Continuing on this journey to establish all the key players in the first arc of the DC Extended Universe. The fifth film in the series would take us back out into space. However unlike the Superman film which focused strictly on Krypton and the Kryptonians. This film Green Lantern's light would introduce us to a great range of aliens as part of the Green Lantern corps. Of course before we could get to the story of the Green Lanterns, our story would first focus on it's main character and best known Green Lantern Hal Jordan (John Krasinski). Remiscent of Maverick from Top Gun in his personality. Hal Jordan was quickly shown to be Cocky, Brash and Bold. Someone who at times rushes into battle without second thought for himself or the risks, Hal is perhaps the bravest character we have been introduced to this far. Yet at the same time Hal does have his scars and troubles a lot of which would come from his childhood which is where we'd first go as part of this film.
The son of a legendary pilot by the name of Martin Jordan (James Marsden) and his wife Jessica Jordan (January Jones). It's said that even from a young age Hal had picked up his father's wild side and was shown to be quite the young daredevil in comparison to his older brother Jack (BJ Novak) and younger brother Jim (Mat Vairo). It was said that even from a young age Hal's antics wouldn't sit well with his disapproving mother. Far from impressed with her husband's dangerous choices it was said that Jessica very much was someone who aired on the side of caution and wanted what was best for her children's safety. In stark contrast to Hal who was a constant source of trouble his older brother Jack was very much the model son who excelled in his classes and all aspects of education. Meanwhile younger son Jim was very much a mommy's boy who everyone loved being the sweet, charming young kid.
Their differences in personality would often cause friction between Hal and Jack with Hal's refusal to settle down and unwillingness to listen to reason making Jack worried of the influence Hal was on their younger brother. In Jack's mind Hal should have been a role model for Jim and not a bad influence. This whole dynamic would create quite the tense atmosphere around the home with Hal believing his older brother to just be a killjoy and his younger brother to be spoiled. Tragically this family turmoil would only be added to when tragedy struck the family as a whole. See Martin was apart of a legendary faction of fighter pilots comprised of himself, Herc Stone, Carl Ferris and Regina Davis. While all these pilots would start out working for the air force, as the years rolled on it would be Carl Ferris (Scott Bakula) who first left the service in order to go into the private sector.
Founding Ferris Air with a business partner Conrad Bloch (William Baldwin). Carl Ferris was devoted to outfitting the military with the latest in aerial combat technology. A loyal man who truly thought of his comrades first it would be Carl's first act to offer his former cohorts roles at his fledgling company with great financial incentives. While both Regina and Herc would agree to do so pretty quickly it would be Martin who took more convincing from his friend to undertake the role. In conversation with his wife Jessica, Martin was urged to take the job with the knowledge of job security, an increase in pay and also the knowledge that her husband would no longer be active in war zones. While Regina took a role in the class rooms as she educated many of the test pilots of tomorrow, Herc Stone would be drafted more into a drill instructor role. Martin meanwhile had little interest in stepping away entirely from the field as he would endure hard training to become one of Ferris Air's top pilots.
With Hal's reckless streak only growing more prominent in his teens, Martin would in an attempt to perhaps give his son a purpose bring Hal along with him to his latest test flight. Sadly what was supposed to be a routine test run would become something else as during his landing Martin would crash his plane dying before his sons' very eyes. While some might expect such a tragedy to bring the Jordan family closer together instead it only further fractured it. As Jessica Jordan very much outlawed her children from Ferris Air while Hal sought to honor and live up to his father's legacy. This brought him into conflict with his mother and older brother. Especially when Carl Ferris having launched an investigation into the death of Martin Jordan would find that this accident was caused by costs being cut by Conrad. It would be with the arrest of Conrad that things reach boiling point for Hal as he felt his lifestyle was vindicated and left home to join the military.
