Tuesday 18 October 2011

The Green Hornet (4 Stars)


My main problem with this film is Seth Rogen. He is the wrong person for the title role. I can't think of any other film where the miscasting is so extreme. There isn't one thing in his favour. Just about anyone could have played this role better. Pick any white Hollywood star between 20 and 50 at random. Keanu Reeves, Tom Cruise, Jack Black, Brad Pitt, Nicolas Cage. Robert Downey Jr is my personal choice, but anyone could have done it better.

Having said that, the film itself is good, and the final car chase and battle are a masterpiece. Britt Reid is the son of a billionaire newspaper owner. When his father dies after being stung by a bee he dons a mask and becomes the Green Hornet. In order to prevent being targeted by criminals he pretends to be a criminal himself, claiming his campaign against crime is to set himself up as crime lord. An interesting concept.

The Green Hornet's archenemy, Chudnofsky -- what a name! -- is admirably portrayed by Christoph Waltz. Supposedly he's made almost 100 films, but the first time I ever noticed him was in "Inglorious Basterds". Judging by these two films he must be one of the best actors alive. I really need to check out his other films.

Let's hope there's a sequel. And let's hope for a more suitable lead actor.

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