When we think of Ryan Reynolds and superhero movies, Deadpool likely springs to mind as the quintessential example of his comedic and action-packed charm. The franchise has cemented Reynolds’ reputation as a quick-witted, fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero beloved by fans. But before the red suit and katana-wielding antics, Reynolds ventured into superhero territory with the 2011 DC Comics movie Green Lantern.
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Unlike Deadpool, however, Green Lantern wasn’t the smash hit that Reynolds – or DC fans – hoped it would be. The film was a commercial disappointment, a critical flop, and a creative misstep that Reynolds himself has lampooned repeatedly in interviews and even in his Deadpool movies. Nevertheless, there’s a peculiar nostalgia attached to the film, and for those in the UK, there’s only a short time left to catch it on Netflix. The movie will leave the streaming service on December 4, offering fans one last chance to revisit this polarizing chapter in Reynolds’ career.
A Superhero Misstep: What Went Wrong with Green Lantern
Released in 2011 with a whopping $200 million budget, Green Lantern was intended to be a cornerstone of DC Comics’ cinematic universe. However, the film fell flat, grossing just $220 million worldwide – a slim margin that, adjusted for inflation, barely justified its production costs. Critics and audiences alike were unimpressed, with Rotten Tomatoes scores reflecting the film’s lukewarm reception: a dismal 25% critic score and a slightly more generous but still underwhelming 45% audience rating.
What went wrong? Many point to the lackluster script, overly garish special effects, and inconsistent tone. The film attempted to balance intergalactic stakes with lighthearted humor, but the result felt disjointed and uninspired. Parallax, the film’s villain, was criticized for being one-dimensional and poorly executed, while the Green Lantern Corps – a fascinating aspect of DC lore – was underutilized. Even Ryan Reynolds’ natural charisma couldn’t save the movie from becoming a cinematic punchline.
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A Budding Romance Amidst the Chaos
Despite the film’s flaws, Green Lantern wasn’t a total disaster for Ryan Reynolds. It marked a significant personal milestone: meeting his now-wife, Blake Lively. The two co-starred in the movie, with Lively playing Carol Ferris, Hal Jordan’s (Reynolds) love interest. Their on-screen chemistry eventually blossomed into a real-life romance, and the couple has since become one of Hollywood’s most beloved pairs.
This behind-the-scenes love story adds a layer of nostalgia to the film. While Green Lantern may not have captured the hearts of comic book fans, it inadvertently created a love story that has stood the test of time.
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The Plot: Intergalactic Stakes Without the Charm
For those unfamiliar with the movie, Green Lantern follows Hal Jordan, a cocky test pilot chosen to join the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic police force tasked with maintaining order in the universe. Hal becomes the first human Green Lantern and must rise to the occasion when a new enemy, Parallax, threatens galactic peace.
While the premise had potential, the execution left much to be desired. Critics noted that the film lacked the sharp wit and relatable humanity that Reynolds brought to his later roles, such as Deadpool. Instead, Green Lantern felt weighed down by clunky dialogue and an overreliance on CGI – including Reynolds’ infamous green suit, which was entirely computer-generated.
Why Green Lantern Still Holds Some Appeal
Despite its reputation as one of the worst superhero films ever made, there’s a strange appeal to revisiting Green Lantern. The movie’s so-bad-it’s-good quality can make for an entertaining watch, especially when viewed with a sense of humor. Reynolds himself has embraced this perspective, often making jokes at the film’s expense. In fact, he even poked fun at Green Lantern in the post-credits scene of Deadpool 2, where Deadpool travels back in time to prevent Reynolds from taking the role.
For fans of Reynolds, Green Lantern offers a glimpse of a younger, boyish version of the actor before he fully embraced his now-iconic comedic style. And for DC fans, it’s a curious relic of a time when the studio was still trying to find its footing in the world of superhero cinema.
The Clock Is Ticking
If you’re in the UK and want to see Green Lantern, you don’t have much time left. The movie will leave Netflix on December 4, making this your last chance to stream it on the platform. Given its mixed reputation, it’s unlikely that many fans would pay to rent or buy the film, so now might be the perfect opportunity to give it a final watch – if only for a laugh.
Watching Green Lantern could also serve as a palate cleanser amidst the flood of Christmas movies currently dominating the Netflix charts. Its over-the-top special effects and melodramatic plot might provide a refreshing change of pace from festive rom-coms and holiday dramas.
A Lesson in Resilience
While Green Lantern may not have been the career-defining hit Ryan Reynolds hoped for, it’s a testament to his resilience as an actor. Rather than letting the film’s failure derail his career, Reynolds bounced back stronger than ever, eventually finding his niche with Deadpool.
The movie also serves as a reminder of how even Hollywood missteps can have silver linings. For Reynolds, Green Lantern was a stepping stone – both professionally and personally – that led to greater success and happiness.
Green Lantern may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it holds a unique place in the superhero movie canon. Whether you watch it for nostalgia, curiosity, or comedy, there’s something oddly endearing about revisiting this infamous flop.
As the film prepares to leave Netflix, take the opportunity to see Ryan Reynolds in a role that, while far from perfect, paved the way for his eventual rise as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Who knows? You might even find yourself enjoying the movie’s chaotic charm – or at least appreciating how far Reynolds has come since donning that CGI green suit.
You’ve got until December 4 to stream Green Lantern. After that, it’s back to the DC archives – or perhaps the Deadpool trilogy – for your next superhero fix.