While in the air force Hal's skills would earn him great recognition. His attitude meanwhile would earn him his fair share of detractors with many wondering if Hal was truly cut out for the air force. Despite his relationship with his family in tatters Hal would form a close bond with both Regina and Herc from the musketeers as each of them saw a lot of his father in him. Sadly just as Hal was about to make his way into active service after years of training, he'd receive news that his mother was dying. This would shake Hal to his core and he'd look to return home only to have his request refused by his commanding officer. In response to this Hal would lash out and punch his officer leading to him being dishonorably discharged and kicked out of the air force with immediate effect. Sadly on his return home however Hal would find that his mother had already died and things were worse between him and his older brother as Jack blamed Hal for causing their mother undue stress and making her condition worse.
This would lead to a fight breaking out between the two brothers much to Jimmy's distress who simply wanted their family to be back together. With this fight and his grief consuming him Hal's life would only continue to spiral down a dark slope as he was arrested for drink driving. Yet just as things looked to be their bleakest Hal was bailed out by Carl Ferris, well aware of Hal's story and the path he was taking Carl would offer Hal a job at Ferris Air in an effort to turn his life around. While at first Hal may have been unwilling it was following a later conversation with Herc Stone (Clint Eastwood) and Regina Davis (Linda Hamilton) that Hal would finally agree to work at Ferris Air. Having to start from the bottom very much, Hal found that both Regina and Herc were tough on him wanting him to fully live up to the legacy of his father. As Hal made progression in his training one day he'd be met by his brother Jimmy who greeted him warmly.
Saying he is proud of where Hal has come and turned himself around. Jimmy says that things are still tense at home with Hal being a sore subject. However he does reveal that Jack still loves his brother deep down and is keeping tabs on him. He even goes as far to reveal that Jack as District Attorney has cleared the probation that was put on Hal for his antics. This news would spark a positive change in Hal as he very much for the first time started to settle down and in doing so he'd begin to not only further impress his instructors by toning down his wild side but he'd also reconnect with old friend Carol Ferris. Now the heir to the throne of Ferris Air, Carol similar to Hal had sought to become a pilot. Yet over the years her sensibilities had altered and for the best of the business she'd give up on this dream and instead strive to be her father's successor. While their relationship had faltered in recent times, it seemed that Hal's changes would begin to mend fences between the pair.
Along with his repairing relationship with Carol, Hal would also find himself two other friends. The first of which would be a young mechanic at Ferris air by the name of Thomas Kalamaku (Forrest Wheeler) who'd soon become one of Hal's closest confidants. While Hal's other friendship would be Jillian Pearlman (Beau Garrett) aka Cowgirl, a fellow Pilot at Ferris Air who Hal had befriended. Jillian had overcome a lot of adversity in her pursuit of her career and it was in Hal she found a colleague at Ferris air who treated her as an equal and a peer which led to a strong bond forming. On one particular night in question, Hal Jordan would agree to perform a last minute test flight. During this flight which very much seemed routine Ha's plane would be pulled into an energy field.
Undaunted as he was transported in his craft to an undisclosed location, Hal would have to use all his skills to perform an emergency landing. Unable to speak to his teams on comms, Hal would step out of his plane and soon find the reason for his summoning. Stepping out from the craft and seeing several flashes of green light Hal would rush to this beacon where he'd find a bleeding Abin Sur (Ken Watanabe). Not phased by seeing an alien, Hal would instead rush to Abin Sur's aid looking to help him find rescue. Abin Sur however assured Hal that it was fine and he'd seemingly found peace with his fate. Revealing that he was being directly translated by a glowing ring on his finger, Abin Sur stated that the ring chooses it's wearer and Hal was one of the few candidates on this planet deemed worthy. Encouraging Hal to take the ring, Abin Sur would present Hal with the ring as he deemed him the new protector of the universe.
