The Green Hornet

There was much raising of eye-brows when Seth Rogan was announced to be playing the lead role in The Green Hornet. An acquired taste at the best of times, it appeared the fan boys weren’t too happy. I’m no fan either way, but considering The Green Hornet was originally a radio show how can anyone say who should be cast or not? More interesting is the choice of Michel Gondry being sat in the director’s chair. Anyone who saw the mediocre Be Kind Rewind would be allowed a shudder at the thought of him helming this. However, Gondry was originally slated as a director for this back in the mid-nineties so it’s safe to say he doesn’t come to the film unprepared. Storyline wise we have a slim looking Rogan as Britt Reid who on the death of his father, and the discovery that one of his father’s employees, Kato (Jay Chou), is an expert at martial arts, making gadgets and seeing time slowed down (ahem) decides to clean up the streets vigilante style. Plot wise this is as thin as Rogan. However, and crucially, Gondry realises this and moves the film along at pace with a knowing wink at the ludicrousness of it all. It’s fair to say that whilst Rogan does a good job, it’s unlikely that disapprovers will be swayed by him in this. The main plus point though is his chemistry with Chou. Almost becoming a funny man / straight man combination the duo banter and bicker to such a delight its clear Gondry knew he was onto a winner and smartly decided to focus on them over the action scenes. Speaking of the action, apart from the standard shoot em up at the end, fans may be disappointed that the fisticuffs only come infrequently and are over too soon. Though, a hilarious, non-bloody, set to between Rogan and Chou in the middle of the film is worth the price of admission alone. Acting wise the only real disappointments are Cameron Diaz struggling in a poorly underwritten role as a secretary / love interest (though she does give another entry into the worlds shortest shorts competition) and Christoph Waltz (as the main villain) trying to channel the ghost of Hans Landa, but falling short in both humour and menace. At least these roles are slightly offset by a funny opening cameo from James Franco and another tick in the book for the Tom Wilkinson American accent spotters (has he used that accent now more than his English one?). Overall, this has the feel of the classic Friday night film. Instantly forgettable, but great fun at the time.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Great rapport between the leads and Gondry’s non-serious approach mean the film is a welcome and enjoyable surprise. Rating: 7/10.