When word got out that a Green Hornet movie was being made, fans of the original series rejoiced. For those who did not have the opportunity to watch the original television show, The Green Hornet was a quite popular series that aired in 1966. The show features the masked vigilante who would fight crime 
while appearing like a criminal himself so that innocents would not be targeted in an attempt to reach him (which, you know, often brings heroes down). More important, The Green Hornet basically launched Bruce Lee’s international career and was extremely popular for its mesmerizing main theme.
The good news that a Green Hornet movie was going to be released was thus however quickly tampered by the confirmation that Seth Rogen would be the hornet (as well as writing the script). Don’t get me wrong; I love Seth Rogen as much as the next guy but if there’s one undeniable thing we learnt from Knocked Up and Superbad, it’s that the fact should stick to starring (and writing) comedies. Nevertheless, fans were still hopeful, as there have been great transitions in acting genres before, as plainly shown by none other than Jim Carrey.
Fans’ endearing hopes were however swiftly quashed as The Green Hornet turned out to be an extremely disappointing and ultimately forgettable movie. The most infuriating thing about it is that it completely rips apart the charm of the original TV show. While the show would be a dark and gritting story of a vigilante and his sidekick, the film version decided to go the humor way. Of course, anybody who knew even an ounce about Seth Rogen was probably expecting this, but this isn’t even good humor I’m talking about.
The funny scenes appear to have been ripped straight from a really old movie that was never green-lighted by studio executives, and blatantly seem out of place in a movie that’s supposed to be about heroes kicking the hell out of villains. Moreover, the acting is actually horrible, as it seems that even the characters completely stopped caring about the movie after a mere five minutes. Even Jay Chou, who reprises the role of Kato (Bruce Lee in the original show), cannot save the movie from descending into a farce of contrite acting and over-the-top exaggerations. Christopher Waltz, from Inglourious Basterds, is far from what you would usually expect from such a reputed actor.
The one thing that could have saved this movie is also extremely annoying. The original show had to do with the restrictions of its time when it comes to gadgets and fancy special effects. Consequently, fans were led to believe that The Green Hornet would be bestowed with a state-of-the-art direction. Unfortunately, we see nothing of the sort. Chou’s fighting skills are impressive, but much of its charm is lost as you see him portrayed as a robot.
In fact, the only thing that somewhat saves The Green Hornet is the car, which is a faithful rendition of the one used in the series. However, they wait until the end of the movie to use its famous color-change abilities and to start playing the ever popular theme. Unfortunately, at this point in the movie, you’re already brain fried from the stupidity featured throughout most of the movie.
Ashvin Sawmynaden blogs about various topics. His recent works include the Paradise Cove hotel Ile Maurice website where he writes extensively about its fantastic spa Ile Maurice.