that I would watch the 60's Batman and GH reruns when I was a kid. I read the silly 80's/90's comics. I loved Green Hornet. Yet there were no action figures or shirts. And eventually the GH reruns became more and more rare. I was pissed when I found out Rogen was doing a comedic take on the character. But I seen the movie. And though it's not the movie I wanted, I enjoyed it for what it was. A fun action flick that was funny. I knew what to expect. That's what trailers are for. Plus everything seems to get rebooted every 3 years so it not that big a deal.

I'm a big Green Hornet fan and I enjoyed the movie. It was refreshing take from the usual brooding, self conflicted hero flicks as of late. The hero was an ******* who wasn't really great at crimefighting. The sidekick was the smart and skilled vigilante. There was no damsel in distress. The villain couldn't think of a cool persona. And the 2 heroes enjoyed doing what they do. Not the GREEN HORNET movie I wanted, but I accepted that early on. Afterall I'm a fanboy. I'm used to not getting what I want.

 

[lou2099]

Simply put: Kato has always been the cooler one. Bruce Lee played the character on the 60's TV series, so he helped make Kato the cooler character. So the movie kept in line with that in a way. As the post above you said, Kato was always the expert fighter.

Even Kato--played by Keye Luke--was the cooler one in the old serial movies.

 

[Joe Von Zombie]

Good film, Bad Adaptation. B-

 

[The Guard]

I don't think this is a parody or a spoof. I liked it. Not because it's a particularly good movie. I am keenly aware of its flaws. It's a dark action comedy. I'm not surprised it's getting panned. But I can't bring myself to call this film mediocre. It's not a great film, but there's a lot to like about it. It never pretended to be anything more than what it is. A pretty basic story about an irresponsible, pampered man who wants to be a hero and his partner. The character development and the story perhaps were medicore, but the film itself was very well made. I don't remember the Green Hornet ever being anything but fun and kind of interesting. That's not to say it couldn't be deeper and more relevant...but it doesn't have to be, either, to have value.

I see a lot of talk that the source material just serves as an excuse for comedy. I don't know that I agree with that. I think there's a comedic, almost satirical approach to certain elements, but there's also a sense of reverence to the trappings of Green Hornet lore. The car, the gas gun, the costumes, the partnership, etc. I don't think a hero calling something "cool" is poking fun at it. I think its acknowledging how cool it is. I saw a lot of the humor as darker humor. I thought it was interesting that there a select few pulp elements to be found, too.

I am relatively certain that Britt Reid being an over the top *****e was a choice made by Rogen, who is not a great actor, but also not stupid enough to just be loud for an entire film for no reason (beyond his natural voice, which is pretty intense). You were supposed to dislike Britt Reid. He's a nice guy, and he's not a responsible guy. And they weren't subtle about it, because Seth Rogen isn't subtle. He's not a very expressive actor, either. It's just who he is. But he got the point across, and he got the job done. He didn't play another handome leading man, he turned Green Hornet into the everyman. I think he took Britt Reid far away from Batman and Iron Man as he could, and that's pretty much what was to be expected. And whether that was the right move can be debated, but he pretty much nailed that aspect of the performance. Britt is a normal guy. So that's how Seth played him. I don't think this movie was going to get made without Seth Rogen, so he gets credit for a lot of that.

I don't think The Green Hornet was played entirely as a joke in this film, either, even when he bumped about. I think it recognized the absurities of the concept of a man suddenly becoming a masked vigilante, but also dealt with some of the ramifications, without turning him into a Batman clone.

There is character development in the movie, its just awkwardly executed. Kato's frustration and anger, and the fight that it culminates in is probably the best part of the movie, 80's movieish or not. I don't think Green Hornet was portrayed as dependent on Kato because that's the perception after the series. I think that was this films approach to a man who doesn't know what he's doing trying to become a superhero. It struck me as logical. He did what he could, which really wasn't a lot early in the game.

The Black Beauty was amazing. Beat the living piss out of The Tumbler from the new Batman movies.

There is some fantastic action in this movie. It really has a lot of nice action beats, creative action, and creative resolutions. I can't bring myself to hate the fact that the gas gun was played for laughs, because it was also used to fantastic effect.

