This ‘Green Lantern’ is a dim bulb

I’m not sure how Ryan Reynolds scored the lead role in “Green Lantern.” But other than his physical qualities - the guy must have 0 percent body fat - he doesn’t fit the role. He’s a one-note actor who, despite having starred in a couple dozen projects or more, hasn’t progressed beyond the mannered comic style he displayed in 2002’s “Van Wilder.”

“Green Lantern,” which as a comic book character dates back to 1940, tells the story of Hal Jordan (Reynolds), a test pilot who is haunted by the death of his own test-pilot father. When a member of the gang of galaxy super cops known as the Green Lantern Corps is mortally wounded by a mysterious entity known only as “The Parallax,” the dying ring-wearer is drawn to Earth - where the all-knowing ring itself chooses Jordan as its next wearer.

Only thing is, Jordan tends to shun responsibility. And orders. And, apparently, relationships, preferring to bed a new beauty each night rather than embrace anythng remotely resembling commitment. Thus, before he can face The Parallax he must face his own tortured self.

Blah-blah-blah … you’ve heard it all before. And you can guess what happens.

“Green Lantern” offers nothing new in the pantheon of superhero stories. Even the whole notion of Willpower vs. Fear that makes up the movie’s simple formula (Willpower equals Courage which trumps Fear) feels tired. And without any other characters worth mentioning - including Blake Lively as Jordan’s obligatory love interest - the movie depends mostly on Reynolds and its CGI effects.

Check that: Peter Sarsgaard is superb as the troubled scientist/teacher Hector, whose own character flaw is similar to Jordan’s. Trouble is, Hector’s character arc is as tired and predictable as anything else in this movie.

Which brings us back to the CGI that, while impressive, are nothing new. And I’ve already delivered my opinion of Reynolds.

Time to go and watch “Iron Man” again. Now, that is a superhero story. And Robert Downey Jr., it’s nothing original to say, is the real deal.

Below : The trailer for “Green Lantern.”