THE GREEN HORNET: Advanced Review - 8 Stars

There are no spoilers in this review, but you are open to discuss anything you wish in the comments section.

Click on the images to enlarge.

One sentence to sum this review up: THE GREEN HORNET is the best 3D conversion I have ever seen. It rivals and is the equal of native 3D in many scenes!

This movie sets new ground for 2D to 3D conversions. The stereo in this movie is, at times, PERFECT. I do not say that lightly as you know. Congratulations to all involved - Sony (Grant Anderson / Rob Engle), Legend 3D (Barry Sandrew), Stereo D, Venture 3D and Sassoon Film Design. It is a massive achievement and sets the bar so much closer to native 3D.

Let's talk about the few negative issues first and get them out of the way. As a general comment, the 3D is over used. Unfortunately there are few if any breaks in the constant barrage of stereo viewing for your eyes to rest and therefore at the end of the movie you can expect a headache. Minor ache of course; mine lasted about 15 minutes, but still it was there. Would it stop me from seeing it again? No way! I am going again ASAP. The moments that TGH captures that are perfectly done far outweigh tired eyes.

Yes, the 3D was over used, but scene by scene it is spectacular. Some scenes though were needlessly amped up with stereo conversion (yes, that is Jim Dorey saying that!) that in my opinion could have been used to rest the audience's eyes. Scenes like when the District Attorney is in Britt Reid's office and you can literally see the DA's nose in 3D - sticking out at you. It adds nothing to the story, does not draw you into the scene and in fact dials you out as it is so obvious. The DA is standing too far back to be able to see his nose like that even if you were really in the room with him. It was exaggerated and unnatural to me. It makes you think about the 3D and not the dialogue. That's not good. I even took my glasses off later in the scene to see the image separation and of course there it was.

Another scene was more about communication between the director, cinematographer and the on location 3D expertise. When Britt and Kato first sit in Black Beauty (their pimped out crime fighting car - or is it crime committing car!) there is an overly generous dolly movement from left to right that is far too fast for the stereo conversion (and it would be in native 3D as well imo). Too much eye strain again to enjoy that moment and distracting from the dialogue. In 2D it would have been fine, but remember this movie has full time 3D so it was a strain when it could have been a more restful moment to enjoy.

The acting could have been much better in my mind, but the comedic relief moments were superb as one would expect in a Seth Rogen project. It was a pleasure to see Christoph Waltz in the villain role again - this time much less serious than with INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS. Waltz saved this movie's acting score from being much lower in my review. And I am simply not a Cameron Diaz fan anymore. Did not enjoy her performance whatsoever.

Let's break down the aspects of my review:

Stereoscopic 3D (9 stars):
Again, perfect 3D at times. Gorgeous to watch, yet for those few times where the 3D was overly done and the overall over use of stereo brought down the score for me.

Story (8 stars):
I immediately thought to myself at the end of the movie that the story could have so much more about how these characters have changed (more on that below) but there was so little development involved. I did enjoy the angle in which Rogen explained how they were going to be different from other super heroes and act like a criminal to gain their trust (again no spoiler here).

Acting (7 stars):
Could have been so much better! I can see Rogen's enthusiasm for the role come through in his acting but I still don't think he was perfect for the role of TGH. Jay Chou was bang on though. Loved him. Again Cameron Diaz did NOT belong and Waltz was a joy to behold and carried much of the movie.

Character Development (6.5 stars):
The writers missed the mark on this one. I saw few changes in Britt Reid and only one resonated with me at all (I will talk about them in the comments - where spoilers are allowed) so I was disappointed. I got nothing from Diaz and Chou for development. Waltz's evolution was ok.

Suspension of Disbelief (7 stars):
As I said, the 3D at times was distracting and actually pulls you OUT of the movie a bit. I didn't enjoy that. However, other scenes brought you sublimely INTO the movie! Confusing I know, but there it is. I heartily enjoyed the movie though and was able to suspend my disbelief most of the time.

Directing (8.5 stars):
Michel Gondry did an amazing job with this project! He turned it into his own. Loved the pacing and how well everything held together, save those few stereo moments. More character development and story would have been prudent.