The score is actually pretty good, too.

I think, had the film allowed Britt to have a few more serious moments, the reaction would be much better.

I don't know much about Kevin Smith's take, and haven't read his GH comics, can someone fill me in?

 

[HighFivingMF]

I don't know much about Kevin Smith's take, and haven't read his GH comics, can someone fill me in?

His comics are his movie script. But I'll type you up a quick a breakdown. Spoilers of course.

Spoiler

It opens with Britt and Kato busting the last handful of villains in the city. After which they separate, Kato returns home and Britt raises his son, Britt Jr. Years later, Britt Jr. is grown and living off of his Father's money. Britt Sr. is still running the paper and Scanlon is running for mayor again. He wants Britt to come back as the Hornet so he can have a reason for the people to get behind him again.

At a with both Britt's in attendance, a mysterious Asian woman knocks out the body guards and sneaks in. The party is crashed by a man dressed as the Black Hornet with numerous thugs. Britt Jr. and the Asian woman fight them off the best they can. But the Black Hornet kills Britt Sr.

That's where it starts, but as the story progresses you find out the woman was Kato's daughter. The original Kato returns and they try sending Britt Jr. somewhere safe. But of course, he puts on his Father's costume and tries fighting the criminals and ends up becoming the new Green Hornet with Kato's blessing and his daughter as the new Kato.

I won't ruin the ending or identity of the Black Hornet in case you do plan on reading it. Hope I was helpful.

 

[Karelia]

Just want to say, I loved your review of The Green Hornet, The Guard.

 

[MadVillainy]

I really enjoyed this movie. I thought it was great fun.

Im glad they didnt go with the more serious version like in the old TV series, however Britt should have been more serious at times.

The action was really cool. I saw the featurette where they talked about everything that was done was basically practical and that made the action better I think. The Black Beauty was awesome...words can barely describe.

The cast was good. Rogen was good doing what he does. Jay Chou was really cool and funny I hope to see him in more movies. Diaz was okay, I recently watched Knight and Day and found her really annoying glad to see her not be so annoying. Waltz was really funny.

I really have high hopes for a sequel. Hopefully Britt isnt as buffoonish, Diaz and Olmos have more to do, and they can get a great villain

7/10

 

[Karelia]

I'm hoping if a sequel does happen they do make Britt more serious at times as well. I agree with the action, I thought it was amazing. Some of the best in CBM's as of recently.

 

[El Payaso]

Green Hornet never had the fanbase Batman did. Batman has huge popularity worldwide. He's had serials, a bunch of movies, a few cartoon series, and an ungodly amount of merchandise. I could go out to the store and buy a batman action figure or shirt. He's still as popular as ever.

Green Hornet had a popular radio show. So in turn he got 2 serials. Then in the late 60's he got a TV show that lasted for 1 season. And that's it. The serials are hard to come by. Everyone remembers the TV show. Why? Because Bruce Lee became such a huge star.

Green Hornet is not iconic. And, frankly, not a lot of people really know who he is. So Gondry and Rogen did their own take on it. And, oh noes, they disappointed the hundreds of Green Hornet fans everywhere. So what? It's made a good amount of money. It's number one at the box office.

I see. Green Hornet was never as big and popular as Batman therefore you can screw the character up completely and it's okay. Who cares? he's not popular enough to deserve some respect.

And people must've liked it because this section of the SHH boards actually has new posts everyday. And there are even some users with GH avatars now. Even though GH may be the movie of the month here on the hype like Kick-Ass.

What can I tell you. Transformers 2 is getting a sequel and maybe Ghost Rider too. Okay, that might mean that people liked those, but seriously... awful movies they are.

 

[CaptainCraig]

What can I tell you. Transformers 2 is getting a sequel and maybe Ghost Rider too. Okay, that might mean that people liked those, but seriously... awful movies they are.

The Ghost Rider sequel has been shooting for about 6-7 weeks now. It's a sure thing.

As for Green Hornet I do think making Britt a few notches more serious only makes sense in any sequel.
I really thought he might have a flash of maturity in that sequence where he "puts it all together" at the habachi house. But for sure with the ending and respect for his father in tact some maturing would be natural. But, it's a Rogan vehicle and I don't think he's trying to go the Tom Hanks route so who knows.

