The summer of 2011's cinematic superhero onslaught continues with Warner Brothers adaptation of DC's Green Lantern. Directed by Bond veteran Martin Campbell (Goldeneye, Casino Royale); the film is technically superb, but fairly pedantic story wise. Cornball dialogue and poor characterizations drag down the successes of the incredible visual effects. Comic book fans may not have the film they hoped for, but in all fairness is entertaining to see. Ryan Reynolds is likeable as the Green Lantern, and does his best with some of the hokiest lines of any lead actor this year.

The film begins with a space montage on the history of the Green Lantern corp. And how their greatest hero - Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison) - defeated Parallax, an entity that feeds on fear, then imprisoned it in the far reaches of the universe. Unfortunately, Parallax escapes and has the last laugh. He mortally wounds Abin Sur, who is forced to crash land on earth; where he releases his ring of power to find another individual worthy to replace him in the corp. The ring chooses a cocky, but ace fighter pilot - Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). Haunted by his own demons, Hal struggles mightily; but must find his courage to defeat Parallax and save earth.

Space is the great differentiator in Green Lantern. Everything that happens in space is pretty awesome, while everything that happens on earth is kind of lame. Hal's training with the corp, and their battles with Parallax are stunning. I was mesmerized by these scenes. They production design and 3D effects are first rate. I wouldn't be surprised if this film garners award nominations in all the effects categories.

The ancillary characters are paper thin and poorly written. Chiefly the female lead, Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), and quasi-villain, Hector Hammond (Peter Sarsgaard). Lively and Sarsgaard are proven actors capable of good performances. Here they are truly written as bland comic foils. There is a supposed back-story between these characters that is constantly referred to, but never developed. So the audience really has no interest in them apart from the girl gets in trouble, and a bad guy that Hal has to stop. I found this lack of depth very interesting, especially when every comic book film for the last few years has really tried to deliver substantial parts for the heroine and villain. Not here, I guess they figured the effects would make up for all that lame talking.

A friend commented that Ryan Reynolds is essentially playing the same role he always plays. I concede that to a point with his mannerisms, but I think that's a gross overstatement. He's not given a lot to work with. Consider the fact that the entire space sequences are all CGI and green screen, but work because you believe *him* that situation. He's realistic and natural. Tough to do when you're talking to tennis balls and wearing a spandex effects suit. It isn't easy; he just makes it look that way.

I'd shell out the extra for the IMAX Green Lantern. The 3D and space scenes are totally worth it. Don't leave the film without seeing the credits. There's something in the end that is key to future Green Lantern adventures.