The Green Hornet

"You're great just the way you are. Don't ever change!" How many times have you heard that one? If you're like me, countless times, from movies, music, and even friends and family. The Green Hornet takes this idea to a whole new level. 
The Green Hornet (rated PG-13 for language, sequences of violent action, sensuality, and drug content) opens on a man called Chudnofsky, who is a violent and unpredictable drug lord terrorizing L.A. Switch scenes to wealthy party animal Britt Reid, who has absolutely no interest in helping his father run their newspaper, The Daily Sentinel, or in anyone other than himself. But when his dad is found dead, the paper is thrust onto Britt, who wants nothing to do with it. Befriended by his deceased father's mechanic/coffee maker, Kato, Britt experiences a new look on life: one where he could use his wealth to help people. Taking the name "The Green Hornet", he transforms himself into a masked super hero, aided by Kato. But Chudnofsky isn't about to let go of his grip on the city without a fight.
The Green Hornet was not what I expected, to say the least. Britt Reid is a horrible antagonist, leaving viewers caring little about him or his predicaments. The film also takes on a rather childish tone, causing me to wonder who exactly this PG-13 film's target audience is. Needless to say, the movie LOOKS cool, with all its sleek special effects and CGI magic, and it has its funny moments. But I walked away wondering, "What the heck was that?", certainly not a good reaction, in my opinion.
Seth Rogen tackles the famous role of The Green Hornet, but doesn't leave a lasting impression. His take on the iconic character is not a good one. Rogen's Britt Reid is an annoying, self-absorbed, idiotic jerk, and he doesn't change. There's no scene where he realizes how cruel he's been to his friends and family and vows to change his ways. Michael Gondry, the movie's director, seems to ask to us to accept Reid the way he is, jerkishness and all. And I had a hard time doing that. For a hero, Britt sure acts like a villian (a stupid, insipid one at that). Cameron Diaz, who co-stars as Britt's secretary, Lenore Case, tries her best with her role, but fails to bring anything new or fresh to the silver screen. The rest of the ensamble cast is fairly dull as well. The one shinging beacon of hope in the acting department of The Green Hornet is Hollywood newcomer Jay Chou. Chou steps into Bruce Lee's shoes as Kato, and acts his part well. His dry humor and excellent acting skills helped me make it through the movie. When Britt Reid was in danger, I just said, "Eh, whatever." When Kato was in jeopardy, however, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, yelling, "Don't kill off Kato or the rest of this movie will be garbage!"
Now comes the part of the show where I type out all the things morally wrong with this movie. First off, the profanity problem here is crazy, And when I say crazy, I mean INSANE. Some form or other of cursing is used about every five to eight minutes of the film, counting. Favored words are a--, b----, d---, s---, and a dozen others. So when I say this movie has language issues, I mean LANGUAGE ISSUES. Britt Reid seems to enjoy getting drunk, and does so on several occasions. We also see that he is quite the player, and we get a full scene of him in bed with a girl he apparently doesn't even know (it's played for laughs). Nothing is shown, but we're still left with a bad taste in out mouths. Violence is typical of a super hero flick, and includes, punching, kicking, shooting, and two stakes being driven through a guy's head. 
When I think of the phrase "be yourself", I envision a girl who isn't afraid to say that she's a tomboy. Or a jock who admits that he enjoys knitting. I don't think of a guy who acts like a moron to his friends, yet still wants them to accept him, because he's "just being himself". That's certainly not a very good message to send to kids, or anyone for that matter. But with its childish script, plot, and tone, young folks are just who it seems this film is after. Hollwood literally shoves Britt Reid in our faces, begging us to like him, and feel sorry for him. "He's a poor sap who's dad dies! Embrace him for who he is, an egocentric jerk who won't change, because he's just being himself!" Uh, yeah. I think I'll pass. When they give Jay Chou/Kato his own movie, give me a call. Until then, I'm going to go hang out with Batman, or Spider-Man.....REAL heros.