 

[jocal62]

I'm so sorry. I just got home from the movie, and my wife, since she doesn't know anything about the old '60s Green Hornet, really liked it. I didn't. I don't think it did Britt Reid justice. The comedy take wasn't a Britt Reid thing, it was purely a Seth Rogen's take on the character, and I didn't like it. Britt Reid was the brains behind the duo, that's WHY the series is called "The Green Hornet", not The Green Hornet and Kato. This movie made Britt Reid an idiot, one who doesn't know what he's doing, and just letting Kato do all the hard work. Britt Reid was the Bruce Wayne of the newspaper world, not a bumbling idiot. Clark Kent's disguised meekness does not do Superman an injustice, but Seth Rogen's take on Britt Reid was just too stupid for my taste.

I know I'd get flamed by this, but I won't mind. I don't hate this movie, but I don't like it, and I'm sorry I wasted my hard-earned dollars watching it. The only good thing that came out of it was that my wife enjoyed the night out, we had a good time bonding and dating, that alone was worth the time.

Although, if I may say some positive things about the movie, everything else was good, the Black Beauty, the stunts, the action, they're all good, although not the best. What ruined it for me was Seth Rogen.

 

[X-Woman]

I haven't seen this movie yet, but I did find an interesting review. The writer seems to think the flick is kinda goofy, but that goofiness is good (He also felt that The Dark Knight was "superserious nonsense," BTW).

http://ourtownny.com/2011/01/12/the-green-hornet/

 

[OctaviusINC]

I see. Green Hornet was never as big and popular as Batman therefore you can screw the character up completely and it's okay. Who cares? he's not popular enough to deserve some respect.

Respect? Pffft. It's Hollywood. Hubba hubba hubba money, money, money.

What can I tell you. Transformers 2 is getting a sequel and maybe Ghost Rider too. Okay, that might mean that people liked those, but seriously... awful movies they are.

Again, Transformers makes a ton of cash at the box office. As for Ghost Rider? Yeah, it baffles me that it's getting a sequel.

Many modern films (or remakes, reboots, and rehashes for that matter) aren't art anymore. They're made solely for profit. Turn the Green Hornet into a comedy? Who cares. We seen it anyway. And they're all rolling in cash.

 

[ImOK]

Finally meet them both in person here at Bugis Junction in Singapore.
here the pic.

Crowd here go crazy for both them.
Jay Chou is immensely popular here in Asia especially in the Far East.
Seth Rogen as Green Hornet who is fans favourite and a likeable character

Here is spoting full beard and wearing a spectacle
Asia audience here love Comedy with Action packed show like most Jacky Chan show have many Action and Comedy
Sure Green Hornet will probably be a great hit here in Asia
One up for Director Michel Gondry
He should be the new director for the new comedy The 3 Stooges movie

 

[GhostPoet]

I was really looking forward to this movie. But I was extremely dissapointed after seeing it. I was really hoping for a bit more seriousness when he was dressed as the Green Hornet...instead we just got Seth Rogen in a mask.

I've learned one important lesson from this film....I really can't stand Seth Rogen.

3/10

 

[The Batman]

I would've enjoyed this movie more if britt weren't so incompetant. It could've still been a comedy, just make britt somewhat effective.

even in the end, they didnt consider him the mastermind of the operation.

Spoiler

that job went to lenore

.

I'll say one thing....i think i'm less disappointed with batman's level of genius in the nolan batman films.....while he isnt sherlock holmes in that, i realize it couldve been much worse.

 

[Panthro]

His comics are his movie script. But I'll type you up a quick a breakdown. Spoilers of course.

Spoiler

It opens with Britt and Kato busting the last handful of villains in the city. After which they separate, Kato returns home and Britt raises his son, Britt Jr. Years later, Britt Jr. is grown and living off of his Father's money. Britt Sr. is still running the paper and Scanlon is running for mayor again. He wants Britt to come back as the Hornet so he can have a reason for the people to get behind him again.

