So this week saw the release of two trailers for some pretty geeky upcoming movies. Obviously, I have an opinion to share … 😀
So the first trailer I caught was the one for the new Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds. Now I may not be an expert on the original subject matter, but if the trailer is any indication I don’t think they’ve handled it with nearly enough gravitas. It’s my understanding that the original tale of Hal Jordan is one of redemption, of his journey to become a hero. Instead the feeling I get watching the trailer is more of some stereotypical frat guy who just found a spandex suit and wants to wear it to the next kegger.
Indeed watching Ryan Reynolds in the trailer, it feels almost more like his role in Van Wilder with a lot more green tinted CGI. Don’t get me wrong, I think that playing that type of a character is perfect for Reynolds. I’ve enjoyed Reynolds in a number of movies even beyond the sarcastic and silly ones, such as the Amityville Horror. It’s just that I don’t think they’ve approached the material from the right angle. The character who would almost be better suited for this kind of playfulness … would be Deadpool … which Reynolds was earmarked to play before Green Lantern came along.
So after watching the GL trailer and feeling a bit disappointed I caught the trailer for Cowboys and Aliens. This one as it turns out is also based on a comic book which unfortunately I’m not familiar with. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, this trailer looked AWESOME. It was the exact opposite of the GL trailer. It took a campy concept (I mean, just look at the movie’s title!) and the feel from the trailer was just pure seriousness with a lot of creepy thrown over it. It’s no secret that I love Jon Favreau and what he’s done with the Iron Man franchise. He GETS how to make a comic book movie, and that puts him into elite company with names like Bryan Singer and Joss Whedon. There’s a couple of other directors who I’d throw on that list but unfortunately someone just came by and derailed my train of thought.
So bottom line? I’m currently jazzed for Cowboys and Aliens … and not so much for Green Lantern.