GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT (2009) (***1/2)

One of the chief complaints of most of the DC universe superheroes is that they're hard to relate to because they are like gods. This direct-to-DVD animated feature finds a way to deal with that issue head on. When you are a god, what responsibilities does that give you?

Hal Jordan (Christopher Meloni, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT) is a test pilot who is chosen by an intergalactic organization called the Green Lantern Corps for their effort to protect the universe. When one member of the Corps dies, their power ring goes to the next worthy wearer, giving the user the power of flight, force fields, and the ability to form any object out of energy. Jordan receives the ring of Abin Sur, a very respected member of the Corps, which makes the other members doubtful that the Earthling he can live up to his predecessor.

However, Sinestro (Victor Garber, TV's ALIAS) takes Jordan as his partner, but Hal quickly learns that Sinestro's strong-arm ways are not the kind of justice Jordan is interested in. Sinestro believes the leaders of the Corps have become weak and that any means necessary are warranted in hunting down villains like Abin Sur's killer. The pretty Boodikka (Tricia Helfer, TV's BATTLESTAR GALACTICA) takes pity on the rookie, who gets a great deal of flack from the brooding Kilowog (Michael Madsen, RESERVOIR DOGS).

The political parallels of Sinestro's use of harsh interrogation techniques are easy to notice. But director Lauren Montgomery (WONDER WOMAN) and writer Alan Burnett (BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM) never make the film an agenda piece. They take the Spider-Man motto that with great power comes great responsibility. It's interesting how they play the cockiness of Jordan against the arrogance of Sinestro. One understands why Sinestro takes to the new guy so quickly; he thinks he's found a kindred spirit.

Another thing the film does an excellent job with is the origin story. It avoids every origin story cliché by simply moving past them. Jordan gets the ring, but there isn't a lame montage of him learning the ropes. The filmmakers find a more interesting story in his introduction to the Corps. There's also a moment toward the end where the filmmakers rightly avoid a last minute mistaken identity plot twist. The only negative thing I'd say is that if you want a grown up Green Lantern, maybe don't have him use giant fly swatter on the bad guys. I know it's part of the comic's history, but it was ridiculous then and it's even more ridiculous now.

DC Direct animated features have been solid so far and this one is by far the best. The 2D animation is far better than TV quality animation. Montgomery is a good director who knows how to balance story with action. The tight plot is perfect for its 77 minute running time. There isn't a wasted moment. Warner Bros. just announced that Ryan Reynolds is going to play Green Lantern in a live-action feature. It's hard for me to see them doing much better than this origin story.