At a with both Britt's in attendance, a mysterious Asian woman knocks out the body guards and sneaks in. The party is crashed by a man dressed as the Black Hornet with numerous thugs. Britt Jr. and the Asian woman fight them off the best they can. But the Black Hornet kills Britt Sr.

That's where it starts, but as the story progresses you find out the woman was Kato's daughter. The original Kato returns and they try sending Britt Jr. somewhere safe. But of course, he puts on his Father's costume and tries fighting the criminals and ends up becoming the new Green Hornet with Kato's blessing and his daughter as the new Kato.

I won't ruin the ending or identity of the Black Hornet in case you do plan on reading it. Hope I was helpful.

Interesting. I may have to look for that.

Anyhow, the film was funnier than I thought it would be and the sketches of Bruce Lee were a nice nod to the Master, but I'm not sure I'll be buying the Blu-Ray. Watching Jay beat up Seth Rogen was a highlight.

 

[Darkness Falls]

Interesting. I may have to look for that.

Anyhow, the film was funnier than I thought it would be and the sketches of Bruce Lee were a nice nod to the Master, but I'm not sure I'll be buying the Blu-Ray. Watching Jay beat up Seth Rogen was a highlight.

favourite scene in the entire movie

 

[블라스]

Loved the hell out of the movie, and this coming from a huge fan of the 60's series and the comics.
It's a different take on the character with enough tributes to the series, and I can't wait to see it again.

Now they just need to release a remastered DVD set of the original series.

 

[Karelia]

Loved the hell out of the movie, and this coming from a huge fan of the 60's series and the comics.
It's a different take on the character with enough tributes to the series, and I can't wait to see it again.

Now they just need to release a remastered DVD set of the original series.

Agreed. I want to get the original series as well. I only got to catch the marathon on Syfy, and didn't get to see all the episodes. Maybe when it releases on Blu Ray, they'll put out the series along with it or something. That'd be nice.

BTW, where's the poll for this?

 

[X-Woman]

Another ScyFy Green Hornet marathon is going to happen on 1/28/11 starting at 9 am and going to 6 pm.

That's today!

 

[Savage]

I came in with pretty low expectations. I went to see this just for fun and figured that even if it is bad at least it'll be so bad it's funny. I was pleasantly surprised. This was a very fun movie to watch. I have never seen an episode of Green Hornet. Just his guest appearances on Batman. Speaking purely as a movie fan and a fan of the genre with no bias for the character I thought this was a good movie.

It's funny, there is very good action, it doesn't take itself seriously, even the villain is funny, and it was a breath of fresh air. Everybody wants their comic book movie to be super serious. I was so happy to see this turned on it's head. His father died? **** him. He was a dick. Fighting crime to help people? Nope. It's just fun and what else are they gonna do on a Saturday night? He was pretty much a bored rich guy with enough resources for his brand of adventure seeking and he had a pretty nice character arc.

Kato was tops and the fight between him and Hornet made the movie for me. People are gonna hate the comparisons but **** it. Transformers, Ghost Rider, Fantastic Four movies, I'm throwing this in that pile as movies to have fun watching with friends. **** gets blown up and it is loud and situations are funny. Simple as that. The worst thing a movie can be is boring. This was definitely not boring.

I don't quite understand the origin of the vision The Green Hornet and Kato have when their hearts speed up but I don't really care. Just one of those things that struck me as odd that all Hornet had to do was focus enough and he can take out a room full of people. That was weird.

 

[Kingslayer]

I thought this movie was hilarious. Admittedly, I've never seen any Green Hornet material prior to this, so I can't say whether this was a bad adaptation as I've seen several people suggest.

I thought the cast was awesome. I loved Rogen in the title role and thought Chou stole the show as Kato. Both Franco and Waltz were hilariously awesome in their parts too.

I loved the tone of the film. It was consistently over the top and just plain awesome. I thought it was just a really enjoyable ride, and I know I'll be grabbing the Blu-Ray when it comes out!

 

[Marvel Spider]

Finally saw this yesterday. I really enjoyed this movie! The fights were awesome, the jokes were funny, and the 3D wasn't that bad for a converted film. And the certain cameo near the beginning was hilarious.