This week, I’ve got another DC Universe animated movie for you.

I think many of you will agree with me that the 2011 Ryan Reynolds film is not one of Warner Bros.’ better movies. Even Reynolds himself makes fun of it. Back in 2009 though, there was a much better Lantern adaptation released. Green Lantern: First Flight is the perfect example of how to do a proper film adaptation of the character.  First Flight, of course, tells the origin of sector 2814’s Green Lantern, Hal Jordan. Christopher Meloni performs the voice of Hal very satisfyingly. He would have had no problem carrying the movie, however, it really is Victor Garber who shines as Sinestro. This performance well before his turn as Dr. Martin Stein, one half of Firestorm, from DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. Garber delivers his dialogue with such gravitas, that you can’t help but to be drawn to him. This is assisted by Alan Burnett’s script. The main focus of the story is on the relationship between Hal and Sinestro. We see Sinestro take Hal under his wing and mentor him. There are times where it feels like a cop drama in this regard. We learn how Sinestro really feels about the Guardians and his desire to do things differently. This enriches the story; Alan Burnett knew where to keep the focus.

First Flight isn’t just about flying around space and fighting aliens. It’s a classic tale of how, even when you think you’re doing the right thing, many will still perceive you as a villain. Burnett has been writing for the Warner Bros. Animation team for years, and always does a stellar job. You would think that they would let him work on some of the live action stuff as well. Director Lauren Montgomery does a wonderful job capturing the gritty cop drama vibe as well. There are scenes with Hal and Sinestro that feel like there straight out of Training Day. You can tell that everyone involved had tremendous respect for the source material. Despite its short run-time, clocking in at about an hour and fifteen minutes, it still succeeds in doing all of this. I really hope that Warner Brothers follows First Flight’s example with that Green Lantern Corps movie that they are supposedly working on. So, if you are looking for a great introduction into the Green Lantern mythos then this is, without question, the one to watch.

Green Lantern: First Flight is available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and for digital download.