In his dying moments Abin Sur would urge Hal to use the ring wisely as a Lantern would also appear before Hal. Putting the ring on his finger, Hal would do so and find himself emitting a green glow. Wearing the uniform of the green lantern for the first time, Hal would look to ask Abin Sur questions only to find Abin Sur dead having succumb to his wounds. Yet Hal's journey into the unknown would only begin as his lantern would begin to glow and not long after a green light would wrap itself around Hal Jordan. This light would pull Hal into the air despite Hal's attempts to resist this. The light and lantern would guide Hal to the planet of OA in far outer space. Here Hal would find Sinestro (Sean Harris) waiting for him. Sinestro was completely dismissive of Hal Jordan and his capabilities as a Lantern. Refusing to accept a human as a lantern or as the successor of his friend, Sinestro would go before the Guardians of the Universe.
A powerful race who spawned the Green Lanterns, The guardians would listen to Sinestro's argument before reminding him that it was the ring which deemed Hal worthy and that they would honor this. However it was one of the Guardians by the name of Basilus (Robert Davi) who stated he would be watching Jordan's training closely to see if he was truly worthy of the Lantern. This wouldn't be the only doubter of Hal's credentials as Salaak (Nick Kroll) would also be doubtful that a human can make it through training let alone protecting their sector. Administering the training for Hal would be the imposing Kilowog (Nonzo Alonsie). Very much a drill sergeant character Kilowog had no feelings about Hal either way. With a goal to intimidate and seemingly break Hal, Kilowog would put Hal through the ringer all the while imploring him to quit. However not everyone was against Hal as he'd befriend a scientist by the name of Tomar Re (Hank Azaria). Perhaps the friendliest and at least for Hal his first mentor among the Lanterns.
Tomar Re very much would help Hal understand the gifts that the ring and it's battery afforded while also training him in secret to help his improvement. While Tomar Re's friendship may have been done so in public we'd soon find that Hal had another ally albeit one who he wasn't aware of. Impressed with Hal's drive and refusal to break despite what he put him through, Kilowog had regularly been updating the guardians on his progress and was shown to actually care about Hal. Taking up for Hal in various conflicts with Sinestro and Salaak. Kilowog truly showed himself as someone willing to believe in Hal and the potential he had. Wanting to prove a point to everyone Sinestro would one day agree to train Hal in what he called a sparring session. Despite being greatly out matched and out skilled Hal never quit and his resilience in this losing battle would firmly silence many of his doubters. Having been accepted by the Green Lantern's finally following this Hal would finally meet the guardians in person.
The guardians all would have their own personalities and dynamics with Hal which made for compelling viewing. As while Hal may have impressed many, it must be noted that Basilus was still unsure of Hal Jordan. Deeming humans as a whole as vain creatures who were eons away from being capable of this duty. It seemed that nothing Hal could do would impress Basilus or Salaak for that matter. Appa Ali Aspa (Donald Sutherland), meanwhile may have seemed disinterested but we'd seem deep down that the Guardian was an enigmatic figure who kept his cards close to his chest. Yet it wouldn't be all the Guardians who were unsure of Hal as a duo Ganthet (Patrick Stewart) and Sayd (Whoopi Goldberg) would treat Hal with kindness and respect. Continuing to impress Hal would eventually be named as the official protector of Earth and he would be supervised in his duties for a time by Sinestro.
While Sinestro may not have liked or particularly cared for Hal Jordan. It was in this time that Hal truly grew into his role and matured. This was down to the mentorship of Sinestro who very much took his duties seriously. Once he had graduated this training Hal would return to earth with the knowledge that he could conceal his identity in order to further assist his duties as Green Lantern. Returning to Ferris Air with a cover story of a crash which put him out of radio area, Hal's changes as a person wouldn't go unnoticed especially by Carol who was seemingly caught off guard by this socially conscious side of Hal Jordan. This would add to some previous feelings between the two as their attraction would only grow. Confiding in Tom about what really happened, Hal would state that this is his true chance to honor his family and father's legacy by using his gifts to save and protect others.
