The Green Hornet: Review By SCREENWRITER

After countless attempts for the past decade at trying to get a whack this movie being made, writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg finally cut the cake and was able to get a deal at being adapted with the exception of Rogen playing the lead role. At first, I was a little iffy about Seth Rogen being the man behind the script and the face of the Green Hornet. I just, at first, didn't feel like he was mean't to play the character, but, after seeing the movie I am more than glad because "The Green Hornet" is one hell of a film. It's funny, action-packed, and keeps your blood pumping all the way to the conclusion. With the bad attention its getting, I really don't see that it deserves it because this movie is the most fun I've had the movies in a long time!

Spoiled-rotten son of billionaire James Reid, Britt is given his father's newspaper company after his sudden "bee sting"attack that leaves him dead. Following this death, Britt meets Kato, James Reid's mechanic who has a lot more talent that most mechanics. After the two form an odd bond because of their feelings against Britt's father, the two both go forth a prank which leads them down a path they never expected: becoming superheroes. Going up against the very non-scary Chodnofsky won't be easy though. Do they really have what it takes? Well, with a bitchin' car and an unlimited suplly of bullets, I think so...

Being based off a comic-book, writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg may have streched things out ontoa different page for the audience. Rogen's vision on the character is a huge change from the character in the comics. Britt Reid is more douchy, dumb, and less patriotic than he was before, but, watching Rogen do an hysterical job shifting the role was interesting to watch. Plus: Adding a humerous side to the story made "The Green Hornet" all the more fun. I liked Rogen's change in the character/outline of the Green Hornet. As for the storyline of the movie itself, I found it to be a blast from start to finish.

Seth Rogen gives a very Seth Rogen-ish performance as Britt Reid. What were you expecting? Something different out of the guy? Of course not. Rogen does do a good job keeping the audience entertained with the quick humor and based on what I've seen him do in the past, I was quite pleased with him from this movie. But, however, the show is stolen from his partner in crime, who is really the main act, Kato, who is played by Jay Chou. Chou's performance is rock-solid and watching him kick-ass was more than pure entertainment. And here we go to Cameron Diaz. How do I put this? Well, I didn't really see her need in being in this. Her role was very simple and I didn't really see why the movie needed her in it. To atract more audience, probably. Well, her performance isn't anything special. I mean, her performance fits well for a movie liked this but we've all seen her do much, much better. Christopher Waltz, the very awesome and scary villian from "Inglorious Basterds" plays a not-so-scary villian in "The Green Hornet": Call him Chodnofsky...he doesn't seem to understand why he isn't scary but you'll see in the movie Waltz always aims perfection in my eyes. His akward, energetic performance was spot-on and by the end I found him to be a very fun movie-villian. (Slight Spoiler About A Surprise Cameo)- James Franco's very awesome cameo in the movie as a crime boss was well worth the three minutes. His corny, gangster character was a hoot! I loved how this movie gave him that little scene because it was for sure a great one! (End Spoiler)

Director Michel Gondry, who has directed other films such as , "Enternal Sunshine from the Spotless Mind" and "Be Kind Rewind", two dark-comedies, grants us a very dark look to the "The Green Hornet" just as those other two projects. Gondry's skill with getting good shots on the fast-moving action scenes were very thrilling and I'd like to see him do more with action movies in the near future. As for the direction, it wasn't bad at all.

I declare all to see this film in IMAX. The sound of the engine roaring, heavy-arms firing, and bombs bursting is all the more sweet watching this film in IMAX 3D. The 3D is fantastic if you see it in IMAX, very clear and not any problems at all. The visual effects of the movie are great as well. I just love the Hornet-mobile (Yes, that's what I'm naming it). Tons of action is offered in the movie and none of the visual action-effects had me complaining. Remember, IMAX 3D is the way to go on this one! Trust me!

What Makes It Good:

"The Green Hornet" runs kind of like "Kick-Ass" did. The movie grasps onto plenty of awesome action but also knows when to add in a little comedy at the right time. The film stays at a fast, pedal to the medal pace that'll keep you moving with it all the way to the end. Like I said before, this is the most fun I've had at the movies in a while.

What Brought It Down:

Not much sinks "The Green Hornet" into a pit, but sometimes things get a little out of hands and messy, but, not enough for me to really complain. Some of the action got a little out of hand at times. I thought Kato's scope-out technique was a little over the top and him being so talented, and yet, low-class was a real brain-buster. Just a few little things brought this down about half a star. Nothing biggie. Still an awesome ride.

Overall, this is a great comic-book adaption. Not exactly like the comic but the comedic shift in the story makes it all the more fun. This is a film not to be missed. A perfect start to 2011, I'd say..

Thanks for the read!

-SCREENY