Lately, residents of Chicago may have noticed an increase in petty and violent crimes all across the city and in very public areas. Like many of the people who reside within the city, I viewed the crimes as distant and unfortunate to those who had to experience them. Like most, I held the assumption that I would not be affected. How naive we can be sometimes... A few nights ago, en route to a house-warming party, I bore witness to a violent crime on the Sox-35th Red Line platform. While waiting for the northbound Red Line train, I noticed a young male of Latin/Hispanic origin being chased by a young African American female wielding a bread knife. Uncertain of what I was seeing, it became increasingly clear that the man was genuinely in trouble. Frozen in a state of shock, I watched as the woman proceeded to stab the man repeatedly along the side of his torso. I watched, along with everyone else on the platform in disbelief at what we all were witnessing.
Within seconds of seeing what I had only read about in the paper, I was on my phone dialing 911. The funny thing about calling the police when in a state of shock is that it's not as easy as one would like to believe. Three simple numbers that we have been trained to recognize and interpret for help could never have been more difficult to execute, especially when in the time of need. The sudden rush of adrenaline caused by fear can paralyze the body and make basic movements like pressing three digits on a touch-screen keypad seem nearly impossible. At long last, after two failed attempts to dial the numbers properly, I managed to regain full dexterity and call the cops.
I was greeted by a calm feminine voice, "9-1-1 Emergency Assistance...," did the voice say anything after that? I cannot be certain. Everything was happening so quickly, that it is difficult to recall. What I do remember is that I quickly detailed what was happening, and where I was located. As this process took place, the young woman fled the scene, running south on the platform toward the 33rd Street exit. The voice on the other end of the phone asked for my name and phone number. I distinctly remember thinking, "Why is that important?! Did I not just tell you everything you need to know?" I realized that it was probably necessary, in case they needed to contact me as a potential witness. The voice on the phone assured me that the police were being dispatched and would be arriving shortly. At that point I disconnected the call, and informed everyone on the platform that the police were on their way. As soon as I made this announcement, a panicked expression flickered across the face of the man who was now visibly bleeding through his over-sized white t-shirt. Within moments, he swore out loud and actually managed to run! I couldn't believe it! Where in hell was he going??? And why was he running in the same direction as the knife-wielding woman??? I was only baffled by this astonishing turn of events for a mere moment before a voice inside my head said that he probably did something to deserve being stabbed by that woman. Slightly puzzled, I shrugged and made a jarring observation; I was the only person to call the police.
We all hear stories about violent acts being committed in public spaces and how the bystanders only watch... or in some cases pull out their phones to record video of the incident, only to upload it to Facebook or YouTube later. Being faced with the option to act or stand by and watch, you would hope that people would choose to act. Imagine yourself being put into the position of the person who needs help, and no one had the courage or will power to offer you the assistance that you clearly need. The power of will and courage are all it takes to overcome fear and that is the overarching theme of the "Green Lantern".
As an avid comic fan-boy, it is incredibly difficult for me to remain objective when reviewing the increasing number of comic to film adaptations. That being said, I must address the film at hand: "The Green Lantern". Directed by acclaimed director Martin Campbell, The Green Lantern is the story of Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds), a test pilot that receives a ring that grants it's possessor the power to conjure anything that his/her mind can conceive; and is charged with protecting the universe from evil.
Aside from the ingenious casting within this film, the only positive thing that can be said is that nearly 200 million in CGI (computer-generated imagery) looks phenomenal in 3D. This is a film that's all pomp & circumstance, with none of the hard work. The story of Hal Jordan is pitched to us (as viewers) as one where will-power and courage are all that is needed to triumph. Unfortunately, the film does nothing to show us that Hal Jordan lacks anything except a desire to make long term commitments.
Although the film lacks strong foundations, it is redeemed by the graceful Blake Lively who excels in portraying a woman of social and economic power. Her role as a test pilot may not have been believable, but I found it immensely entertaining to watch Lively try in earnest to sell us the fighter pilot image she was forced to pander. Entertaining... is all I can say about the film in the best and worst ways. It was laughable to see how serious the movie tried to present itself to be, but also endearing. My advice to anyone watching The Green Lantern is to do the same thing the people on the platform did on the night of the stabbing. Simply watch and be amazed at the spectacle.
Rating: 2 Stars (Maximum of 5)
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