“The Green Hornet” joins the list of several disappointing 3-D films released in 2010, and like the others, it proves that gratuitously exploiting this technology is not a formula for success.

This technology should be used cautiously, but it seems that many directors are intent on including random scenes to justify the 3-D format. Not only does it not aid the film, it actually hinders it considerably.

Based on a radio program aired from 1936 to 1952 and a television program in 1966, “The Green Hornet” tells the story of Britt Reid (Seth Rogen), millionaire playboy and heir to a successful Los Angeles newspaper.

Following the death of his father, Britt teams up with his father’s genius mechanic, Kato (Jay Chou) to rid the city of crime. Meanwhile, a local crime lord, Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz) seeks to consolidate the criminal underworld of the city. Obviously, these two forces collide and battle each other for control.

Even though this movie attempts to combine satire of the superhero genre with action, it ultimately fails to reach its goal. For one, the action and use of “high-tech” machinery is convincing, up until the climax when a final chase scene ensues in pursuit of a seemingly archaic flash drive.

The audience is left wondering why the genius sidekick was unable to install a computer or simply buy an internet-capable phone.
While Rogen serves as the comedic role in this crime-fighting duo, even his moderate attempts at action seem inauthentic, and they do not aid the comedy.

On the other hand, Cristoph Waltz does a decent job in combining comedy with his cunning menace that he displayed in Inglorius Basterds. Nevertheless, do not expect another Oscar-winning performance by Waltz, as the character that he portrays in this movie is far too limited in depth to allow for much range in his acting. Unfortunately, too often he looks just like some dumb bad guy in a little kid’s movie, who is trying to be scary, but can never succeed. This fact is exacerbated by his search throughout the movie for a name that is easier to pronounce and which will inspire fear from his enemies.

Another downside of this film was the archetypal role that Kato fulfilled as the kung-fu fighting Chinese sidekick.
Despite his major success as a pop singer in Asia, Jay Chou (Kato) accepted this one-dimensional character that is easily digestible for American audiences. In the beginning of the film, the audience catches a glimpse of Kato’s sketches and sees a drawing of Bruce Lee. Even though Bruce Lee did star in the television version of The Green Hornet, the categorization of all Asian actors as kung-fu fighters demonstrates our limited worldview in this country. At one point, the movie even attempts to mock this when Britt mistakenly believes that Shanghai is located in Japan.

Unfortunately, I think the audience missed this point and will continue to accept similar limited characterizations in the future.

This film is definitely not a must see in theaters and should only be seen for a few laughs at best.
If you must see it, I suggest visiting your nearest RedBox.