Academy Award winner Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Be Kind Rewind, The Science of Sleep) has finally got the chance to direct a film where he can have some fun. This action packed, big budget, feel good movie is a fusion of comedy, kung fu and comics. Star Seth Rogen couples as actor and writer in this silver screen rendition of the classic comic book series The Green Hornet. Screenwriters Seth Rogen and Even Goldberg bring a brilliant and unique film script to a now crowded superhero genre. If you are expecting a Spiderman, iron Man, Watchmen-like addition to the comic book movie genre you will be disappointed. Gondry’s The Green Hornet is truly a different take on this expanding comic book superhero film genre. Gondry’s film like his resume is unorthodox. He first made his mark by redefining and reenergizing the music video genre in the early 90’s. His “bullet time” film making technique was revolutionary, used initially to remarkable effect in other people’s movies such as The Matrix. He is among a select group of directors including Spike Jonze and David Fincher who also moved from music videos to film.

Brit Reid (Seth) is a newspaper publisher who accidentally assumes a hobby as a superhero – the Green Hornet, when he and his car mechanic Kato (jay Chou), get pegged for a crime they were trying to prevent!  The film is visually appealing and combines a clever blend of special effects and stunt work. Gondry’s unconventional approach defies the overused blue screen style special effects that result in overwhelming viewers rather than enhancing the story. This film offers a paradigm of action, kung fu and comedy wrapped up in a comic book story built for the silver screen. Kung fu and comedy have often been combined in the past but this is truly a new blend of the genre. Similar collaborations Like Rush Hour starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker come to mind when watching Seth Rogen and Jay Chou play the duo that become The Green Hornet. Chou, actually a singer not a martial arts master makes you believe he is a magician alongside his co stars Seth Rogan, Cameron Diaz, Christoph Waltz, Edward James Olmos, Davie Harbour, and Tom Wilkinson. The film was released in Japan on January 12, 2011, and North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland on January 14, 2011, in versions including RealID Cinema and IMAX 3D. If action, comedy, Cameron Diaz and cars excited you, this movie is sure to leave you wishing Kato was your personal mechanic.

The Green Hornet has received mixed reviews.  Gondry can laugh it off following the astounding response the film received at the Comic-Con premiere in San Diego.

-Annibale Romano