Green Lantern
Directed by Martin Campbell
TheoScope Rating
Worldview · content · moral framework
Plot
In a mysterious universe, the Green Lantern Corps, an elite defense force of peace and justice have existed for centuries. Reckless test pilot Hal Jordan acquires superhuman powers when he is chosen by the Ring, the willpower-fed source of power. Reluctantly at first, he takes on the challenge after the death of Abin Sur, the finest Green Lantern. Putting his self-doubts aside, and spurred on by his sense of duty and love for his beautiful, intellectually equal, colleague, Carol Ferris, he is soon called to defend mankind from Parallax, a powerful, evil being who feeds on fear. Hal Jordan is the universe's last chance, as many Green Lanterns have been killed and the Corps is weakened, and he might just be the right Green Lantern for the duty of keeping the world safe from harm.
Discern Score Breakdown
30%
30%
25%
15%
Audience Suitability
Kids
Under 10
Teens
10–17
Adults
18+
Family
Mixed ages
Content Flags
Green Lantern is a standard PG-13 superhero origin story with broadly positive values — courage, duty, and overcoming fear — wrapped in a secular cosmic mythology. It carries no significant theological content, positive or negative, and its content concerns are typical for the genre: moderate action violence and mild innuendo. Families with children under 12 should be cautious given the creature designs and intensity of the villain sequences.
Pastoral Take
Green Lantern is a fairly harmless, if unremarkable, superhero movie that parents of kids under 11 or 12 should approach with caution — the creature design of Parallax and the intensity of some scenes make it more appropriate for older kids and teens than for young children. Teenagers can watch it comfortably; the values it affirms (overcoming fear, taking responsibility, sacrificing for others) give parents a natural opening to talk about what genuine courage looks like and where it really comes from. There is no significant redemptive or spiritual content to engage with deeply, but nothing that actively undermines a Christian household's values either — it is safe entertainment that can prompt a worthwhile conversation without requiring much advance preparation.
Discussion Points
- 1Hal Jordan is chosen by the ring not because he is perfect, but because he has the potential to overcome his fear — even though he doesn't believe it himself at first. Do you think God ever calls people who don't feel ready or worthy? Can you think of anyone in the Bible like that?
- 2Hector Hammond lets jealousy and resentment turn him into something destructive — he starts out as someone who just wanted to be recognized and respected. What do you think the Bible says about what happens when we let envy take root in our hearts, and how do you think that applies to Hector's story?
- 3The whole power of the Green Lanterns comes from willpower — the idea that human determination is enough to overcome even the greatest evil. Do you think willpower alone is actually enough? What's the difference between trusting in your own strength and trusting in something greater than yourself?
- 4When Hal finally faces Parallax, he stops running from fear and turns back to fight even when the odds are overwhelming. What do you think gave him the courage to do that — and where do you think real courage comes from? Is it just a feeling, or something more?
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Cast
Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard
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