THE GREEN LANTERN Movie Review

After attending Comic Con a week ago, I knew it was the right time to write my review of THE GREEN LANTERN.  I was even thrilled to see that Deepak Chopra was there speaking about his new book “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes.”  I think he might like this blog post and his book is now on my Amazon Wish List!

I wasn’t really planning to see this film until a recent meeting with a Hollywood producer who made DISCOVER THE GIFT.  We were discussing how many movies have enlightening themes now and he told me that even THE GREEN LANTERN was spiritual in its nature.  I was surprised to hear this as I had expected the latest comic book, superhero blockbuster to be just that – an Action flick.  And while I love the SPIDERMAN and BATMAN series, I really never thought a movie like THE GREEN LANTERN could make my mindful media blog!

I was pleasantly surprised with THE GREEN LANTERN.  I went without knowing anything except that Ryan Reynolds was in it and he wore a tight-fitting green suit and that was enough to entice me!  My good friend had already seen it but agreed to go again as it was his favorite comic book from childhood.  While I was somewhat disappointed with the lack of edge-of-your-seat action and the sometimes cheesy dialogue, I was thrilled to see the themes of will vs. fear, spiritual warriors, and peace in the Universe as well as the metaphors of the color green.

In many ways this film brings forward a variety of metaphysical and spiritual principles.  First, we are asked to believe in a life force outside of our planet.  Ryan Reynolds’ character, Hal Jordan (aka the Green Lantern), believes this pretty quickly and is also highly compassionate when he first spots Abin Sur (an alien) dying.  When he receives the green ring he knows there are powers bigger than himself that can be harnessed with a simple affirmation.  There is also a circle of Guardians which are depicted as wise and eternal beings which are very similar to what many believe of the Ascended Masters.  The Green Lantern Corps. is also shown as a powerful force that has been chosen to protect peace and justice in the Universe.  These lovable beings of all shapes and sizes show creativity in the imagination of the filmmaker but are also a great representation of the many spiritual warriors that currently walk our Earth!

The metaphor of the color green in this movie was powerful as well.  To me the use of this color highlights our desire and intention to protect the peace within in our environment through the green movement.  If we don’t continue to take measures to live greener lives we will destroy the beauty and gift of Planet Earth.  It is also interesting to note that the heart chakra is represented by the color green.  In this story, Hal Jordan is asked to open up his heart not only to Carol Ferris (Blake Lively) but with himself and the Universe.  I believe our will can be found in our heart and this is the quality that is being birthed in Hal as he transforms into the Green Lantern.

(spoiler alert) Fear is a topic that is covered in all sorts of media and yet the quality of willpower to overcome fear is rarely discussed as the antidote.  Hal Jordan’s struggle with his own fears of love, intimacy and death deeply resonated with me.  His desire to take the easier route and do what he is good at and not take responsibility to expand into something greater is a path I’ve known before.  We often all keep ourselves small without even knowing it.  Yet his calling was bigger than him and he had to listen to it in the end.  His transformation and his journey lead him to be the superHERO we all wanted him to be in the film.  His epic battle with fear to protect the innocent and to step into the fullest version of his best self was an image that moved my consciousness.  I left with the clear learning that will is powerful and that what I set my mind and heart to I can accomplish.  I left knowing and trusting that whenever I feel fear I can will myself to do it anyway or to feel something different like courage and empowerment.  In the end, all we need is available to us within our own hearts.  We can be anything we want to be and we can use the gift of the powerful and mysterious force called our will.  Let’s keep on shining our lanterns!

Entertain - Enlighten - Inspire,

Kate Neligan - Founder of Mindful Media Entertainment and Synergy TV