The Green Hornet

No Sting In The Tail

This is as 3D as the film gets...

The only things I knew about The Green Hornet film, radio serial and other incarnations before I watched the 2011 film were:

1. Seth Rogen had slimmed down a tremendous amount to star in this film, so I knew that his performance would have some passion and enthusiasm behind it.
2. Bruce Lee had starred as the original Kato, so Jay Chau had some big shoes to fill as far as fans of the originals went.
3. Michel Gondry was directing. Although an odd director/film combination, I expected the personal touches he had brought to films such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep; such as handmade props, innovative and alternative camera angles and with 3D technology at his disposal, utilising that to the best of it's capabilities.

I, and many of the general public, didn't really know the storyline apart from what was told to us through the trailer and advertising for the film: Rogen plays Britt Reid, a rich playboy son of a newspaper tycoon (Tom Wilkinson). When his father is murdered, Britt inherits the newspaper and tries to take on the crime in the city with his sidekick/butler Kato (Jay Chau) by posing as criminals to get closer to the criminal kingpin Chudnovsky (Christoph Waltz). Along the way, he is assisted by his secretary Lenore Case (the terribly-miscast Cameron Diaz).

Bit convoluted, but as far as origin stories go, it's pretty simple. As Reid wastes his life partying, his father's death brings him to realise his and Kato's full potential. However, with both Britt and Kato's relationship with Reid Snr. being the main reasons behind their catalyst, we don't learn much first-hand, as Reid Snr. is killed in the first ten minutes, and the relationships between the two anti-heroes and Mr Reid are simply told to us through anecdotes. Maybe Mr Wilkinson could only work for one day?

Rogen obviously has the passion for the project as he seems to be enjoying himself throughout the film, and Chau effectively shows off his extensive knowledge of martial arts and his athleticism but, the partnership between the two never feels even, which is actually addressed during the film. Whilst Kato is rightfully labelled a “human Swiss-Army knife', Britt doesn't really bring anything to the team, requiring him to use weapons, and not always to the best outcomes. Britt often calls Kato his 'sidekick' but Kato seems to be the only member of the team that realistically could be a crime-fighter. Britt can't even fight hand-to-hand against a ordinary gang member without requiring Kato to step in and help him. Despite the origin of their friendship being slightly rushed and unexplored, as well as the uneven feeling to it, the two have a realistic chemistry and win over the audience quite quickly.

Although, a hero is just as good as his villain, and The Green Hornet's villain is crime kingpin Chudnovsky, played by the brilliant Christoph Waltz, made famous by his Oscar-winning performance in Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds. In Inglorious, Waltz steals every scene he is in through his impeccable delivery and charming persona.

However in Hornet, he seems relegated to a storyline about how he can make himself more villainous to keep up-to-date with today's society. Whilst this identity crisis might be a new approach to handling a villain, his first scene sees him told a laundry list of reasons why he's not imposing or threatening, thanks to an impressive cameo from James Franco. Not the great start to a “Hero vs. Villain” narrative. His character barely interacts with The Green Hornet and so the hero/villain dynamic is never established. The Hornet seems to be fighting the concept of local crime, with Chudnovsky merely an example of it.

Also I was quite disappointed by Gondry's lack of personal input in the film. It is by far his most main-stream film, which I suppose it needed to be with The Green Hornet being quite a low-key franchise. But if the studios wanted a pretty “safe” film with few surreal moments or innovative camera angles etc, then why employ a director known for such trademarks? The 3D is hardly utilised as well, with more of the impressive visuals appearing in the credits than the actual film.

Despite my nitpicks about the storyline being a bit thin and Gondry playing it safe, the film is entertaining and the banter between Rogen and Chau constantly makes you smile and enjoy the ride. Honestly, I don't see a franchise coming out of this release, but it is nice to see quite obscure material being brought to the Silver Screen rather than the already-famous comic-books or television shows being remade.

Rating - 5/10