While many may have been impressed with Hal's changes, Jack Jordan was still dubious and not as willing to hear his brother out. Jimmy Jordan meanwhile was happy to see this side of Hal and would proudly introduce Hal to his niece and nephew recognizing that his brother was no longer on a death wish like mission. A cut would then take place in the movie and switch to a completely different story for while everything may have been looking great for Hal or at least on the up. The same could not be said for a researcher by the name of Martha Phillips (Ann Dowd). A decorated scientist and researcher who has lived in recluse for a long time. Martha is someone who put her work above everything but sadly thanks to a genetic and deliberating condition, Martha would watch her body begin to grow frail before it's time. Weak and falling into a pit of despair, Martha would see her incomplete research as a sign of failure. Slowly growing consumed by her own fear of being forgotten or lost in time, Martha would begin conducting some unethical experiments and treatments of her own in order to preserve her mind and brain after death.
Using radiation as part of this treatment we'd soon see Martha transform and in her words transcend her weak human form as she'd turn into a monstrous creature made of radiation. Feeling powerful for the first time, Martha's change would see her feel a new feeling instead of fear and that would be hunger for more power. Needing radiation in order to maintain her power and form, Martha would move across Coast City showing little regard for anyone in her way as she'd go on the search for fuel and sustenance. Recognizing the threat that this creature held to his home Hal as the green lantern would confront the beast. While still new to his duties Hal quickly recognized that the beast was losing strength as long as it didn't feed and Hal would use this to his advantage. However during the carnage we'd see Hal stop to save some bystanders allowing Martha to flee.
This however would be a turning point for Martha as her form would only transcend. Recognizing the fear in others and beginning to crave it Martha would begin to feed off the fears of the residents of coast city and would quickly turn into the powerful and monstrous Parallax. Seeing the threat that Parallax would be to his world, Hal would call out to OA and the other lanterns looking for help. Not wishing to see Hal or his planet consumed by fear Ganthet and Sayd wished to help while Basilus remained unwilling deeming the sector Hal's responsibility. Appa Ali Aspa meanwhile wished to see for his own eyes the threat before acting as he'd long heard whispers of beings able to use fear like they use will. As for the Lanterns both Kilowog and Tomar Re would agree to help without hesitation while Sinestro maintained that Jordan should be able to hold his own sector. Realizing he may need to go it alone Hal would confront Parallax who looked to prey on Hal's fear and uncertainty.
Uttering to the mantra of the Lanterns, Hal however would overcome his fear and soon he'd find his willingness to face this monster would inspire others with many pilots from Ferris Air including Herc and Regina as well as Jillian all boarding jets in the hopes to combat this creature. With the airforce providing interference Hal would begin fighting back against Parallax and would be joined by Ganthet, Sayd, Tomar Re and Kilowog to fight the creature. Yet despite the numbers Parallax would still prove formidable until surprisingly Sinestro also entered the fray and proved a true counter to Parallax. Having witnessed the power from OA of Parallax and being unwilling to see any more lanterns fall Sinestro was soon aided by Appa Ali Aspa and it was these two with the help of Hal that they managed to bind and contain Parallax before Appa Ali Aspa would elect to trap Parallax for eternity in the central power battery of OA.
With Parallax defeated many of the Lanterns would return to OA while Green Lantern shared a touching moment with the pilots who helped him as he commended them for their bravery. What Hal wasn't aware of was in these conversations Carol Ferris on watching on would recognize some of his mannerisms despite his disguise. Electing to stay behind on earth, Appa Ali Aspa said he looked forward to exploring the wonders of this world while Hal would also head back to OA. Here Hal would be met with praise from many despite Basilus still remaining doubtful. An impressed Salaak would great Hal and praise him for not giving in before Sinestro shared a touching moment with Hal. Admitting being wrong about Jordan's worth, Sinestro says he is a worthy successor to the legacy of Abin Sur. With that the film would end with Hal reciting the Green Lantern's pledge before things would end with a post credit scene set before Hal become the Green Lantern. This scene would focus on an argument taking place between Abin Sur and Sinestro with Abin Sur calling Sinestro unethical and a disgrace to their pledge. In response Sinestro would stab and mortally wound Abin Sur who'd be forced to flee leading to the crash which took his life and saw Hal named his successor. |