Sound / Score (8 stars):
TGH does not have the caliber of score as say TRON: LEGACY, but it is a good score. It suits the genre and action so go with it! :-)

Cinematography (9 stars):
One of the clear strengths of TGH! Perfect at times. Really draws you in. More attention has to be paid to the mash up between the camera work and stereo conversion but overall was superbly done.

Special Effects / Stunts (8.5 stars):
Another strength of the production. You can tell that a lot of money was spent on this production ($100m+, not including marketing). Nothing cheap about this movie. It is truly something to see for yourself - Black Beauty alone is worth the price of admission :-)

The few and small complaints I have are few and far between. This movie's 3D was superb and non-stop. I heard the audience's react to everything! I pay attention to those things. Even a simple static shot (no dolly movement which is often used to accentuate 3D) of the exterior of the Reid estate looked simply and utterly GORGEOUS. A couple behind me gasped at the clarity of it. It was shocking. Like you were really there. A perfect shot and conversion. Scenes like this rival native 3D - I defy you to tell the difference in that particular shot. This is a first for me guys. Conversion can be that good.

Then there was the mash up between the stereo work and the cinematography and it was amazing too. One particular shot again had the Reid estate but this time with a lateral movement and as the frame swept by the home, it transformed into the coffin of Britt's father (no spoiler as this is revealed in the trailer). It was an amazing and artistic effect, even with the obvious differences in those object sizes. Nicely done. This was a case of the 3D truly bringing out the creativeness of that scene. Loved it.

Some have complained in the past that you are not getting your money's worth with some 3D movies, that the stereo is hardly noticeable - well with TGH, you walk out of the theater knowing that you just saw spectacular 3D. No doubt about it. It is an experience to be had. Sony has a winner here and not only in the theater!

THE GREEN HORNET will excel in 3D home theaters too. It is that good. I am kinda curious how native 3D pundits (I am one!) will react to this movie. Personally I think that if the correct amount of attention is paid, and the right amount of money is paid, we are getting very close to 3D conversions rivaling native 3D.

THE GREEN HORNET is, in its own way, the poster child of stereo conversion. The first of hopefully many more 'rising bars' for conversion.

Special thanks to Empire Theatres for the screening.

Must See: Brand New International Posters For THE GREEN HORNET!!

Check out the new international posters for Seth Rogen's THE GREEN HORNET - not bad! I am beginning to come around a bit to the movie after all. I like the comic color and lighting in these shots - especially the green jacket Rogen is wearing and Christoph Waltz's leather.

You can see that the first four posters all join together and don't really stop! You can just keep adding them one after the other :-)

Could it be that I will be blown away by THE GREEN HORNET? I am opening my mind to it. I don't want any expectations though, that way the possibilities will be greater for my enjoyment :-)

Here is the movie's storyline:
Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) is the son of LA’s most prominent and respected media magnate and perfectly happy to maintain a directionless existence on the party scene – until his father (Tom Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, leaving Britt his vast media empire. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father’s more industrious and inventive employees, Kato (Jay Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime. But in order to do this, they decide to become criminals themselves – protecting the law by breaking it, Britt becomes the vigilante The Green Hornet as he and Kato hit the streets.The Green Hornet and Kato quickly start making a name for themselves, and with the help of Britt’s new secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), they begin hunting down the man who controls LA’s gritty underworld: Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz). But Chudnofsky has plans of his own: to swat down The Green Hornet once and for all.

Cast: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Christoph Waltz, Cameron Diaz
Director: Michel Gondry

THE GREEN HORNET opens in 3D theaters in North America January 14, 2011.

What do you think? Is THE GREEN HORNET on your must see list in 2011?

Source: Collider

New TV Spot And Website For THE GREEN HORNET!!

Like funny commercials about funny movies? How about if you're hungry too? :-) If yes, then you'll love this one featuring Seth Rogen and Jay Chou in Black Beauty going to Carl's Jr. - have a look...



