The Green Hornet (3D)

It's a great feeling when a movie surprises you, especially when it's the type of film you would least expect it from. The latest 3D blockbuster, The Green Hornet did not only exceed my expectations in terms of quality, but I also thoroughly enjoyed it as a welcome addition to the superhero sub genre.

Instead of taking a serious, dark approach to the theme of superheroes (as has become the norm for the last decade), the film rather focusses on an effective combination of humour, action and a very small degree of drama to produce a nicely balanced film. But don't get me wrong, The Green Hornet is more of a comedy than anything else – and a really funny one at that as well.

A huge part of the film's humour is due to the strong comedic timing of the hillarious cast: Cameron Diaz (There's something about Mary, Charlie's Angels, Being John Malkovich), whom is no stranger to films of this nature, plays the role of sexual interest well, whilst also supplying some good laughs while she's at it. Seth Rogen's (Knocked up, Funny People, Pineapple Express) amazing knack for off-beat comedy is however the film's saving grace and I was surprised to see how comfortably it translates in an action focussed context. Filling up the rest of the spots are Christoph Waltz (Jacob, Inglorious Bastards), playing an image-obsessed, really strange villain and the unknown, Jay Chou, playing the role of the very capable, misunderstood foreign sidekick that serves up the film's best 'Wow!' moments in refreshingly spectacular 3D. 

What gives The Green Hornet an extra sense of interest is definitely the fact that the film's greatest laughs come when you least expect them, namely during the very awesome and original feeling action sequences. The film's weird balance between serious and funny action really works, in a way that I expect was the actual intention behind most films that feature Jackie Chan.

"The film's weird balance between serious and funny action really works, in a way that I expect was the actual intention behind most film's that feature Jackie Chan."

Part of the film's successful recipe also lies in the fact it is ever aware of its inferiority and high degree of cheesiness – an element that French director Michel Gondry (Be kind Rewind) has used successfully more than once in his films. The Green Hornet isn't out to win any awards or dazzle the critics, but what it lacks in plot and impact, it definitely makes up for in entertainment level. So, if you're in the mood for something entertaining that doesn't require a lot grey matter processing, then The Green Hornet cannot be more highly recommended – oh, and it's worth the extra few bucks for the 3D.

Highlight: A physical confrontation between the Green Hornet and his sidekick, results in one of the funniest action sequences I have seen in a film. 

Being a superhero isn't always as easy as it seems.

Rating: 3-and-a-half Meerkat Tails (subtract half-a-star if you don't plan on seeing this on the big screen in 3D)