The Green Hornet

Although the movie's opening -- featuring James Franco (the king of funny cameos) and Waltz (the king of tense conversations -- just see Inglourious Basterds) -- is well acted, brilliantly written, and comedically paced, the rest of THE GREEN HORNET is a mixed bag. Yes, Rogen is perfect as a rich party boy who never amounted to much, but the movie hinges on his chemistry with his man/bro/employee, Kato. Chou is difficult to understand at times, and his rapport with Rogen seems forced, which is a first for a Rogen film. The Green Hornet is, at heart, a superhero "bromance," and since the bromance in question is so silly and unbelievable, it doesn't add up to the pleasant odd-couple pairings we're used to (Jackie Chan's goofball sidekick comedies come to mind).

Obviously director Michel Gondry isn't trying to make a Serious Superhero Film a la Christopher Nolan, Tim Burton, or Bryan Singer. But did Britt really need to sound like a 9-year-old boy who's just gotten ahold of some really cool toys? That works for an audience of, yes, tween boys, but adults may find it tiring. On the bright side, it's refreshing to see Diaz play a woman who has no interest in the superheroes. She's no Lois Lane or Mary Jane Watson hoping to steal another kiss from a dashing hero ... because Britt and Kato basically aren't superheroes. They're two guys with enough money (courtesy of Britt) and smarts (courtesy of Kato) to pull off some brave stunts. But that's not to say there aren't laughs, because there are -- however puerile they might be -- and there's even a tiny tribute to Lee in one quick scene. Perhaps the Lee nostalgia will be enough for grown men and teenage boys, but the movie may leave many moviegoers checking their watches between laughs.