It ain't easy being green.  Just ask Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) as he adjusts to becoming the superhero the Green Lantern.  DC Comics once again challenges Marvel for super powered dominance.  While the Green Lantern may not be Superman, he definitely has his own style.

Ryan Reynolds is the perfect choice to play cocky, test pilot Hal Jordan.  Jordan works for Ferris Industries, makers of airplanes and military jets.  Hal's father worked for the company and died in a tragic plane crash.  Hal is still dealing with the death of his father and it comes out in negative ways - irresponsibility, self-centeredness, arrogance, and recklessness.  Hal's friends and family worry that his next stunt may be his last.  But Hal buries his fear and charges forward.

After nearly dying flying against a new fighter drone, Hal is suspended by Ferris.  The suspension is made by Carol Ferris, daughter of the CEO/Owner, and Hal's former love.  Hal is feeling pretty down on himself when he has an encounter that alters the course of his life.

Meanwhile, on the planet Oa, the home of the Guardians and the Green Lantern Core, a serious threat has re-appeared.  Parallax, a former Guardian, has escaped from his prison in the lost sector and is carving a path of destruction throughout the galaxy.  Parallax is on a mission of revenge against the one Lantern that defeated him - Ahbin Sur.

The Green Lantern is an action-packed origin story.  After being severely injured by Parallax, Ahbin Sur crash lands on Earth.  Dying, Sur sends out his ring to find his replacement.  Hal Jordan is the chosen one.  Hal journeys to Oa to meet the other lanterns and the guardians.  He is trained by some of the top lanterns - specifically Sinestro.

Sinestro is portrayed throughout the movie as a lantern of honor.  He is also a warrior and skilled fighter.  He initially doubts Sur's choosing of Hal, but eventually grows to respect the new recruit.  When Parallax attacks the Earth, Sinestro is confident that Hal can defeat him.

I enjoyed watching Green Lantern and while the specifics of his origin were off (Sur crashes in a desert not at a pier, Hal was pulled from an aircraft hangar, not from his apartment), the movie did a good job of keeping me entertained.  The scene after the end credits ( a growing trend in movies) sets up for a sequel.  I look forward to the further adventures of the Green Lantern.

I give the Green Lantern 3 1/2 out of 4 stars.