"Green Lantern"(2011): my son took me to see this movie on Father's Day. Remembering that I had enjoyed the old comics and had read about the movie, I was curious enough to go. Ryan Reynolds was much better in the role of Hal Jordan than I expected, and there was good chemistry between him and Blake Lively, who played Hal's love interest, Carol Ferris. The story is quite simple really-- after tangling with the accidently released dreaded Parallax, a dying alien, one of many Green Lanterns, heads to Earth to find the next Green Lantern. His ring chooses none other than Hal Jordan, a brash, irresponsible pilot. Hal, after understandably initial reluctance, is taken for training on planet Oa, discovers the powers of the ring and the responsibility of being a Green Lantern, and when others fail, must save Earth from the menacing fear-fed creature that is Parallax.There's the added subplot of a loser scientist who becomes connected to Parallax and creates further problems for Jordan. Things all work out for our hero, and there's a set up for a sequel, too.  Overall it's a smashing good time--lots of great effects, chases, crashes, explosions and fights, super fun and excitement, all moving at a rapid pace. I went into it not expecting anything, but came out of it impressed and having enjoyed it. A surprisingly good summertime adventure flick that not only has lots of adventure and action but also decent acting and an actual story. It was worth my visit to the theater.