The Green Hornet (Columbia Pictures)

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The Green Hornet started off as a successful radio program series from the 1930s created by George W. Trendle. Then it spawned two big-screen serials from the early '40s before being immortalized on television with a short-lived series in the 1960s featuring a young Bruce Lee as Kato. Now the character makes a long-awaited return to the big screen in a new action packed, superhero comedy. The film is directed by Michel Gondry, who is better known for his indie work such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Be Kind, Rewind.

Britt Reid (played by Seth Rogen) lives under the shadow of his father James Reid (played by Oscar-nominee Tom Wilkinson), the editor-in-chief of The Daily Sentinel in Los Angeles. But when his dad suddenly dies, Britt assumes his father’s role reporting on the city’s high crime rate. Then Britt meets his dad’s butler Kato (played by Jay Chou), who shows him his great skills as a mechanic by sprucing up James’ 1965 Chrysler with many upgrades. Then a night of drinking led to a confrontation with thugs, which gives Britt an inspiration.

Britt’s idea is for him and Kato to pose as villains to get even with other criminals. Donning a new identity as The Green Hornet, Britt and Kato go undercover around the LA streets beating up the criminals while avoiding the authorities. This captures the attention of crime boss Chudnofsky (played by Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz) who wanted to take over the city. With the help of their new secretary Lenore (played by Cameron Diaz), Britt and Kato has to save the city from Chudnofsky’s criminal gang. The film features great cameos from Edward Furlong (Terminator 2) and James Franco (127 Hours).

This movie is quite different from the other superhero movies in recent years because the hero is more of an ordinary guy who doesn’t have any powers or fighting experiences. It’s different yet it’s interesting when the hero becomes likeable and easy to root for all the way to the end. Plus, the character of Kato is the film’s icing on the cake. His fight scenes are well choreographed and well filmed. There’s also the innovative “Kato-vision,” which combines the red aim of Predator with the intelligent planning of Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes.

There’s also another great villainous performance by Christoph Waltz. It’s a little distant from his Oscar-winning performance in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds, but he delivers well with confidence. The action in this movie is all over the place, but it’s fun and entertaining in its own way. Also with the 3D included, it’s eye popping, amazing, and it’s supposed to be a fun ride, and not meant to be taken seriously.

The Green Hornet is a different kind of superhero movie, but entertaining enough to recommend. The action balances well with the comedy, which makes it a fun movie to watch.

THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for sequences of violent action, language, sensuality and drug content)

THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)