Writer: Anne Jamaludin

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Watch this if you liked: “Pineapple Express”, “Superbad”, “Get Smart”

"The Green Hornet" is a masked vigilante who started out as an iconic wonder in pulp fiction as well as film serials in the 1940s with a famous and successful network television program in 1960s. However, a potential hit as it is with the veterans but what does this 2011 feature film could offer to the younger generation who might not even be born nor aware during the Hornet's reign besides the rare re-runs on the television?

After suffering several production issues prior to filming, having been helmed under Michael Gondry's direction certainly devours a simple plot to become a cluttered heap of overly-exuded explosions and excessive action scenes that could be more confusing then appealing to some audience. What seems to be an easy, classic plot seen in the much older series becomes a mixture that has no specific direction. The plot building is too fast that some scenes were over-developed and some under-developed without consistency while the humour is sporadically funny, if not bland for most of the times.

Seth Rogen, being the titular and prominent character of the movie somehow did not managed to deliver as expected which is rather unfortunate, for he had the bigger shoes of Van Williams (who portrayed the original "Green Hornet" in 1960s) to fill in. Rogen proves he had natural funny bones in his previous movie roles but the vibe somehow was not strong enough as he only passes off as a 'trying-too-hard' rich man's spoilt heir who is also trying-too-hard to be hip and funny. However Rogen did nail the part when his character, Britt Reid at one point becomes a total douche to his closest (and only confidant), Kato (Jay Chou) who represents his very own total opposite of everything. While Jay Chou on the other hand, despite being stiff in some scenes the actor managed to make up with his stunts as well as fight scenes for he has his own shoes to fill in - of the late legendary Bruce Lee as the martial arts connoisseur cum sidekick to "The Green Hornet". The original fans might not support this new dynamic duo but the Rogen-Chou combination might be the x-factor that could pull the much younger generation to the cinemas. Cameron Diaz herself manages to give personality to Britt's secretary Lenore Case, who also serves as the research source (and of course, love interest) for the duo despite only sitting on the supporting side. Christoph Waltz's portrayal as the villain Chudnofsky who is supposedly a ruthless gangster boss, whose namesake becomes a point of ridicule, comes out second-rate compared to his previous role as a Jewish hunter in "Inglorious Basterds".

The explosions and car crashes are served too much on the platter that it gets full and just over the top to some audience but the 'red-eye' technique used to describe Kato's special ability (or agility) could be interesting to some. There is nothing extra special to note regarding the special effects but the numerous models of the Hornet's vehicle, Black Beauty with special customizations are treat for the eyes who has been waiting to see the iconic supercar. How could it not when the production modified 29 Imperial Crown sedans from model years 1964 to 1966 to be the Green Hornet's luxurious car.

"The Green Hornet" will be a good remedy for the old school fans who misses the original series and regardless how stiff and blurry Jay Chou's words may sound in the movie, his dynamic with lead star Seth Rogen could still spread "The Green Hornet" charm at the box-office seeing as it tops the North American box-office during its opening weekend.

Cinema Online, 18 January 2011