Got the official website for THE GREEN HORNET for you right here. Check it out! There are prizes to be won, so go ahead and click that button. NO! Not that one!! :-)

Source: /Film

Is SPIDER-MAN Going To Be Shot With The New RED EPICs?? And The RED ONE Intercuts Well With Anamorphic Film!!

Very interesting news from the RedUser forums (a user group for the RED camera system) - John Schwartzman (THE GREEN HORNET, PEARL HARBOUR, ARMAGEDDON) commented on how well the RED ONE cameras intercut with film! Then dropped a hint about SPIDER-MAN? Read on!

Schwartzman on the RED ONE MX Camera: "I recently concluded my first shoot using the RED ONE MX camera, or rather a pair of them because I was doing reshoots for a film in 3D that I originally shot on film in 2D using anamorphic lenses. I consider anamorphic film the "gold standard" for cinema. The film was "The Green Hornet" which is currently in the process of being converted to 3D, at the time of the reshoots the option for shooting film and converting the new scenes was not an option due to the time constraints of conversion, the vendors are working 24 hours a day just to do the work they were contracted for and adding to their plate was not an option. The dilemma for me was how was a going to find a digital camera that had enough resolution to intercut with anamorphic film, I tested every system, The Arri Alexa, 12 bit F35, RED ONE MX and anamorphic film at the same time, based on this test I chose the RED ONE MX because it had incredible resolution, both the Alexa and the F35 didn't hold up well in 2:40. 2 weeks ago I finished timing the DI with Stefan Sonnenfeld at Co3, in addition to 2 new scenes, there were 4 scenes in which the RED ONE data was intercut with existing Anamorphic film, I was amazed at how transparent the match was, Stefan did a great job and actually we added grain to the MX data to match the film. I would venture to guess that the only way anyone will be able to tell the difference between the film and the MX data is not in the image quality but in field of view differences between shooting flat vs scope. As a die hard film user I must say I have been blown away by the image quality of the MX, it doesn't have the same dynamic range in the highlights as film but I believe with EPIC and HDRx™ it will."

Schwartzman used 3ality Digital S3D rigs for THE GREEN HORNET.

Schwartzman on the new 5K RED EPIC: "I have been part of a very select group of DP's that have actually shot with the EPIC and I can tell that the 3lb 5K camera is a game changer, end of story, game over, pick your cliche'. I will tell you this I have shot more tests on the EPIC than probably any other DP other than my mate Andrew Lesnie who is doing the "Hobbit", we skype daily about how this camera blows our mutual minds, when you see these image projected at 4K it's like looking a vistavision."

Jim Jannard - founder of RED had this to say about John's statements: "We got in this business to create a worthy film alternative/replacement camera. The fact that John has cut seamlessly between the two is pretty good evidence that we are on the right track."

And for SPIDER-MAN fans, Schwartzman is Director of Photography for the Sony reboot and have this little nugget to say toward the end of his comments: "Thanks for taking me under your wing, I think we are on the cutting edge of doing something amazing together and I think you've got a great eye and even a better bedside manner, the next 6 months are going to be fun!"

Six months as in SPIDER-MAN production? With RED EPICS in stereoscopic 3D formation (ala Peter Jackson)? Oh man, I hope so! We shall soon find out. In the meantime, I dream about the day I can get my hands on one of these cutting edge cameras from RED. Near term it seems like the Canon T2i or even the Panasonic GH2 are more feasible for me.

More when I get it! Thanks for the heads up Mark!

WATCH: THE GREEN HORNET's New Trailer!

Well it is an improvement over past trailers but reuses a lot of the existing shots already scene. Still, what is new in this trailer is refreshing. I just hope they are not using up all their best sights up front!

We do get a look at Kato-Vision which will probably be the coolest part of the whole thing.

Check it out:



I know some folks are worried about this one - myself included, but hopefully that is what test audiences are for and surely adjustments could be made IF they were needed. Will I be seeing this movie? Of course - first in line. But I can't say for sure it will be a monster hit.

THE GREEN HORNET opens January 14, 2011.

More when I get it...

MUST WATCH: New Trailer For THE GREEN HORNET!

It's here! Check out the new trailer for THE GREEN HORNET!!

