Film Review: ‘The Green Hornet’ Overly Limelights a Cavalier But Thrilling Seth Rogen

CHICAGO – “The Green Hornet,” which could have been titled “The Seth Rogen Show,” is an uneven mix between a stroke of comic book genius and a self-righteous attempt at being both comedy and drama. The untidy story is wrapped inside a messy box that’s a portion of what it successfully is and what it should have been.

Rating: 2.5/5.0

Despite some common comic book traps such as a son with daddy issues, the collaboration of director Michel Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Be Kind Rewind” and “The Science of Sleep”) with Seth Rogen (the star, writer and executive producer of “Pineapple Express” and “Superbad” and the star and producer of “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up” and “Funny People”) partially pays off. Strong emphasis is placed on the partially.

This film serves as a one-man show for Seth Rogen while Jay Chou as Kato – the real superhero – is constantly underappreciated. Just starring in a film hasn’t been enough lately for Rogen. He’s often involved in the writing and producing of his own leading-role films, too.

Read Adam Fendelman’s full review of “The Green Hornet”. [17]

We get the clear sense that Rogen wrote, executive produced and starred in “The Green Hornet,” but too much so. This time, the lazy and typically fun-loving, pothead Rogen inherits a media empire from his late dad that he doesn’t want. “The Green Hornet” stars Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz, Tom Wilkinson and Christoph Waltz.

Rogen’s character is smart enough to spot talent in Jay Chou as Kato. Kato was his dad’s mechanic and his master coffee maker. The transformation of a coffee maker turned superhero is the most comical twist in this film. That said, Rogen’s decision to make his own Britt Reid character The Green Hornet as opposed to the rightfully talented Kato lacks honesty and authenticity.

Continue for Adam Fendelman’s full “The Green Hornet” review. [17]

Jay Chou (left) and Seth Rogen (right) in “The Green Hornet”.
Image credit: Jaimie Trueblood

Continue for Adam Fendelman’s full “The Green Hornet” review. [17]