I imagined something very similar to what is actually presented to us. Comedic relief by Seth Rogen, Jay Chou is the straight faced partner. I am REALLY interested to see how Christoph Waltz pulls off villainy yet again.

The Black Beauty looks awesome. What don't I like about the trailer? Absolutely nothing. They nailed it. Loved the close too with the rocket! What do you think?

First Official Look At THE GREEN HORNET!

Finally we get to see some official imagery (via Yahoo!) for Sony's THE GREEN HORNET! And if you want more, watch Jimmy Kimmel tonight for the launch of the trailer.

The top image shows Seth Rogen and Jay Chou in full regalia.

Here is the storyline: Britt Reid is the son of LA’s most prominent and respected media magnate and perfectly happy to maintain a directionless existence on the party scene — until his father mysteriously dies, leaving Britt his vast media empire. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father’s more industrious and inventive employees, Kato, they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime. But in order to do this, they decide to become criminals themselves — protecting the law by breaking it, Britt becomes the vigilante The Green Hornet as he and Kato hit the streets.

Using all his ingenuity and skill, Kato builds the ultimate in advanced retro weaponry, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car equal parts firepower and horsepower. Rolling in a mobile fortress on wheels and striking the bad guys with Kato’s clever gadgets, The Green Hornet and Kato quickly start making a name for themselves, and with the help of Britt’s new secretary, Lenore Case, they begin hunting down the man who controls LA’s gritty underworld: Benjamin Chudnofsky. But Chudnofsky has plans of his own: to swat down The Green Hornet once and for all.

Look for THE GREEN HORNET in 3D theaters on January 14, 2011.

Studios Shuffle Release Dates And THE GREEN HORNET In IMAX 3D!!

In a bid to maximize profits by arranging an optimum release schedule for their movie lineups, studios are continuing to shuffle their film deck.

Sony is moving PRIEST yet again! Originally it was a 2D movie set for release on August 27 of this year, but they decided to go the 3D route and slated January 14, 2011. Sony then decided that competition was a little heavy on that date and moved it to March 4, 2011. NOW it is penciled in for a May 13, 2011 release. Pray PRIEST keeps that date. :-) It is hard to keep up!

Keep your eyes on this one though - it looks like a great time at the movies.

A warrior priest (Paul Bettany) disobeys Church law by teaming with a young sheriff (Cam Gigandet) and a beautiful priestess (Q). The three band together to track down a band of renegade vampires who have kidnapped the priest's niece before they turn her into one of them.

AND...

Paramount's THE LAST AIRBENDER is being moved too. Originally slated for a July 2 opening, Producer Frank Marshall said that it will open a day earlier via Twitter.

So July 1 for M. Night Shyamalan's THE LAST AIRBENDER.

FINALLY...

Sony's THE GREEN HORNET will be released in IMAX 3D along side its 2D and 3D counterparts on January 14, 2011. The movie will be digitally remastered for IMAX.

From the Press Release:
"Superhero movies typically play very well with IMAX audiences, making the release of The Green Hornet a great way to kick off our 2011 slate," said IMAX Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Gelfond. "We're pleased with the continued expansion of our relationship with Sony Pictures, and we're excited to work with them to reach our growing audience base with another quality film."

In the film, Britt Reid (Seth Rogen), son and heir to Los Angeles' largest newspaper fortune, is a rich, spoiled playboy who has been happy to maintain a direction-less existence. When his father James Reid (Tom Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, Britt meets an impressive and resourceful company employee, Kato (Jay Chou). They realize that they have the resources to do something worthwhile with their lives and finally step out of James Reid's shadow.

Kato builds the ultimate weapon, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car with every weapon and gadget imaginable and Britt decides that in order to be heroes, they will pose as villains. With the help of Britt's new secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), they learn that the chief criminal in the city is named Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz). He has united all the gangs under his power, and he quickly sees that the Green Hornet is a direct threat to the prosperous criminal underworld he controls. Directed by Michel Gondry. The screenplay is by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, based upon "The Green Hornet" radio series created by George W. Trendle. The film is produced by Neal H. Moritz.

THE GREEN HORNET In IMAX 3D? I'll go along with that! :-)